Tiny computers feature growing number of uses

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Tiny handcomputers are no longer a device of science fiction but a reality. Known as personal digital assistants or handheld devices, these portable, flexible organizing and communication tools are growing in popularity.|ret||ret||tab|

In the Springfield area, PDAs are being bought by people described by John Horton, president of Technology Innovations Inc., as "technically savvy." |ret||ret||tab|

PDA owners typically have personal computers at their desk or at home, and may be "anybody that needs some type of an automated tracking or information tool who can't justify a laptop from the cost, size or convenience perspectives," Horton said.|ret||ret||tab|

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What is it?|ret||ret||tab|

A PDA or handheld is essentially a small, light minicomputer that travels easily and helps its user stay organized. However, the uses are evolving. |ret||ret||tab|

Not only can users input their phone directories and keep track of mileage on PDAs, but they can have an encyclopedia at their fingertips, check on stocks, read an e-book, check their e-mail, play games or perform numerous other tasks depending on the capabilities of the particular device, and software.|ret||ret||tab|

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choose has the applications available that meet your needs," Horton said. He added, "All have the applications to track mileage, but think about how easy it is to use. Mine allows me to select a project, customer, date and reason for the trip. Make sure the application justifies the cost of a PDA."|ret||ret||tab|

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Drawbacks|ret||ret||tab|

A few drawbacks exist, Horton said, including screen size, small storage capacity, limited amount of memory and fewer capabilities than a desktop PC or laptop.|ret||ret||tab|

And like their larger cousins, PDAs can get viruses. Phage, the first virus designed for the Palm operating system, and Vapor, a Trojan Horse program, are two examples.|ret||ret||tab|

"Upon receiving samples of these malicious programs, we alerted Palm to the issue, and we have remained in contact with them since," said Patti Dock, vice president of marketing at McAfee.com, in a release. "Both the virus and the Trojan require that the handheld user run the programs."|ret||ret||tab|

McAfee.com Corporation, which provides security software for computers, announced that its Wireless Security Center has the ability to detect both.|ret||ret||tab|

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Choices, choices|ret||ret||tab|

Choices of PDAs are vast. The top 10 PDAs as listed at PDABuzz.com are TRG Pro, HP Jornada 548, Palm Vx, Compaq iPaq No. 3600, Palm IIIxe, Cassiopeia E-115, Palm IIIc, HP Jornada 545, Handspring Visor Deluxe, and the Palm IIIx.|ret||ret||tab|

Handheld manufacturers include 3Com Corp., Casio Inc., Compaq Computer Corp., Handspring Inc., Hewlett-Packard Co., Hitachi America Ltd., IBM Corp., Matsucom Inc., Mitsubishi Electronics America Inc., Motorola Corp., NEC Computer Systems Division, NEC Technologies Inc., Olivetti North America, Oregon Scientific, Palmax, Philips Electronics, Psion Inc., Sharp Electronics Corp., Sony Electronics Inc., TRG Products Inc., devices there is no one-size-fits-all form factor," said Ben Waldman, vice president of the Mobile Devices Division at Microsoft, in a release. |ret||ret||tab|

"Customers have requested wireless-capable, mobile devices that simplify access to their desktop applications, to the Web and to forms-based applications for rapid data collection. Handheld PC 2000 provides this functionality and offers fast, easy input via an on-device keyboard," Waldman added.|ret||ret||tab|

Handheld devices using the new generation software include HP Jornada 720 Handheld PC. It runs the new Microsoft Windows for Handheld PC 2000 software which includes pocket versions of applications such as Outlook, Word, Excel and PowerPoint. The estimated price is just under $1,000. |ret||ret||tab|

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Price tag|ret||ret||tab|

Pricing varies between devices and stores. In an online price comparison of 18 merchants Sept. 23, the price on the Compaq iPaq H3650 Pocket PC varied from $476.77 to $576.77. The lowest price found for the HP Jornada 820 was $699; Handspring Visor Deluxe, $249; Psio Revo, $400; and Palm Vx (Millennium Blue), $399.|ret||ret||tab|

Locally, Office Depot's prices for Palm devices range from about $400 (Vx) to about $450 (VII & IIIc). Accessories start at $10 for a 3-stylus package up to almost $180 for a camera.|ret||ret||tab|

The future looks bright for PDA manufacturers. |ret||ret||tab|

"Handhelds are selling well. With Compaq's latest entry, which is the iPaq 3650, they can't make enough to keep orders filled. Palm Pilots are almost the same," Horton said.|ret||ret||tab|

According to a release from high-tech market consultant Strategy Analytics, the global market for small, wireless Internet-capable devices (including handhelds) is likely to grow from $10 billion in 2000 to $73 billion in 2005.|ret||ret||tab|

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