Upgrade Features The Zire 31 offers the following improvements to the Zire 21: Color display (versus the Zire 21's monochrome screen) 16 MB of Memory (versus the Zire 21's 8 MB) MP3 digital audio capability Palm OS 5.2.8 (versus 5.2.1 for the Zire 21). Display The Palm Zire 31 features a 160 x 160 color STN screen that displays thousands of colors and features contrast and brightness controls. Audio The included RealPlayer for Palm OS enables you to listen to MP3 music files stored on optional expansion cards via the built-in speaker or optional headphones/ear buds. RealPlayer for Palm OS makes it easy to transfer your personal MP3 music collection to expansion cards and organize your songs by creating and editing playlists right on your handheld. It also offers an auto-dimming capability to help conserve battery power.

The Zire 31 features a 160 x 160 color STN display with contrast and brightness controls.

Connectivity and Expansion The Zire 31 uses Multimedia Card and Secure Digital expansion cards, which instantly add software applications, additional memory, large databases, and more without taking up built-in memory space. You can synchronize to your desktop PC via the mini-USB connection on the side of the handheld. Operating System and Software The Zire 31 is powered by Palm OS 5.2.8, which provides higher performance, enhanced multimedia features, and enterprise-class security. It useses the intuitive and easy-to-learn Graffiti 2 writing software to input data into the handheld (as well as an on-screen keyboard). Windows users can synchronize calendar, contacts, tasks and notes with Microsoft Outlook.

Compatibility
The Palm Zire 31 is compatible with PCs running Windows 98, NT 4.0, 2000, Me, and XP, and with Macs running Mac OS 9, version 9.1 or higher, or Mac OS X, version 10.2 or 10.3.

The device sports a keyboard just large enough for comfortable touch typing and a large 640 x 240 screen that makes Web browsing and document editing much easier than is the case with a smaller device. This useful combination means that most people will be able to use the Jornada 720 as a notebook computer replacement. However, if you're looking for the ultimate in portable handheld computing, you'll have to look elsewhere.

The 720 is about as loaded as a Windows CE device can get; it comes with an integrated 56 Kbps V.90 modem, docking station for easy connection to a PC, AC adapter, and rechargeable battery. It's outfitted with 32 MB of RAM and a 206 MHz StrongARM processor that really makes applications fly. On the multimedia side you get an integrated speaker and stereo headphone jack for audio playback, and one of the most beautiful TFT active matrix displays we've seen. It can mix and match more than 65,000 colors at once, renders very crisp text, and never had trouble keeping up with our input like inferior passive matrix screens do.

The very thing that makes the Jornada 720 so useful--its relatively large size--is also its biggest drawback. Its weight can make it unwieldy, and there's no good way to get a grip on it when there isn't a flat surface to use it with. We ended up accidentally pressing keys far too often when holding the unit with one hand, though with a little practice juggling becomes much easier.

If you are graduating to the Jornada from a smaller handheld (such as a Palm) instead of slimming down from a notebook, prepare to be underwhelmed by its portability. Expect to be impressed, however, by its zippy performance, generous display, and expansion possibilities.--T. Byrl Baker

Pros:

• Large, colorful display makes working with large documents practical
• Keyboard is large enough for touch-typing, albeit at a slower rate than a full-sized keyboard allows
• Comes standard with so many features that you likely won't have to buy upgrades for some time

Cons:

• It's heavy and too big for most pockets
• Difficult to use without sitting it down on a flat surface

The Jornada 720 software allows you to send and to receive e-mail while away from your office. It features Microsoft Pocket Outlook and Internet Explorer for Handheld PC 4.01 (as well as the desktop version of Microsoft Outlook 2000). Create or edit documents as well as spreadsheets, and view presentations using pocket versions of familiar Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.

