PalmOne PalmPilot Professional Organizer

3Com changed the world of computing when it released the PalmPilot, a powerful, useful 1 MB computer you could put in your pocket. The PalmPilot Professional is an up-to-date version of the original, with a backlit display, trim design (4.7 inches x 3.2 inches x 0.7 inches), and the ability to link quickly with a desktop PC or Mac. In addition to six keys that allow the user to navigate among the appointment, calendar, and contact information, the PalmPilot Professional includes a stylus for touch-screen operations and on-screen writing, for which you have to learn a slightly modified script for top performance. The Professional also includes a synchronizing cradle for exchanging e-mail, appointments, and contact information with your PC (Internet magazine gave PalmPilot top honors for its synchronization); all the software you need to manage tasks, track expenses on the road, and organize and compose e-mail (a modem and software are available to transmit messages); batteries; an adapter; and a leather slip-case. The PalmPilot Professional has garnered a number of awards, including an MVP and 5-star rating from PC Computing; Editors’ Pick from Home Office and Small Business Computing; Best of 1996 from PC Magazine; Best of Byte from Byte magazine; and a stellar rating from Windows Sources. –Patrick O’Kelley