Rumor: m515, m130, and T625C Appear at Webstores (Updated)

Posted By: Ed Wednesday, February 20, 2002 8:37:52 AM

One of the signs a new product is about to be announced is it begins to appear on webstores whose employees don't realize that it is supposed to still be a secret. This has happened with numerous handhelds in the past and is still happening now.

The Palm m515 is listed on CompuSmart, a Canadian webstore. Details are very sketchy but it does say the handheld will have 16 MB of RAM. It's listed at $650 CAD, or about $400 US.

The site also lists the Palm m130. Again, there are almost no details but the site does indicate it will have a 16-bit color screen, 8 MB of RAM, and an SD slot. It is listed at $450 CAD or about $285 US.

According to CompuSmart, both of these devices will be out March 4, which agrees with other sources.

Update: All information related to both these devices has been removed from CompuSmart's webstore but the m515 does appear on PC Mall, where it is listed for $400. This also says it will have 16 MB of RAM and run OS 4.1.

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.

Palm models aren't the only ones about which information can leak . Since the T600C and T615C were announced in recent months, many Europeans have been eagerly awaiting a version for them. Apparently, that wait is almost over.

Dabs.com lists a T625C for £316 including the VAT, or $450 US. Insight listes it for £295 inc. VAT, or about $420 US. Both of these say the T625C will be available this week.

It is even on Amazon's UK webstore, listed at £300, or $430 US.

Thanks to Clifford Hui for the tip and j888 for searching sites all over the UK. -Ed

Related Information:

Article Comments

 (143 comments)

The following comments are owned by whoever posted them. PalmInfocenter is not responsible for them in any way.
Please Login or register here to add your comments.

Comments Closed Comments Closed
This article is no longer accepting new comments.

Down View Full Comment Thread

m515 in stores.....

Davy @ 2/20/2002 8:58:39 AM #
I got this e-mail in the m505 group yesterday.
To: <m505@yahoogroups.com>
Sent: Tuesday, February 19, 2002 10:36 PM
Subject: [m505] Re: Oficial M515

> > > Yes the release date is 03/04/02 the part number is P80805
> > > and the price is the same as M505


So I sent this:
> First off, take this with a grain, no a fist, of salt. I'm sorry,
> this could be for real, but I've heard way to many of these. Perhaps
> if you could come back and give a little more info, but for now,
> let's keep being paranoid.
>
> -Davy Fields
> Group Moderator
>

And Finally I just got this:

Dave this is real i work in a mayor Whoseller

---------------------
Well, that last thing really didn't help my confidence level, but at least he followed up, when most people drop stupid rumors and run.

RE: m515 in stores.....
I.M. Anonymous @ 2/20/2002 9:11:45 AM #
Actually, the m515 has been listed on Ingram Micro's website (a major Canadian wholesaler) for almost a month. I never saw the m130 though.

Every time I told people that on websites, everyone flamed me. I had the SKU, MFR Part. No, Price, availability date, etc... Didn't stop everyone from flaming though. I guess if they don't have access to certain information, it can't be true.

Paranoia isn't always good.

RE: m515 in stores.....
Davy @ 2/20/2002 9:26:16 AM #
I know that. It's just that getting this poorly spelled, two-sentence announcement didn't really convince me. I don't know if you want to reveal all your information here, but it'd be intresting to see, at least.

RE: m515 in stores.....
I.M. Anonymous @ 2/20/2002 9:34:15 AM #
On Compusmart it says In Stock.

I've seen it on InMac Canada as well.

RE: m515 in stores.....
Ed @ 2/20/2002 9:36:33 AM #
Davy, I've been talking to this same person, too. He just sent me a message that says:
The Release date is also for the M130

The retail price in us will be:

M515 $399
M130 $279


---
News Editor
RE: m515 in stores.....
I.M. Anonymous @ 2/20/2002 9:37:06 AM #
Please i post the news of today.

