Rumor: Even More on the Palm m515 and m130

Posted By: Ed Monday, February 25, 2002 9:05:40 AM

Update: Much more information on the m515 and m130 is now available here.

With the rumored release date of the m515 and m130 getting closer, information on these two models continues to leak out. As often happens in these cases, some of these rumors are contradictory.

A Staples employee who has provided very reliable info in the past has a sent in a scan of a Staples' ad flier scheduled for the week of March 10 - 16 that lists both these new models. The ad has the m130 listed for $280 and shows a device that looks just like the images that appeared on PDAGeek several weeks ago.

The odd part begins with Staples' ad for the m515, which clearly shows an m505 and lists the m515's RAM as 8 MB, when all other info available on this device says it will have 16 MB. Staples will be selling it for $400.

Palmi, an Israeli site related to handhelds, also has some pictures of the m130. According to Adam Tzeit, Palmi's Editor in-Chief, the m130 will come with 8 MB RAM, 65,000 colors, SD/MMC memory slot and Palm O.S. 4.1.

The site quotes anonymous sources saying that Palm will launch both the m130 and m515 on March 1. This contradicts other rumors, which say Palm will release these two models on March 4.

According to a CompUSA employee, both the m505 and the m100 are listed as Discontinued in that retailer's computer system.

The system has a listing for the m515 for $400 (SKU #: 289970) and the m130 at $280 (SKU #: 289971). CompUSA also has a Palm 16MB Backup Card for $70 (SKU #: 290914). It doesn't list when any of these will be available.

Rumors of the m515 and m130 have been circulating since last month. The m515 is a replacement for the m505 with the same shape but more memory and a brighter screen. The m130 will be quite similar to the m125 except with a color screen.

Thanks to everyone who contributed to this article. -Ed

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Typo?

ralphm @ 2/25/2002 9:22:11 AM #
"The system has a listing for the m505 for $400"

That would be the m515, right?

RE: Typo?
Ed @ 2/25/2002 9:45:31 AM #
Right.

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News Editor

Adjustable Light?

I.M. Anonymous @ 2/25/2002 9:28:17 AM #
Does anyone know if the m130 and m515 come with adjustable light like the color Clies?

RE: Adjustable Light?
Ed @ 2/25/2002 9:45:55 AM #
I don't know about the m130 but, according to the reporter I spoke with at PalmSource who said he had seen one, the m515 does have an adjustable sidelight. None of the pictures I've seen of the m130 have an icon in the silkscreen area to adjust a back or sidelight, though they do show one for a Contrast adjustment.

---
News Editor
RE: Adjustable Light?
I.M. Anonymous @ 2/25/2002 9:54:30 AM #
"None of the pictures I've seen of the m130 have an icon in the silkscreen are to adjust a back or sidelight"

huh?

RE: Adjustable Light?
I.M. Anonymous @ 2/25/2002 10:04:17 AM #
The m515 has an icon on the silkscreen, like the clock icon on the m50x's for brightness control, the m130 doesn't have it so it's backlight is probably not adjustable, like the current m50x's.

RE: Adjustable Light?
rolando @ 2/25/2002 10:05:46 AM #
>>"None of the pictures I've seen of the m130 have an icon in the silkscreen are to adjust a back or sidelight"

>>huh?

I think he means "silkscreen area." You know, a little picture of a Sun or something to popup the adjustment for the light/brightness.

On a Sony, it's a picture of a Sun located in the very bottom left of the silscreen area.

RE: Adjustable Light?
Ed @ 2/25/2002 10:22:30 AM #
You are correct. I changed "are" to "area" in my comment.

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News Editor
RE: Adjustable Light?
I.M. Anonymous @ 2/25/2002 11:02:40 AM #
I'm wondering...because I looked at the Pictures Link from the article for the m130 and it shows some 1/2 moon like thingy on the upper right hand corner of the silkscreen. Would that be the adjustable light?

RE: Adjustable Light?
Ed @ 2/25/2002 11:18:09 AM #
No, that's for Contrast adjustment. Palm uses the same icon on the m500.

