Rating: 
Summary: Great and inexpensive color PDA
Review: The first Palm I purchased was the m105 model during my freshman year of college (2000). I used it mainly for taking notes during class, thanks to the Palm portable folding keyboard, but I also regularly used the scheduling and telephone/address book functions. I loved my m105, but I bought the m130 in spring of 2002 for three major reasons: its backlit color screen, rechargability, and expansion capability.The most obvious difference between the m130 and its predecessors is its backlit color screen. Taking notes in class with my m105 became complicated when teachers would turn out the classroom lights for powerpoint presentations; I would have to lean in and strain to see the m105's display in the dark. The m130 glows brightly and sharply, very easy to read even in a dark classroom. The color display is enjoyable too; black text on a white background is easier to read than the black text on the olive-green background of the m105. The most convenient function of the m130 is definitely its rechargability. Plug the AC adapter of the HotSync cradle into an outlet, place the Palm in its cradle, and its batteries recharge. To HotSync, or synchronize the data on your handheld with the data on your computer, connect the cradle to the computer via a USB port. The cradle for the m130 not only synchronizes data, it serves as a charging station, like the base station of a cordless phone. Recharging the batteries using the HotSync cradle is much more convenient than taking the batteries out of the Palm and replacing them since doing so sometimes results in a loss of data. Finally, I love the slot on the m130's side that allows expansion cards to be inserted. This slot accepts cards containing pictures, programs, extra memory, and anything else you may need. Right now, I have the Palm Dictionary/Thesaurus card inserted; anytime I'm studying at school and need to look something up, my Palm expansion card does the trick. This unit has 8 MB of standard memory, which is more than enough memory most people need. I have the entire NIV Bible on my Palm, and there is still plenty more space for my other programs and data. Those needing more space for programs or data need only to buy optional memory expansion cards. The m130 is inexpensive, yet offers a great amount of features for the average user. If you're looking for a unit that's internet-capable, has speakers, or performs complicated business functions, spend more money and buy a more professional model. However, if you're looking for an affordable color PDA with standard PDA functions, expansion capability, and the convenient ability to recharge on command, the m130 is right for you.
Rating: 
Summary: Warranty Problems
Review: My Palm M130 is 8 months old and I love it when it works, but I have been trying to get my Palm serviced because the card slot does not want to hold a card anymore, and the cradle is no longer charging the Palm.
Rating:
Summary: Excellent PDA
Review: -Like others, I did a ton of research before buying it. I was mainly deciding b/w the Palm m130 and the Treo 90. I wasn't into all the MP3 player/ digital camera accessories that Sony offered. Treo 90 comes with 8MB more of internal memory, is smaller and has a larger screen, but I chose the m130 because I liked the way it felt in my hand, the long-lasting durability of Palm products in general (the quality of treo's and Handsprings is not very good from some people I heard from), and the construction of it, which seemed very sturdy (made of plastic, not metal or glass) and able to withstand an accidental drop, unlike most of the other PDA's out there.
-The screen is very good, being able to show over 50,000 colors. Handspring Treo 90 can only show several thousand, so the m130 is good if you want to hold pictures.
-One concern I had was that the m130 only had 8MB of internal memory. I'm in the medical field and being able to run drug databases and references is a must for me. I invested in a 128MB SD card (which is WAY more than you need) and most of my programs can be run off the card. Some programs, like Avant Go can't. From what I hear, most drug programs can run off the card, but some can't, like ePocrates. Others require a portion to be stored on the internal memory. But thus far, I still have plenty of space left on my internal memory, despite filling it with lots of programs.
-All in all, it's really quite a fun toy to use. It's been really helpful with my work. With Avant Go, you can get all the latest movie listings, news, sports, etc with a quick HotSync. I also find that it fits nicely inside my coat or pant pocket.
-If you don't want to spend an exhorbitant amount and still want a good, decent and durable color palm, go for the m130. If you hate Graffiti, get the Treo 90.... Pros and Cons of the m130
Pros:
- good bang for the buck
- fits nicely in hand
- good color screen
- durable design, Palm brand
- internal battery that charges to full in less than 15 minutes
- takes bluetooth, SD and Multimedia cards
- nice hearty software bundle included
- good battery life (I don't use the backlight)
- nice, loud alarm to wake me up during my naps Cons:
- only 8MB internal memory (thus I recommend getting card)
- slightly smaller screen than other palms
- slightly difficult to put into Sync holder, takes some practice Other issues:
- Some reviewers write that the m130 is thicker than other palms. True, but my opinion is that it's designed so that you don't need to buy an extra case or holder to protect it. I know somebody with a Sony Clie who dropped his and now there's a permanent dent in it. Being thicker means it generally fits better into the hand, but not necessarily in your pocket. However, if you're a guy, I don't think this is much of an issue. For the ladies, I can see why having something small like the Treo would be more convenient. - Lack of Flash Rom. Not an issue, since Palm OS 5 won't work on anything other than the newest models (e.g. Tungsten) anyway. - Readability in outdoors. Some people gripe that with a lot of PDA's you can't read them in direct sunlight. Well, if you could, your PDA would need to suck up more juice to make the backlight stronger than the sunlight. For me, it's not an issue since I know I'd use it mainly in the hospital or at home. Hope this helps!!
