After years of producing devices based on its Palm OS platform, Palm has now fully embraced Windows Mobile. The likeable 500v is the latest result of this partnership.

The platform of choice for this phone is Windows Mobile 6 Standard (there’s no touchscreen), and Palm has customised it heavily here. Hit Start on the home screen and, instead of the usual dour, icon-driven choices, you’ll be greeted by an attractive, animated menu, which allows you to scroll left and right through groups of common tasks.

With the same slightly underpowered Intel processor onboard as the Palm 680 (and the extra burden of Windows Mobile), however, it feels sluggish in comparison. The BlackBerrys and faster Windows Mobile devices also outpace it this month, and there’s a lack of extras, with no Wi-Fi or GPS receiver.

In other respects, the 500v is more impressive. Document compatibility is good thanks to the presence of Office Mobile; you get push email out of the box; and there’s 3G for fast internet connectivity.

Physically, it’s more pocketable than the 680 thanks to its skinnier 17mm profile. The keyboard, although cramped, is easier to type on thanks to better key feedback, and the camera on the rear is a much more impressive 2-megapixel unit. Coming from Vodafone, we’d expect a reasonable discount when buying it with a contract, but at $749 plus plan, it’s poor value and lacks the power of the award winners this month.