A PalmPilot can increase a professional's efficiency exponentially -- but one has to know how to use the device effectively in order to benefit from all it has to offer. For the time-pressured professional, acquainting oneself with yet another technological gadget can be a challenge. But fear not -- help has arrived.

 

The revised second edition of a book called, PalmPilot: The Ultimate Guide by David Pogue aims to tame the savage beast of this technological wonder by demonstrating many of its innovative features, unknown characteristics and potentially confusing nomenclature. So sit back and take a ride into the future of the Personal Digital Assistant (PDA).

Believe it or not, there are low-tech versions of the PalmPilot (and many of us still use them) but buyers now can choose between six different models and a cell phone: the Palm III, IIIx, IIIe, IIIc, V, VII and the Qualcomm pdQ. The primary difference among PDAs is weight, memory and wireless functions. The Palm III and IIIx are thicker than the Palm V and VII, but the IIIx has 4mb of memory -- that's 2mb more than the III -- as well as an expansion slot. In layman's terms, the Palm IIIx can hold up to 12,000 contacts, five years of appointments and then some. The Palm III sells for about $249 while the Palm IIIx sells for $339 (all prices are quoted from retail and catalog values).

 

 

 

The IIIe model was developed in July 1999 and, at $149, is a less expensive solution to organizational woes. The lower price is possible because the IIIe lacks the IIIx's expansion slot and has only 2mb of memory.

 

Weighing in at four ounces, the Palm V is about half as heavy as the III and IIIx, and comes with an internal, rechargeable battery (the III and IIIx require replacement batteries). This model has 2mb of memory and sells for $399.

 

Among the peripherals available is a modem that attaches to the back of the III, the IIIx or the V that enables travelers to communicate while on the road. However, the newer Palm VII has a wireless modem that automatically connects when enabled -- a great feature for the on-the-go professional. Of course, we're all on the go but this model truly is state-of-the-art. Service is provided through the new Palm.Net service; cost for basic service is $9.99 per month, and extended service is $24.99 per month. The VII is the priciest of the bunch thus far at $499.

 

The Qualcomm pdQ Smartphone is a cell phone and PalmPilot in one, and can accept any wireless entries associated with the other models. The Palm screen is embedded in the handset and allows the phone to dial, send e-mail or visit the Web site of anyone in an address book program (Outlook or Eudora, for example). Pricing varies, although the Smartphone starts at around $779; more information may be found at www.qualcomm.com.

 

New models are being created all the time, as evidenced by the newest member of the family, the Palm IIIc, a color version designed to compete with the Windows CE models made by other manufacturers. Cost for this newest model is $449. The choice of which Palm to buy comes down to memory versus size.

 

One other feature of the Palm should be mentioned -- Graffiti. Palm allows its users to enter information by using simple self-styled Graffiti characters that only the Palm understands. Instruction is provided on the Palm itself that teaches the user how to write these characters. A full keyboard (new ones are wireless) is also available on which users tap out then desired characters. One tip the book gives is to put tape over the screen so that the stylus (or anything with a point) won't slip when writing Graffiti.

 

Here's a little-known fact taken directly from the book. Ever wonder why Palms are produced in odd instead of even-numbered models? (Think III, V, VII….) "No modern, globally-aware company would dare market a product called the Palm IV; in Japan, "4" is an ominous number foretelling bad luck. As for Palm VI, if you had a revolutionary wireless Internet device to market, wouldn't 'Palm VII' have a much luckier ring to it?"

 

Customized Features
One of the best features of the PalmPilot -- regardless of model -- is the vast number of shareware programs you can find that will help customize the Palm to your needs. PalmPilot: The Ultimate Guide comes with a CD-ROM that includes 3,100 such programs, and there are countless links in the book to Web sites that offer even more.

 

Standard Palm software comes with all models, and along with that users are offered the option of syncing information within their Palm folders with their hard drive, or to a program like Outlook. Veteran users typically prefer Outlook because of the similarity between the tasks Outlook performs and those offered on the Palm.

 

Some industries, such as real estate, are making it a point to equip their agents with PalmPilots specifically because of the new programs being offered. Fred Sands Palos Verdes Realty in Los Angeles, for example, provides all of their agents with the VIIs so agents can take advantage of the feature that allows them to download Web clippings onto their PDA. Web sites such as AppOnline.com offer clippings which allow realtors to calculate a client's mortgage payment, calculate a loan amount based on the day's interest rate for all popular loan products, complete a short form mortgage application and perform numerous other daily tasks.

 

Other features include a calculator, a to-do list, expense report and memo pad (just like the sticky-note function in Outlook), and add-on software can be purchased for many other functions. A good place to start looking for these add-ons is the home page for Palm, www.palm.com. The book also offers many links and hints. Buyers are advised to shop around for the best bargains; in many cases, the prices are lower through mail order or software resellers.

 

Additional Features
Because the PalmPilot can be customized with so many different shareware programs, this device has an almost unlimited number of options. Here are a few for consideration.

Whatever your task, Palm can probably do it. Remember, too, that Palm and related devices are constantly being created and improved. Check the Palm Web site regularly for the latest innovations.