IBM WorkPad 8602-20X Handheld

The IBM WorkPad c3 is almost identical in all ways to a Palm V. Same OS, same features, same memory and specifications. Most strikingly different is the color; the c3 is a jet black matte, rather than the Palm's dusky silver.

The c3 ships with Lotus EasySync software, for synchronizing your data with Lotus Notes. It also ships with Palm Desktop software, which lets you enter and track your PDA data on your computer's desktop.

Like the Palm V, the c3 is a fantastic organizer and information device. