Product Requirements:
Device: Palm m100 series

How many of us are ever satisfied with a PDA as it comes straight from the manufacturer? How long does it take before we begin looking for ways to customize it, and make it "ours"; whether that be by adding a new case, special software, or even a new shell? 

Evidently Palm understood people's need for personalization when they created the m100 series, one year ago. Palm made it so that owners could switch out the faceplates on the m100, to match whatever whim they were feeling on a particular day. They even created a decent selection for people to choose from...but then they charged as much as $19.95 for each one, and they were mostly offering solid colors!

Well, it was only a matter of time before someone stepped up the plate, and offered the personalization people wanted. PDA Body-Guard, makers of the PDA Body-Guard line of accessories I have reviewed here before, have created CoolPlates for the Palm m100 series of PDAs.

Instead of selling only solid colors (although they do that, too); PDA Body-Guard is offering some of the craziest, most fun, and yes - the coolest plates that you could ever want to affix to the front of your Palm. With names like Party Time, Siamese Cat, and Flower Garden, they have created a plethora of patterns and designs ensuring that you would be able to pick out your otherwise plain m100 in a line-up.

I was sent the Angel Sky, Tiger, and Blue Leather designs. 

   
These pictures are courtesy of PDA Body-Guard 

I compared the three CoolPlate samples that I received to the one Palm faceplate that I own: they were remarkably similar in design, weight, and construction. I would have no reservation in saying that the CoolPlates seem to be of comparable quality.

Installing a plate on the front of your m100 is simple; but for those of you that have never done it, I'll walk you through the steps:

First, you need to remove your flip-lid. This is done by grasping the hinge at it's base, and applying a firm, steady pressure as you tilt the lid down-ward and out.

Next, you grasp the tab on the back-side of your m100 that is attached to the faceplate, and with a steady, but firm tug, gently pull it forward and off. If you are removing a faceplate for the first time - it may be really stiff. It may creak like it's going to break, and act stubborn and almost refuse to come off. Believe me, it will come off.

To install a new faceplate, hook the grooves on the bottom inside of the shell to the bottom of your m100. Then it is a simple matter of making sure that the tab at the top of the faceplate glides over the power button as you snap the new CoolPlate in place.

You'll want to make sure that the sides are snapped down, too - so gently squeeze the sides of your m100 and CoolPlate together. Viola - you have achieved personalization!

I purchased a blue faceplate from Palm when they first came out. I paid $18.99 for it, plus shipping. I figured that would be the last plate I would buy, because for a plain faceplate - I wasn't getting much bang-for-my-buck. 

For $13.95 plus shipping, I could have had any number of FAB designs flitting across the face of my Palm... Guess which product line I feel is the better value? ;0)

Price:  $13.95 There are over 50 available patterns and colors are listed here.

Pros:
Excellent construction, perfectly matched to m100's body
Priced reasonably

Cons:
None