Palm Tungsten T

The Tungsten T, also referred to as the m550, is one of the better palm PDAs you can pick up for under a hundred dollars, though it does have it''''''''''''''''s drawbacks. Before we jump into the pros and cons of the device, let''''''''''''''''s take a look at the design. This device is definitely the perfect size for a palm pda; it''''''''''''''''s about the size of a deck of cards with the slider closed. The ''''''''''''''''TT'''''''''''''''' is blue-gray in color and has a sleek, professional look to it. Despite it''''''''''''''''s compact size, the screen is a nice 2.5x2.5”, with a resolution of 320x320 pixels. In place of the usual scroll buttons you have a five-way directional pad, which is flanked by four common keys – your calender, contacts, to do and notepad buttons; sliding the m550 open reveals a graffiti area.

With design out of the way, let''''''''''''''''s focus on the pros and cons of the device. While the m550 supports mp3s, it doesn''''''''''''''''t come with a mp3 player built-in. This can easily be remedied by searching for a program online. Though you cannot play mp3s right away the pda does include a radio, so you aren''''''''''''''''t completely without music. The device has integrated Bluetooth capabilities, which is definitely a plus.

Another huge plus is the fast processing, and most commonly used programs are compatible with OS5. The m550 also comes with some other popular software, including Documents to Go, which is a program that allows you to create, view and edit Powerpoint, Word and Excel-compatible files directly on the handheld. Also included is Acrobat Reader and Palm Reader, which is wonderful software to have because this device is excellent for reading e-books.

One of the major flaws I saw with the handheld was that the charging cradle can be a little finicky; it can be knocked off the charger with the slightest of nudges. The cradle is also the only charging mechanism included, so you have to take the entire thing with you if you''''''''''''''''re on the go. It does, however, have a good battery life. You can leave the Tungsten T on for six or so hours with the backlight on at 50% and it''''''''''''''''ll have a fair amount of battery life left; just remember to charge it at night.

Overall I think the pros outweigh the cons of this device. If you are looking for power and speed, this is an excellent option to consider, especially since the included software can easily cost more than you''''''''''''''''d be paying for the handheld itself.