Rating: 
Summary: I love my Palm M505
Review: I am so lost with out my M505. I bought it in September of 2001 and I am really glad I did. I use it daily, actually several times a day.There are so many uses for it, and I never forget anything ever. I love this invention. Kudo's to the person whom created it.
Rating:
Summary: Hot little handheld
Review: I have had my Palm m505 for only a few weeks, however I am very pleased with it's functions. The pc software is very well designed. I now have a central location for all my addresses, telephone numbers and other information. The HotSync operation works quickly. The Documents to Go software is extremely useful as I am able to edit letters, spreadsheets and other documents while on the go. I can easily use my handheld on a plane as it doesn't take up all the room on my tray. I am planning to purchase the portable keyboard to make my handheld even more useful. The m505 is like having a laptop in my pocket. I give this product five stars for ease of use and functionality.
Rating: 
Summary: Definite weaknesses
Review: The display and the battery are definite weaknesses. I'm surprised this model is still offered since the advent of the m515.
Otherwise, the basic Palm is great for organizing. Great for the busy person, or someone who needs reminders. This model at 8MB has room for more games than anyone needs, or some more useful applications. I have 2 versions of the Bible and still plenty of room.
Rating: 
Summary: m505 has issues.
Review: Palm is not posting facts about the m505. The m505 can at times develop a hotsync problem. Users who get replacement devices have limited success with them. I received a replacement device today and the hotsync did not work. Palm has not FAQ's on their web site addressing the problem and generally seem to want to cover it up. Not every one has these problems but more people have them then should.
With having Palm cover up these issues, and the only resolution being to use a serial cradle for slower syncing why would you want to buy one?
When the device works it's pretty good, a semi-fast processor, back-light is a bit weak, battery life is good. But remember the potential you have for future problems.
Rating:
Summary: Nice & small but lacks screen contrast/brightness controls
Review: Being new to the Palm universe, I purchased this for its small size (it easily slides into a shirt pocket) and the fact that my boss has the same model. Beaming him address items and schedule changes has made life a bit easier. However, its small size was a factor on why I chose the Palm m505 over a Handspring Visor. Unlike some (many?) users here, I have had no problem synching the device to my PC and my Mac. Installing the SW and synching has been a breeze. The Palm 4.0 desktop OS is also a straightforward program that's easy to navigate. I've also dropped the device on occasion, and thankfully, my data remained intact. My only gripe is the lack of screen contrast & brightness controls. Without the built-in light, the screen can be hard to see in low-light conditions. With the built-in light turned on, the screen is easy to see, although it wears down your batteries more quickly. I have learned to live with this flaw and will not purchase a new Palm anytime soon. Palm just released the m515, which has those screen controls. Unless you can get a better deal on the m505, I recommend the newer model if you are really concerned about the screen brightness. UPDATE: In January 2003, my m505 suddenly was unable to sync with my PC. After a few e-mails and phone calls to Palm, I learned that this model (and the m500) are prone to hotsync failures due to static electricity. Shipping the m505 to Palm and a quick hotsync with the backed-up data on my PC fixed the problem. The m505 was back in my hands in less than a week, and the only cost to me was for shipping.
Rating: 
Summary: Disappointed
Review: I did not research this one because I was happy with my previous palms. The screen in the ads has the night light lite so it appears to have backlighting which is does not. You have to have direct light to see the screen. You can use the light to make up for the darkness but it runs the battery down quick. To add to my sting. The m515 came out 3 weeks after I bought it. I will probably get a Clie or a Handspring the next time....
Rating:
Summary: Bad Product / Avoid!
Review: I loved my prior Palm units. The Professional, V, Vx - but the 505 has been a rotten product. The screen is dimm the hotsync USB funciton has failed on three of the units I have had, and I'm waiting for Palm to send me my replacement fourth unit. I would love to recomend Palm products, but it's not worth the trouble. Look at Sony or Handspring for better quality products.
Rating:
Summary: It's a good thing they are replacing it.
Review: I owned one for a day. The touch screen kept getting false readings until I had to reset. The display at the store seemed to have the same problem. The cradle makes an loud crack when you remove it and as we all know the color screen isn't that impressive to begin with. My wife's Palm Vx is a high quality device. The M505 I purchased is not. I don't know if it a quality control issue or poor design, but this is not a product I would recomend for anyone.
Rating:
Summary: Works for me
Review: I got my Palm as a cheaper, temporary alternative to a new laptop. As a married-with-children student on a tight budget, I needed something to keep me from going through computer withdrawal while I was overseas for a month. I managed to keep up with my finances using PocketQuicken, work on several class projects using Documents to Go, and are now keeping track of my diet and exercise using Diet Assistant. Waiting at the doctor's office? No problem, I catch up on my reading with the Palm Reader. I keep all my shopping lists, etc. on my Palm. It has been the best time management investment I made. As far as that laptop? Not needed!
Rating:
Summary: Can't live without it!
Review: I've had the Palm m505 for about 6 months now and I've found it a truly indespensible tool for coping with multiple calendars, many addresses, to-do's etc. The main complaint from reviewers regarding the color screen is true, but the fact is Palm was right! The lighter screen really doesn't detract from the usability of the product and the enhanced battery life is really welcome. THe other difference that is often not mentioned is the size. The whole 500 family is smaller but no less functional. It makes a big difference when you're toting it around all day. Overall I highly recommned it.
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