At just over a pound, the compact HP Jornada 720 Handheld PC fits easily into your briefcase or handbag and offers you the advantage of up to nine hours of continuous use. It comes with a docking cradle that supports a serial connection to your PC, allowing you to synchronize with your desktop or notebook PC to keep all your work current. (You can also use an optional USB cable to connect to your PC.) It's powered by a rechargeable lithium-ion battery that lasts up to nine hours and includes an AC adapter.

Other features include PC Card Type II, CompactFlash Type I, and Smart Card reader card slots; and an infrared port that can connect with compatible IrDA- equipped devices. It also has an audio speaker and microphone, a headphone jack, and a built-in voice recorder.

The Jornada is backed by a one-year warranty.

What's in the box

• Jornada 720
• Stylus
• AC adapter
• Rechargeable lithium-ion battery
• USB Docking cradle
• Sync cable
• User Manual

Display
The PEG-SJ22 features high resolution on its 320 x 320 pixel backlit color display, which can display over 65,000 colors.

Operating System
The Sony Clié PEG-SJ22 is powered by Palm OS 4.1, which comes with programs such as Address Book, Calculator, Card Info, Date Book, Mail, Memo Pad, Palm Desktop v. 4.0.1 (for PC), Security, and To Do List.

Extra Software
The PEG-SJ22 comes with the following Sony software: Clié Paint, Clié Mail, Memory Stick Autorun, Memory Stick Backup, Memory Stick Export v. 1.2 (for PC), Memory Stick Gate, Memory Stick Import, PhotoStand, PictureGear 4.6 Lite (for PC), PictureGear Pocket, and World Alarm Clock.

Compatibility
The Sony Clié PEG-SJ22 is compatible with Windows 98 SE, Me, 2000 Professional, and XP Home and Professional Edition (not Macintosh).

Like other Palm devices, the m105 includes an infrared port for beaming data to other handhelds, and it features a high-contrast screen with optional backlighting for low-light situations. At 2 inches square, the screen is slightly smaller than those on most Palm organizers. We noticed the difference since we've been using Palm handhelds for some time, but the m105 retains the same 160-by-160-pixel resolution, so this probably won't be a distraction for most users.

However, unlike other Palm handhelds, the m100 series includes two special applications. The Clock displays the date and time if you simply push the top scroll button on the front, even when the device is off. (It can also be viewed through a window in the cover.) And with the Note Pad, we could write notes or draw pictures directly on the screen without having to write in Graffiti, Palm's character-recognition language.

With more memory, the m105 can now hold more software--and Palm has provided a range of possibilities on the accompanying CD-ROM. Palm's Mobile Internet Kit, normally sold separately, is a software collection that allows the m105 to communicate via infrared link with a GSM cellular phone (such as the Nokia 8290). The kit includes MultiMail Pro software for managing e-mail, programs for SMS text messaging and WAP (Wireless Access Protocol) browsing, and software for accessing Web Clipping data over the Palm.net network (the same service used for the wireless Palm VIIx). Also included on the CD-ROM is the AvantGo Web browser and a client for connecting to AOL.

The Palm m105 includes a HotSync cradle (the m100 handheld shipped with just a cable) for synchronizing data between the handheld and a desktop or laptop computer. Macintosh owners (like ourselves) or anyone wishing to use a USB port on a Windows system will need to purchase the USB serial adapter, though the Mac version of the Palm Desktop software is included in the box.

We were disappointed to find that the Windows version of Palm Desktop included on the CD-ROM is one generation behind the latest release. However, you can download Palm Desktop 4.0 for free from Palm's Web site, making this only a one-time nuisance. Additionally, the m105 is not flash upgradable, so you won't be able to update to a newer version of the operating system later on (the m105 comes with Palm OS 3.5).