Plase we have the information, if some of you dont have the information dont means that is not true.

I work in a MAYOR Whosaler this info is in our system, this is true, if you dont trust us dont care.

ZzMAcro

RE: m515 in stores.....
Ed @ 2/20/2002 9:40:59 AM #
Please keep in mind, there are a lot of people who read this site for whom English isn't their first language. Sometimes it's their third or fourth. So you can't read too much into grammar and spelling; take the info itself for what its worth. I think this guy is right on, mostly because I've heard the same things from other sources.

---
News Editor
RE: m515 in stores.....
I.M. Anonymous @ 2/20/2002 9:55:31 AM #
Its cool you are willing to post considering your English is about a good as my German is so I'll say the words you are looking for iare "Major Wholesaler".

RE: m515 in stores.....
I.M. Anonymous @ 2/20/2002 2:28:36 PM #
"On Compusmart it says In Stock."

Well, I was in there yesterday, and didn't see them, maybe just for fun I'll ask today and see what they say. They're two blocks from my office.

-Craig Bowers

RE: m515 in stores.....
I.M. Anonymous @ 2/20/2002 6:10:30 PM #
It amazes me when people correct others' English then can't spell the text of their post correctly ... "iare"

Geez.

RE: m515 in stores.....
I.M. Anonymous @ 2/20/2002 8:26:49 PM #
Well, I just went over to Compusmart and did a search on M515 and didn't find anything. Got a Link?

m130 price

I.M. Anonymous @ 2/20/2002 9:03:24 AM #
The site actually has the m130 listed at $449 Canadian, which means $283 USD. This is still a little more than I was hoping, but sub-$300 is still a nice deal for an expandable color handheld.

The other odd thing is that they have the m130 listed as "in-stock". Has Palm even officially announced this thing yet?

RE: m130 price
Ed @ 2/20/2002 9:26:31 AM #
I swear when I was writing that last night it was $500 CAD. Well, the m130 isn't out yet so there's no reason why CompuSmart can't change the price.

It also lists the m515 as being in stock and it isn't available yet, either. Anyone want to order one and see what they tell you?

---
News Editor

RE: m130 price
I.M. Anonymous @ 2/20/2002 9:53:29 AM #
I just tried to order the m515. I spoke with their online folks. They have the m515 but cannot ship outside canada :(

Help!!! Should I return my m505?

I.M. Anonymous @ 2/20/2002 9:25:23 AM #
I purchased a m505 less than 30 days ago from Palm. It comes with a 30 day unconditional return policy. Should I return the m505 and go cold turkey for a week to get a m515?

Suggestions?

RE: Help!!! Should I return my m505?
I.M. Anonymous @ 2/20/2002 9:29:13 AM #
I really, really would. The m515 will have double the memory and a much, much brighter screen. It also will have less potential USB problems and OS 4.1 vs. OS 4.01 so I would go for it.

RE: Help!!! Should I return my m505?
I.M. Anonymous @ 2/20/2002 9:30:18 AM #
yes -
i think you can handle it.

RE: Help!!! Should I return my m505?
I.M. Anonymous @ 2/20/2002 9:30:51 AM #
Yes, as long as you remember these are rumors. You could have to wait longer than a week to get a m515. Can you live a month without one, if the worst case happens?

RE: Help!!! Should I return my m505?
I.M. Anonymous @ 2/20/2002 10:23:04 AM #
Definitely, send it back, dude

RE: Help!!! Should I return my m505?
nategall @ 2/20/2002 10:37:59 AM #
this should make that waiting week a little easier

http://www.thedaily.com/paperpalm.html

"The New PaperPalm Unit!
No Batteries Required.
All input is faithfully recorded.
Can be used during aircraft takeoff and landings.
Works under all lighting conditions."

nategall says "blah!"

