Palm has made available a new add-on software application for the Palm™ m505 and m500 handheld computers that allows users to quickly and easily set the backlight to "always on" status. This application is specifically for customers interested in having more control over screen brightness.

The application is designed for Palm m505 and m500 handheld users who prefer to use their handheld with the backlight on under all or most conditions. When installed on a Palm m500 or m505 handheld, the new backlight application simply "remembers" the last backlight setting. To set "always on" backlight status, a user turns on the device and then turns on the backlight as usual by holding the power button for 2 seconds. The user then turns the device off while the backlight is still on. The next time the handheld is powered on, the backlight automatically will come on. To turn off the backlight, the user holds down the power button for 2 seconds and the "backlight off" status will be remembered for the next use.

With this application, handheld users can gain more control over the brightness of their m500 and m505 handheld screens. They have the flexibility to customize their backlight settings for use in low-light conditions.

1. Download backlight_utility.zip (2KB ZIP File).
2. Extract the file using a standard unzip utility. Note the location of the directory/folder the file is extracted to.
3. Launch Palm Desktop. Select the Install Tool icon.
4. Select the correct user name from the User list.
5. Select the Add button.
6. Locate Backlight.prc file in the directory/folder noted in Step 1 above and double-click on it.
7. Select Done.
8. Select OK.
9. During the next HotSync synchronization, the m500 and m505 Backlight Utility will be installed and activated.

1. Download backlight_utility.sit (2KB SIT File).
2. Your web browser should decode the file and you will see the appropriate .sit file appear on the desktop (or in your default download folder). If your web browser does not decode the file automatically, you will need to use a decoding utility (such as Aladdin Stuffit Expander) in order to decode the .sit file.
3. Find the Instant Palm Desktop icon in the top right corner of your screen. From the Instant Palm Desktop menu, launch the HotSync Manager.
4. From the HotSync menu of the Instant Palm Desktop, select "Install" and pick the correct user name from the User list.
5. Select Add to List. Locate the Backlight.prc file and double-click on it.
6. Quit HotSync Manager. The file will be installed during your next HotSync operation.