With the addition of more memory and Internet access software, plus its comfortable, lightweight design, the Palm m105 is an entry-level handheld that doesn't feel like the new kid on the block.--Jeff Carlson

Pros:

• Smaller and lighter than most handhelds, fitting comfortably in hand
• 8 MB memory stores more data
• Includes Palm Mobile Internet Kit and other software for online access

Cons:

• Slightly smaller screen
• Operating system not upgradable
• Doesn't ship with latest Palm Desktop software for Windows

The Palm m105 handheld comes with Palm's classic information management applications, including Date Book, Address Book, To Do List, and Memo Pad. You can also jot down notes quickly using the Notepad feature, which works like an electronic sticky note. It is equipped with an infrared beam to instantly exchange and store information--such as business card data--at the touch of a button. It has a backlit display for easy readability.

The Mobile Internet Kit is also included, allowing you to use your Palm handheld in combination with a mobile phone or modem to wirelessly access the Internet and check e-mail. You can also access AOL Mail and Messenger accounts. To connect, you must have a data-enabled mobile phone or modem using a cable or infrared. To see a list of compatible phones, see www.palm.com/software/mik/phone.html.

The Palm m105 handheld ships with desktop and HotSync software for both PC and Macintosh systems. The HotSync cradle connects to your PC's serial port. To connect to a PC or Mac using USB, you will need to order the optional Palm PalmConnect USB Kit. Additionally, if you have an older Mac with a modem or printer port connection, you will need to order the optional PalmConnect Serial Kit.

The Palm m105 comes with a serial HotSync cradle, a stylus, a protective flip-cover, two AAA alkaline batteries, and a CD-ROM with Palm Desktop and AvantGo software and a link to Microsoft Outlook.

What's in the box

• Palm m105
• Stylus
• 2 AAA batteries
• HotSync serial cradle
• Protective flip cover
• Palm Desktop Software (Windows and Mac), Mobile Internet Kit, link to Microsoft Outlook, TCP/IP software
• Getting Started guide
• Handbook

The HX2490 comes preloaded with Microsoft's Windows Mobile 5.0 operating system, which includes updated Microsoft Office Mobile software and persistent memory storage for more efficient data management. The Office Mobile Suite comprises Word Mobile for text documents, Excel Mobile for viewing and creating charts, and PowerPoint Mobile for viewing and giving presentations on the go. Users will also dig Windows Mobile's ActiveSync 4.0, which helps them quickly and securely transfer information from their PC/servers to the Pocket PC and vice versa. Want to export your address book, calendar, and other items to the HX2490? Not a problem with ActiveSync 4.0. Other Windows Mobile features include an integrated multimedia application (Windows Media Player 10), multiple personalization options, Pocket MSN for one-click access to MSN Hotmail and MSN Messenger, and a function called Persistent Store, which safeguards your data even when the HX2490's battery is removed.

The HX2490 is loaded under the hood, too, or--more accurately--under the flip cover. The device boasts a powerful 520 MHz Intel XScale processor that's quick and responsive, along with 64 MB of RAM and 128 MB of flash ROM. The unit is also expandable via its integrated CompactFlash type II (CF) and Secure Digital (SDIO) slots, which work with such media as MicroDrives, CF GPS, SD 56k modem cards, and traditional memory cards. And like most Pocket PCs, the iPaq HX2490 supports both wireless WiFi (802.11b) and Bluetooth technologies, while also offering a standard IR port and a USB sync ports. Not only do the technologies support both standard wireless and wired connections for data transfers and online activity, but they also let you use many wireless peripherals, such as Bluetooth keyboards.

And because the HX2490 is a business-oriented device, it's outfitted with HP ProtectTools, a security-oriented option that allows mobile users to secure devices by PIN or password to control access. The industry-standard encryption then protects stored data from prying eyes and online thieves.

Other details include a 3.5-inch transflective TFT display with 64,000 colors, a rechargeable lithium-ion battery with a charging cradle, and an ergonomic, easy-to-wield design. The HX2490 measures 4.71 by 3.01 by 0.65 inches (W x H x D) and is backed by a one-year warranty on parts and labor.