RE: Help!!! Should I return my m505?
I.M. Anonymous @ 2/20/2002 11:25:26 AM #
if i were you , i will do it.
:)

RE: Help!!! Should I return my m505?
I.M. Anonymous @ 2/20/2002 11:37:21 AM #
GO!
The worse can happen is you will have to wait a bit if it takes times to arrive in the u.s, but maybe not.

I really don't understand why Palm didn't lower the price for their M5xx handhelds. It help to kill Apple market. Paying a certain amount to see a major price drop or a new model at the same price only weeks after your purchase doesn't make customers happy.

RE: Help!!! Should I return my m505?
I.M. Anonymous @ 2/20/2002 1:15:41 PM #
Do you feel you need the brighter screen and the 16mb that badly?

I would say...

Hell Yeah! It's a risk alright but then again :
Palm DID announce in the past they will come out with a brighther version of the m505 right? Well I think now is the time. It would be such a great advantage to do so, and the wait is WELL worth it. I say go for it.

What is the worst that can happen? A small wait? Don't worry and go right ahead.

http://pdan.has.it

YES return that puppy
I.M. Anonymous @ 2/20/2002 3:50:13 PM #
Return the m505 in the 30 day period and avoid keeping that dog of a machine. If you can't wait, go buy another one and start a new 30 day return period. The last thing you're going to want is to end up with an m505 with burned out USB (it'll probably happen to you at some point) and a dim screen.

RE: Help!!! Should I return my m505?
I.M. Anonymous @ 2/20/2002 4:50:09 PM #
Think about it, you will spend just a few bucks in shipping. An 8 meg card will cost much more and you won't get the improoved screen.

RE: Help!!! Should I return my m505?
I.M. Anonymous @ 2/20/2002 5:00:23 PM #
Return it, but don't get the M515.

I'm stuck with a 505 that won't hot sync and a serial cradle that's been on pre-order forever. No sync makes it useless for me.

I'd be afraid the M515 has the same problem and would not want to bet $400 that it doesnt.



RE: Help!!! Should I return my m505?
I.M. Anonymous @ 2/20/2002 5:05:55 PM #
i'd return, and buy it at a store again. then return it within 30 days. do this until the 515 comes out (if it does). then, when the 515 is released, return the 505 for a 515. :)

RE: Help!!! Should I return my m505?
I.M. Anonymous @ 2/20/2002 6:19:02 PM #
Buy a Clie 615c. The brighter screen on the M515 is going to be horrible to look at without a hi-res screen. Grainy as hell I'm sure.

RE: Help!!! Should I return my m505?
I.M. Anonymous @ 2/21/2002 3:39:03 AM #
i wouldn't I would keep your M505. Who needs better technology. I mean, good lord, you will never be able to use 640k

-[]V[]uskrat

RE: Help!!! Should I return my m505?
I.M. Anonymous @ 2/21/2002 10:25:04 AM #
Call Palm about the inability to hotsync with USB. They are replacing the m505 and the cradle for this "known issue" about inability to hotsync by USB. The tech said it occurs abruptly in pre-October 2001 m505's.

RE: Help!!! Should I return my m505?
I.M. Anonymous @ 2/21/2002 9:36:01 PM #
Hi,
I am on my third "enhanced M505" unit. I don't know what the deal is but after charging it up I noticed that the screen is about 40% dimmer than the unit I am replacing. With the backup light on, rather than white and bright, it's more of a gray/very light purple and rather dim looking. On hold for customer care for about 1/2 hour now "all customer care representatives are assisting other customers." I'm recommending that he to return the 505, skip the 515, and stay away from Palm altogether.

Available?

I.M. Anonymous @ 2/20/2002 9:30:47 AM #
Compusmart is listing the M515 - English as in stock, and the French verison available in 12 days. Can anyone confirm this?

RE: Available?
Ed @ 2/20/2002 9:33:56 AM #
That's what the site says but I'm fairly certain that if you ordered one, they'd tell you it isn't available. Still, anyone from Canada want to try? Some places were selling the i705 early. But not almost two weeks early.