Rating:
Summary: Great PDA at a Great Price
Review: I received the Palm m130 as a Christmas gift, and life could not be better. I no longer have to purchase the yearly calendar for my Franklin Planner, so in the long run, I win by saving money. The rebates from Palm and Amazon.com makes it a sweet deal for well under the cost. It keeps your schedule, contacts info, appts and to do list...and a heck of a lot more to organize and entertain your life. I have already added pictures of my family to it, so no need to carry pictures. Games are enjoyable for when you need a break. Software included is amazingly easy to use, and is compatible with MS Word, Excel, Outlook and Powerpoint. I love this little PDA, what more can I say!
Rating:
Summary: I really like my Palm
Review: I had been looking at the various PDAs and decided that I wanted to get one to organize my work and personal life better. I decided on the Palm M130 after looking at it in the stores. The color display is excellent. I found the tools that come with the Palm to be pretty sufficient at meeting my needs. I do a sync with my calendar program at work so I am able to carry my calendar with me in my purse. I also find that the memo pad and the to-do list to be great to organize my thoughts all in one place that I can refer back to at any time. I got the Documents To Go program for the PDA which converts Word documents to be readable on the Palm which is great if I want to bring work home without having to bring my notebook. Someone also recommended Avantgo.com to me so now, I'm able to bring stock quotes, news of the day from Yahoo, CNN, and movie times for my area home with me everyday to read or I can read while traveling. The movie times is great because on the spur of the moment, I can go to a movie without having to have a newspaper or computer around. I also am now addicted to a game called Bejeweled that I bought for the Palm. Overall, it has helped me not have to order the 2003 calendar pages for my Day Timer! I feel more organized in my work and personal life with being able to carry my schedule, addresses, and notes with me everywhere I go.
Rating:
Summary: Best value for a moderate PDA user
Review: I was a Handspring devotee for years until my Edge unceremoniously died on me a few weeks ago. Rather than spend the [$$$] to have Handspring refurbish the piece, I decided it was time to bail off the sinking Handspring ship. (Sure, Treo may keep it afloat, but it was much more than I was looking for in a PDA). My m130 has made me a convert. This thing is great! The color display is so easy to read--a zillion times better than grayscale. Once you get a color screen you will not be able to imagine how you lived without it. I did a lot of research before I bought this PDA, and I think it is by far the best value for the money for a moderate PDA user. I use mine not only for the calendar/address book features but also to download news via Avantgo and, yes, play a few games. So far this has been perfect for my needs. I love that you can read MSWord and Excel documents on it, although I don't think I will be using this feature a whole lot. I just made an investment in a memory card so that I can add photos, but I haven't received it yet so I can't comment on it. The only negative thing I have to say is that the battery seems to run out much more quickly than on the Visor. Since I Hotsync almost every day, and have separate charging cables at work and home this has not posed a problem. But if I am away from my computer for an extended period of time, I can see the need to purchase a travel charger. Nonetheless, I still give this 5 stars. Plus, it is a snap to transfer your old information from a previous PDA. I loaded the software that came with the m130 and then when I hotsynced all of the data (plus all of the programs!) went right to my new Palm. I am in heaven!
Rating:
Summary: I like it-compact and nice bright screen
Review: I thought my old IIIxe died so I ordered this after reading the reviews here. Only complaint I have is the screen resolution. I think it would have been a 5 star rating except for this. Don't get me wrong the resolution is fine, I wish it could have been just a little bit better. I bought it because of the luck I had with my old one and for price. I guess one has to give up a little to get a good deal, I gave up the resolution to save myself from spending double on a fancier one. Overall I am happy with my purchase and with Amazon.com and their good order entry and tracking system. Once it was shipped I had it in 2 day.
Rating: 
Summary: Too heavy and thick
Review: I owned a Palm III for four plus years and was very happy with it. Then my purse was stollen with teh Palm in it and I was forced to update. I read the reviews on the Palm M130 and decided it was fo rme. I ordered it without visiting a store to check out the real thing and I found that it was much thicker and heavier than my Palm III. I keep my Palm in a wallet organzier and I could barely close the wallet with the M130 in it. Therefore, I returned it and I am awaiting my refund. In its place, I purchased the M515 instead. SO far, I am very happy with the 515, especially its width. The only annoying thing about the product is that they have an attractive slip on leather cover but the cover will not stay on the Palm. Otherwise, the software was very easy to install and teh Palm is meeting all of my needs. The color screen is nice and the battery has not worn out yet after one week of use.
Rating: 
Summary: New Palms not anything like the "old" Palms
Review: Bought a similar Palm 13 months ago and last weekend it stopped working. Customer service informed me that they are strictly enforcing their one year ( or 365 days as it's spelled out) warranty. They are more than willing to fix this unit for a whopping [$$$] Wow. There are better PDA's out there (also available from Amazon) I would not recommend any of the palm line, unless you are willing to pay twice for it.
Rating:
Summary: Liked it so well... Purchased another!!
Review: ...P>I started looking for a PDA last year and finally did purchase the Palm m130 two weeks ago, after reading reviews here and other places. I showed it to my wife and she fell in love with it, so I just ordered one for her birthday! Even without my glasses I can read the screen, I've selected darker fonts where I could to help out. But for long term use... I do get out the reading glasses! I love the little Palm, does everything I expected and more. The only draw back is battery life between charges, the book said one week... I charge mine every night. It might last two days, but longer I'm not sure.
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