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News Editor
RE: Adjustable Light?
pontif @ 2/25/2002 12:16:10 PM #
That is what makes me wonder if the pics aren't fake. A mono unit would have a contrast adjustment, but I've never seen a color unit with a contrast adjustment -- just brightness. Looks like someone took an m125 and pasted on a color screen and changed the lettering, without thinking about needing to change the silkscreen.

Now, was that a mistake by some graphics artist in the palm media dept, or someone else wanting to fake it, who knows.

RE: Adjustable Light?
I.M. Anonymous @ 2/25/2002 12:25:28 PM #
They are real photos, often these mock up photos have honest errors in that the silkscreen area etc. changes before production. On March 1 - 4 we WILL have a m130 and m515 arrive... won't be long now.

RE: Adjustable Light?
bcombee @ 2/25/2002 12:25:57 PM #
The Palm IIIc and Prism don't have brightness adjustments on the silkscreen. They both use holding down the power button to bring up the brighness adjustment dialog. Perhaps Palm kept the same arrangement for the m130.

CodeWarrior for Palm OS technical lead
RE: Adjustable Light?
I.M. Anonymous @ 2/26/2002 12:32:27 AM #
I have a IIIxe and am seriously considering the M130 as the color Palm to hold me until the OS "6" pdas come out which is what I really want. So 2 questions.

1. What is the little icon in the upper left corner of the graffiti area if the one in the right is contrast?
2. Has any one gone from a III size screen to the smaller one on the m1xx series and found the size acceptable? I use my IIIxe for just about everything. The size looks unacceptably small but I have not had a chance to actually use one.

Thanks

RE: Adjustable Light?
I.M. Anonymous @ 2/26/2002 1:14:15 AM #
The icon to the left is for the clock program.

color, wireless....when?

I.M. Anonymous @ 2/25/2002 9:57:44 AM #
Just a question that I would like some of the more experienced to comment on. With the i705 being monochrome and the revelation that Earthlink now offers a wireless modem that I can use with my m505...do you think it is a better system to use my m505 and the Earthlink wireless service. Equivilant? And if I did do that could I depend on that system being a good thing for more than two months - that seems to be the product cycle....do any of you prognosticators (sp) see a color i705 in the offing - with a nice a case as the m505 which I happen to love - my second palm (the first was a Palm V)....

Comments appreciate - here to learn...

Tim

RE: color, wireless....when?
I.M. Anonymous @ 2/25/2002 10:04:31 AM #
Better check to see where you want to use that Earthlink service, as coverage is limited (and not available in -- of all places -- Earthlink's hometown of Atlanta).


RE: color, wireless....when?
vincenzosi @ 2/25/2002 10:05:30 AM #
The minute a color wireless handheld comes out I'm so there. Palm has to realize this is the Holy Grail of handhelds, and I can only imagine that at this point it isn't too far off...

Here's to hoping...

HOLY GRAIL
I.M. Anonymous @ 2/25/2002 10:23:34 AM #
THE HOLY GRAIL OF HANDHELDS

16MB
16BIT Color
Great Form Factor
Built in Wireless ( Voice & Data )
Reasonable Unlimited Data Rates ( $20 - $25 a month)
Great Expansion for Peripherals
SD / MMC slot or Memory Stick, CF
Plus a reasonable price $350 - $400

That would really be the HOLY GRAIL.
Can't wait, I will be in line when that comes out.

RE: color, wireless....when?
madhatter @ 2/25/2002 10:32:40 AM #
As far as a color wireless handheld, all the technology is there with the exception of the battery. I can imagine that Sony, Handspring and even Pocket PC would love to be the first out the door to introduce a color wireless ( yes with 16mb ram and hi res screen), but the problem continues to be the fact that the color screen added to the drain of the wireless transmitter ( one that is always on I might add) would make the battery life unacceptable. You would measure it in minutes or possibly hours, not days.

People point to the cell phone technology, but from what I have read on this, the color screen is very small, and is back lite not front lite which uses way more power. (Yes I know about the Nokia phone, but look at the size... you can fit a huge battery onto that thing) It also gets a whole lot less battery life then a conventional phone. The last thing I want to do is carry a bunch of chargers or cradles around with me to recharge everything.

I use the 705 everyday, and only charge it about once per week. That is a huge factor in my decision to purchase one. Do I want color, you bet.. but not at the expense of the battery. Also remember that the i705 user is not the typical PDA user. The average battery life tests figure 20 minutes per day is average use.. I typically use my from 2-3 hours per day... yet I still get a week charge.

