Hi

I want to get a color PDA but can't decide between the 2 new ones: Palm m505 and Handspring Prism. I'm not considering older color PDAs, e.g. Palm IIIc.

Basically, I'm concerned about expandability, screen and battery life. Handspring has been around and there are quite a few Springboard modules out there, including the tempting phone Springboard. But I assume Palm has more clout and will be able to attract more developers. I don't really care about memory cards, those will always be around.

As for screen size, of course, the bigger the better, and clarity especially in daylight. Battery life is also a concern, e.g. how does it hold up under normal "real world" usage?

Then again, the Prism is cheaper than m505, so that's a bummer in decision-making too.

So, does anyone have any comments about the 2 to help me decide?

Thanks
Yuhui

Go somewhere and look at them in person. If you can look at the m505 display and still want one, then go with it. However, it's an embarrassing effort, in my opinion. The m500 looks much better.

I am waiting for the Sony Clie N710C. The screen resolution is much
better 320x320 instead of 160x160. The color is only 8 bit instead of
16 bit but how many colors does anyone really need anyway? The human
eye can only see so many colors and after a few hundred it really can't
distinguish between them. I am very disapointed in the m505 I had such high hopes. But I am grateful that Sony is putting out a improved Clie.

I've owned a Prism since January. I am completely happy with it in every way but one - the form factor is heavy and a bit larger than I would prefer. Not a big deal but I wish it was a bit smaller and lighter in my pocket.

I had hoped to trade for an M505 to satisfy this. No way. I looked at one over the weekend and was able to compare it side-by-side to my Prism. The M505's screen is much dimmer - even when the back light is on. Several times dimmer. I just couldn't handle that. I know the screen is reflective and is viewable in sunlight and is probably more battery efficient - the fact remains that it looks terrible. There were also no visible brightness/contrast controls like my Prism has.

I'm still intrigued by the new Sony, but will certainly make sure I see it in person first.

Lokii: The human eye is better than you say. Try setting your monitor form 16 million to 32 million colors - you'll see a difference. That said, however, I agree with you in a sense: there is really not a dramatic need for 16 million color on a palm device.

[This message has been edited by JZ (edited 05-21-2001).]