---
News Editor
RE: Available?
I.M. Anonymous @ 2/20/2002 9:58:00 AM #
I'll give it a go - I am in Ontario - I am actively trying to find a buyer for my 505, so hopefully I can get a commitment on that this morning and try ordering the 515.

I will let you know asap.

RE: Available?
I.M. Anonymous @ 2/20/2002 10:03:40 AM #
I live in montreal and I just tried to get one, they allowed me to order all the way through the process, but I cancelled my order, because i don't have $700 canadian to spend....I will try to go to one of their retail store to ask about the m515 and m130, I think there's a compusmart near my house, I'll write back later..

RE: Available?
I.M. Anonymous @ 2/20/2002 4:20:12 PM #
Dear Mario,

Thank you for your e-mail. Is the product that you purchase is available the
it will ship on the same-day or on the next business day. If the product is
not available it will be shipped as soon as it arrives to our warehouse. We
do have a CompuSmart in Downtown Montreal, unfortunately we do not have
their inventory therefore we suggest that you contact the retail location.

1195 Phillips Square
(514) 398-0782

I hope that this information will help and please feel free to contact us
again should you require any further information. Please come back and visit
us soon again at www.compusmart.com

Best Regards
Walter Carreiro
CompuSmart Online Support


-----Original Message-----
From: Mario ---------------------
Sent: Wednesday, February 20, 2002 9:58 AM
To: info@compusmart.com; info@compusmart.com
Subject: Feedback from CompuSmart Online: 2/20/2002 09:59


Date: 2/20/2002, 9:59:56 AM
From: Mario ------
Email: ------------

Subject: Feedback from CompuSmart Online

Comments: If I put an order in for the new Palm m515, will it be shipped
immediately, or will I have to wait 2 weeks. Also, do you have a retail
store located in montreal and do you sell the m515 there.

Thanks


I then went to the compusmart store, and they said that the M515 and m130 were in stock but would only be available on March 4....The guy said that he was not sure if I could order it online and receive it quicker, but the email says that I can order it right now...I don't think it is a computer generated email since it has some grammer mistakes in it....I don't know..

Palm m515 vs Sony T615

I.M. Anonymous @ 2/20/2002 9:39:25 AM #
So, who thinks the m515 stands up against the same-priced T615? It would seem to me that the high res screen gives the edge to the Sony. Retail presence probably gives the edge to m515, I'm sure. However, for those who shop around, I'm not sure I could recommend the Palm.

RE: Palm m515 vs Sony T615
I.M. Anonymous @ 2/20/2002 9:41:34 AM #
The one consideration for those looking to upgrade for a brighter screen and more memory, maybe (in my case anyway), is the fact that I ahve all the accessories for the 505.

I would have a hard time selling the 505 and all the accessories to someone, as typically most people only want the handheld. So I would like the sony, however, I don't want to be stuck holding a modem, keyboard, and travel charger that I can't use. Unfortunate!

RE: Palm m515 vs Sony T615
I.M. Anonymous @ 2/20/2002 9:45:37 AM #
If peripherals are important to you, the m515 is the only choice. Right out of the box there are half a dozen keyboards, tons of hard and soft cases, replacement styli, pen/stylus combos, and more. There are a few of these for the T615 but not nearly as many. IMO, that gives the m515 a big edge. I want a high resolution screen but I have to have a keyboard.

RE: Palm m515 vs Sony T615
Davy @ 2/20/2002 10:23:55 AM #
If the m505 could get a brighter screen, with no USB problems that have been reported, it'd probably be well worth the money, because then it'd be much more of a question of personal choice. After all the high-res screen is very cool for many applications, but would you want digital cameras, wireless modems, and everything else that has been released for it.

Top View Full Comment Thread
Achtung! Only the first 50 comments are displayed within the article.
    Click here for the full story discussion page...

Account

Register Register | Login Log in
user:
pass: