I really, really wanted a Palm, but couldn't afford an expensive model, so I bought te IIIe. It is no longer the cheapest model around, since Palm released a new budget model recently, but that does not mean that it has no place in the market.

It is a 2Mb, non upgradable model with a see - through case and a monochrome screen. It comes with the usual apps - calculator, memo, todo, mail, addresses, etc. There is also still enough space left for you to put extras in.

I bought the plus pack for the palm, and all the apps in that worked fine. There are also plenty of other things available for download, and so far I have found that 2mb holds everything I use perfectly well.

The IIIe takes regular AAA batteries, rather than recharging using the hot - sync, as some of the more expensive Palms do. This could prove expensive if you drain the batteries frequently by using the backlight, but I find that a set of batteries lasts me about a month, so it isn't too bad.

The users manual that comes with it is very good, and there are quickstart tips on the Palm itself.

If you want a Palm, but don't want to pay a bomb, then get this. If you want to pose with the latest and greatest, it won't be good enough for you, but I'm happy - my Palm has survived falls, and being out camping with me in the cold and wet. It's a nice little thing, and I like it!

=====UPDATE=====

I haven't changed the rating that I've given Plam, although this may change in two weeks time. I'm updating my opinion now though, to keep you posted on events.

I bought some new batteries for my Palm from Boots. They were in code, and I fitted them straight away. This was on an afternoon. The next morning I discovered they had leaked.

Oh no! I thought, and cleaned out the compartment. Not trusting the other pair of batteries from that pack, I chucked them and went out to WHSmiths to buy some m ore.

I fitted these immediately and discovered that I'd lost all my data. This is understandable considering the backup battery is meant to last only a few minutes, not several hours.

OK, I thought - I've still got the computer backup. I put the Palm away and had a look around some shops.

Seeing something I wanted to make a note of, I pulled out my Palm and discovered it was still on. At first I thought it was my fault - that I'd forgotten to turn it off as I was too busy sulking about my lost data.

Then I noticed that I couldn't use the buttons on the front - I had to use my stylus to do everything, even bringing up the notes application and scrolling.

I soon realised that none of the buttons worked - not even the power one. I'm not sure if the battery leaked into the case causing the buttons to fail, or if it was a failed set of buttons that caused the first leak (perhaps having the Palm permanently on caused the battery to fail?)

Either way, it was of no use to me now.

I'd had the thing for ten months, so it was still under guarrentee.

I took it back to Bainbridges, where I bought it, and they called Palm for me.

I was told to post the Palm out by special delivery (at a cost of £3.80) and they would send out a re-furbished unit within 13 days of reciept (subject to change, as usual!).

So, I posted it out today, with a guarrenteed arrival time of 12 noon tomorrow (25/04/01) and I'll be updating this opinion in two weeks time telling you wether or not my Palm has arrived.

At the moment I'm impressed with their service - things break down, and I'm pleased that they are willing to fix them when they do.

I have heard a lot of horror stories about Palm, though, so I'm still a little nervous that my refurbished unit will arrive complete with a bill or something!

Still, I'll let you know what happens. < ;br>

=====UPDATE====

I sent my Palm off for repair on the 24th April. It arrived at the repair centre on the 25th. I got a delivery of a refurbished Palm 15 minutes ago! It's the 26th today.

So much for a thirteen day turn around!

I hadn't even had time to check my email and see the recieved and dispatched notices they sent me.

My refurbished Palm IIIe arrived ready set up, complete with BATTERIES and a BETTER STYLUS than the one that my original Palm had!

I'm amazed at that, since the guy on the phone told me that all I would get back would be a bare unit, so I should remove my batteries and stylus.

My new unit is under warranty for either 'the rest of the remaining warranty year, or 180 days, whichever is the greater. I only had about two months left on my original warranty, so that's a nice extension!

I'm really impressed with Palm now, and I wish dooyoo had some way I could up my rating, but I've already given them 5 stars...

I'm sorry for doubting you Palm people, your customer service is great!