A Palm in hand is worth two in your pocket.

RE: color, wireless....when?
I.M. Anonymous @ 2/25/2002 11:58:12 AM #
It's here now. (but not palm)
(the size of a m505, PX250, GSM/GPRS via CF. all that size of a Clie)


http://www.pdafrance.com/articles/
article.php?cat=dossierdivers&id=108&p=10

RE: color, wireless....when?
Solo @ 2/25/2002 12:35:00 PM #
If that machine comes out before a Palm OS does something equivalent... I think I'll switch religion...

I cannot believe they packed so much thing in that form factor. Only the battery question remains, but it doesn't seem too bad. Plus the absence of Bluetooth.

I want a strongArm processor... nowwwwww



RE: color, wireless....when?
I.M. Anonymous @ 2/25/2002 12:41:35 PM #
Having been a user of both, the coverage and response on the Palm Network is better than the earthlink version. CDPD tends to get very slow around rush hour as it shares spectrum with Cell phones. The second practical issue is managing two batteries. One piece beats a two piece anyday. From a monthly cost perspective you will probably do better with an integrated cell phone. Add $40 to your phone bill to see how many extra minutes you could get. I have had the Kyocera and the Visorphone. I was happier with both than the old Palm VII. Both have some version of always on with SMS alerts or in the CDMA case (faux) sms.

Hope it helps

RE: color, wireless....when?
I.M. Anonymous @ 2/25/2002 5:01:49 PM #
Better get ready to change religion right now than. Most 400mHz PPC machine will be announced out in april/may and goes on sale by summer or so. Since PX250 is actually simpler to design compare to SA1100 expect thinner/cheaper/more attractive machines coming out soon.

--------------
This Hitachi PX250 will start going on sale in Japan in April. (It has built in WiFi)

http://www.hitachi.co.jp/Prod/
vims/netpda/eng/index.html

more pictures. (japanese ZDnet)

http://www.zdnet.co.jp/mobile/0202/19/n_photo.html

Give up on the ''Holy Grail''
I.M. Anonymous @ 2/25/2002 5:10:54 PM #
You need to check out the Michael Mace interview at pdabuzz.com. In it, he essentially tells all you dreamers who want the "ultimate PDA" and who pine on about "killer apps" that you're fool of hoo-hah. Mace states clearly that there is NO "ultimate PDA" and that Palm seeks to allow its OS to be as open as possible--meaning different licensees can make PDAs geared toward their main customers. A novel idea - there is no "best," there's simply "best for you." Which will, of course, mean those of you who have to argue about this silly topic will have to get a life.

Surely there will come a time when your ideal PDA will happen, given PalmSource's strategy. But I for one would appreciate it if you would SHUT UP and just wait for it to be released, or at least TELL A COMPANY this is what you seek instead of rambling on about it here.

RE: color, wireless....when?
I.M. Anonymous @ 2/25/2002 5:31:11 PM #
what a stupid idea.

The PDA that can do the most at the cheapest price win! Yes you've heard it right. More features/capabilities per dollar is good thing. Palm is playing "simplicity/zen- who needs it" spiele albeit more subtle again, this is because of their technical inadequacy.

I wanna see Palm make thinner Arm-based PDA with built in Bluetooth or Wifi plus CF and SD than the japanese giants like Toshiba/Hitachi.

And OS side I wanna see Palm implement real memory management, robust driver system, and GAPI like comands.

can we browse HTML 4.0 yet?

yeah.......good luck. all this has to happen before next summer when the CE4.0(.net) is announced.

perfect PDA my foot. how about a real improved m505 for once..? (new paint job and Naked Jordan version won't do it of course)

RE: color, wireless....when?
rigter @ 2/26/2002 3:33:08 AM #
I do agree with the previous poster... a bit.
I think the 'perfect handheld' is not some futuristic idea. It can be done.

All handheld manufacturers are in the business because they want to make money selling pda's.
Simple rule: make a good handheld that people actually want and you will sell handhelds.

The m515 is an example of this rule. The m505 is not what people wanted, at least not a lot of them. And with competition around like Sony you've got to do something, right?
The Visor Pro is another example - I think anyway - of a handheld that should have been released a year ago. Looking at a Visor Pro, I see a Deluxe with 8 mb extra, sort of...

Hardware manufacturers are always juggling with more gizmo's and gadgets on one side and cost of development and production on the other. And don't forget time to market. To me, the 505 is an example of Palm underestimating the market and relying on their superior form factor too much.

With the new Palm model and the current and upcoming Sony models there are some pretty high tech machines available. They cover MOST of the demands of MOST of the power users out there. Expansion options should do the rest.
Get the one that gets closest to your perfect pda and let the expansion cards do the rest.
Hmmm.... maybe I should get a HandEra.....

Cheers,
Jan

RE: color, wireless....when?
I.M. Anonymous @ 2/26/2002 12:03:23 PM #
wow. that new color samsung H1330(from the link a few comments back) looks awesome! Could be a nice improvement on their I300. the first i've seen to use the new 66mhz dragonball (which is nice interim technology until the arm based palmOS 5.0 machines hit the streets in 6-9 months). Also, for everyone looking for more color wireless PalmOS pdas - Handspring is going to release a color treo soon - so we wont have much longer to wait. Soon, all of this will become standard.

Yes, palm M515 has a brighter screen, 16 Mb and OS 4.1

I.M. Anonymous @ 2/25/2002 11:04:04 AM #
I had the oportunity to see a M515 unit . The unit has a button on the right side of the pad and 3 position for backlight: off, low and high. It comes with OS 4.1, 16 Mb on board and a better screen than m505. Also an improved VFS in OS 4.1 which allow better use of MMC/SD CARD.


RE: Yes, palm M515 has a brighter screen, 16 Mb and OS 4.1
rperalta @ 2/25/2002 12:51:54 PM #
Where did you see the m515? I though it would not be out until March 4th.

BOBSKY

RE: Yes, palm M515 has a brighter screen, 16 Mb and OS 4.1
I.M. Anonymous @ 2/25/2002 1:10:23 PM #
Troll Alert!

RE: Yes, palm M515 has a brighter screen, 16 Mb and OS 4.1
I.M. Anonymous @ 2/25/2002 1:36:54 PM #
Let's hope your right and the Staples ad was just a cut and paste job by someone who didn't know the difference.

RE: Yes, palm M515 has a brighter screen, 16 Mb and OS 4.1
Ed @ 2/25/2002 2:20:29 PM #
Don't be too quick to judge. I've just gotten my hands on info that agrees with this. There'll be another m515 and m130 article tomorrow with the new info.

---
News Editor
RE: Yes, palm M515 has a brighter screen, 16 Mb and OS 4.1
I.M. Anonymous @ 2/25/2002 2:25:18 PM #
Coolness...can't wait to read it tomorrow. Thanks Ed!

RE: Yes, palm M515 has a brighter screen, 16 Mb and OS 4.1
I.M. Anonymous @ 2/25/2002 3:05:06 PM #
Thanks Ed for your kind words... I really saw a m515 and initially I was ready to provide you a REAL photo of the unit, but after all of "troll alert" words, I change my mind...
The following days will reveal the truth :-)))
Dixit...

M130 looking more and more like an Apple iBook...

I.M. Anonymous @ 2/25/2002 11:47:19 AM #
http://www.palmi.co.il/images/Adam/m130/m130-prod-3.jpg

Anyone else see this?

RTA
I.M. Anonymous @ 2/25/2002 12:04:13 PM #
Did anyone see that? Only everyone who read the article. There's a link to that same picture in the fourth paragraph.

Type of Screen on m130

I.M. Anonymous @ 2/25/2002 11:53:59 AM #
I haven't seen any mention yet of whether the 130 will use the reflective screen of the M505 or the backlit screen of the IIIc (presumably not the TFT screens of the Sony T6x series). Anybody know?

RE: Type of Screen on m130
ColonelKlink @ 2/25/2002 12:02:19 PM #
It looks as if it's a transflective screen, like the t615.

RE: Type of Screen on m130
I.M. Anonymous @ 2/25/2002 2:25:21 PM #
The 515 comes with this screen but the 130 is some kind of mix of the two.

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