Although this item is a little dated. I bought it for one purpose. I have 2 binders full of recipes for the things i like to cook. Finding 1 recipe in all of this is at least a 20 minute job. I had tried a program called PDA cookbook on my work hand held and loved it. This unit can run that program. So now instead of 2 binders, this little PDA stores all of those recipes in alphabetical order and allows me to access them in seconds. So if you would like a little computerized recipe book, this pda, and the purchase of a copy of PDA cookbook can give you that. The best part is you can add your favorite recipes, and you are not stuck with pre loaded ones that you are not sure about.
The m500 is a nice purchase for the money. It will keep all of your contacts organized and keep you on track with the calendar. I am replacing a Palm Tungsten E and the m500 will not fully replace it. It does not have a memo application to keep all of my special items such as medical records, passwords & other items I like to keep secure with password protection. It works well with Palm Desktop and will sync but not with a 64 bit PC using Windows 7. I knew this upfront. I have gone back to my Tungsten E as my primary PDA as it is still functional. I bought the m500 to use if my current PDA dies. I will probably buy another Tungsten E or later model. None of the Palms will sync with 64 bit systems unless you use bluetooth or RF, so I keep an older PC with Windows XP 32 bit for backing up. Overall still a good buy for the price, I will probably give it to my Granddaughter who has a junk organizer that cost less than $20. purchased from a school fund raiser.Read full review
Likes: 1) Still works great as a basic electronic organizer. 2) Battery holds charge for a long time, not sure if original battery has been replaced. 3) Feather light, screen is readable inside and outside. 4) Ebook reader, calendar, task, memo, contacts... lots of good features. 5) SD memory card slot, great for books storage. Really hadn't any negative to say. Just know its limitation. Oh backlight is not the best, useable. Since I got for pennies can't really complain.
Rewriting my review because it's even better than I thought. Pros: 1. Sturdy construction. Might not survive a tank rolling over it but it isn't likely to shatter if you drop it on the floor. 2. Very easy and intuitive to use. 3. Standard apps that come with the basic OS are still useful today. 4. Long battery life! 5. Can easily share apps with others who have Palm devices via infrared. (Check cons as to why.) 6. Super cheap and easy to replace parts! This is a big plus for when the battery finally decides to give out in oh, ten years. 7. The folding Palm keyboard you can get to go with it + WordSmith (if you can find a copy and a registration code online) makes this device a relatively powerful word processor you can put in your coat pocket. I have literally written a novel (not published) on this device. Cons (and how to work around some of them)(and some are super lame cons that really aren't cons, but if you're incurious or lazy, they're cons): 1. You need a particular cord to hook it up to a USB plug for charging and updating. But they're all over eBay and not expensive. And no, you don't need the dock thingy. As long as it has the right connector, you're golden. The HotSync app has its own button on-screen. 2. The software (such as the OS) can be tricky to find. Google will be your friend here. It's not tough, just use keywords "Palm OS Desktop download" and you should find it fast. 3. Additional software can be even trickier to find. This will be when you dredge up your most stalwart Google powers. However, there are some really amazing apps out there, even some very fun games. There's even an Adobe reader. But they are going to be super tricky to find. This is when, if you know someone with a Palm and extra apps for it, you can share them via the infrared interface. 4. On PCs, if you don't install the Desktop app as an administrator it won't work as intended. Install the app as an administrator. Also, turn on the HotSync app before you do a HotSync. 5. Unless you have long nails, you need that stylus. The unit doesn't work too well with soft, blunt fingertips. However, you can use any pointy piece of plastic, like a tapered pen cap, as a stylus. Never use metal--it will scratch the screen. 6. If you intend on changing the battery, you need Torx screwdrivers. They are hella cheap. And while you're at it, you can also explore how the little guy is put together if you're gentle. You can learn how to replace components this way. I taught a 7 year old kid how to do this. You're smart enough.Read full review
Verified purchase: No
I have only owned the unit for several months but I am very pleased so far. After a very short period of useage I found I could easily navigate through the features. Adding information is very easy and the display is easy to navigate. Due to the small screen, which I knew in advance, the information is presented in small letters. However, one can increase the size of the information being displayed easily. The only concern I have so far is fear of losing the "stick" that is used to address the touch screen. The stick slips into a small cavity on the side of the unit for storage but must be removed, of course, to use and I fear sitting it down and forgetting it. I think the unit is a good value and I expect years of service.
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