Ditch the Post-Its, get a Palm

It used to be, that when you would mention organizers, Filofaxes and Day Runners would come to mind. Now that we are in the digital and high tech day and age, the "old" paper organizers are out and electronic organizers, known as person data assistants or PDA's, are in.

The Palm IIIx is made by company called 3Com, which has been around for over 20 years and specializes in communication and technology development. Now, they are in the business of creating software and organizers to keep busy people organized and the rest of us, well, looking like we are just as important as the big wigs. Enter 3Com's Palm IIIx: an organizer with many features and is so easy to use, you'll be up and running in no time.

Size - The Palm weighs under a pounds is is about the size of, well, your palm. Actually, it is about 3 x 6 inches wide and is about 1/3 of an inch thick. The Palm easily stores in a pocket or purse.

Features - The Palm IIIx is packed with many features that are standard: datebook, address/phone list, to do list, calculator, plus a few other useful functions, such as the ability to download and read your email. You can respond to email, but have to do so when you "sync" the Palm IIIx with your computer. The operating system on the Palm IIIx is Palm OS 3.1 and it comes with a standard 4 mg of RAM on board. What does this mean? Well, the Palm IIIx will store up to 10,000 addresses, five years of appointments, 3,000 to-do items, 3,000 memos, and 400 e-mail messages. How's that for storage capability? Heck, I don't even know 1,000 people, so I doubt I would fill up the address book anytime soon.

Ease of use - I know that it is tempting to simply open up the box and start putting information in your Palm IIIx, but take a few minutes to read the directions. There, you will learn how to use the "graffiti" writing system (a method for inputting information with the stylus) and how to get the most out of your PDA. Trust me on this one.

What you get - The Palm IIIx includes the device and a protective flip-style cover, a stylus, hot sync pad, cables, software, two 3 AAA batteries, and instructions. I would suggest you get a case that can be zipped so that you don't get lint and dust on the screen. There are after market adhesive screen protectors that are available, but as long as you are careful and responsible with your new toy, you shouldn't need them. I have had my PDA for over a year and the screen looks as good as new.

Getting the best out of your Palm IIIx - As I mentioned, read the directions, as they are very easy to understand and follow. I was up and entering in information within 30 minutes. The Hot-Sync pad is a nice feature and allows you to sync information to your computer. It also allows you to download some really nice software available on the internet for the Palm IIIx. Downloading and installing the software is a breeze: find the software you want, download it using WinZip, and then load it to your Palm IIIx using the HotSync pad. Freeware and Shareware prgrams provide you with just about every tool you would want or need for your Palm.

Who needs a Palm Pilot - Before getting my Palm IIIx, I was concerned that I wouldn't have much use for it. Wrong. I have found that I use it just about everyday and of course, have become more organized. Now that the prices have dropped (and there are also many other models to choose from), it is easy to afford a PDA with many features. Plus, with the size being so small, it is easy to carry and take with you.

Granted, a PDA is a pricey organizer ($249.00), and if you are looking for a great organizer packed with features and is easy to use, the Palm IIIx may be a model you should take a look at.