The Fabulous V

I've seen 'em all, and the Palm V is what has won a place in Gadgetgrrl's heart (and my handbag). Let's face it, right now nothing else beats the V's combination of size, functionality and style.

Almost everyone who touches a PalmPilot is won over by its simple interface; it's incredibly easy to use for anyone who is willing to put in the slightest bit of effort. Majority always rules when it comes to third-party development, and the PalmOS' popularity is another big selling point: There's tons of third-party software available (both free and for a fee; check out www.pilotzone.com for lots of choices) and many intriguing peripheral and case options as well.

So you may be sold on a Palm; but why shell out over a hundred more for a V? The answer is, size (and looks) do matter. The V is sliver-thin - a perfect fit for coat pockets - and extremely lightweight, weighing in at only 4 ozs. as compared to close to 6 for a III.

Thanks to its sealed metal case, the thing is also close to indestructible - I've dropped mine, used it in the rain, thrown it in my purse next to my keys, and have never given it a scratch or caused it to skip a byte. I certainly can't say the same for my old Palm Pro, which was always shedding its battery cover and acquired a considerable number of dings over time.

And best of all, the V looks cool, very Bond-like in its brushed gunmetal gray. When I whip it out in the middle of a crowded Manhattan street and simultaneously 1) look up my next appointment; 2) figure out the cross street on my xMan app; and 3) check out my downloaded subway map, I do feel like Bond, or at least a Bond girl. If you can accomplish all that in one tiny device, $450 seems like a cheap price to pay, no?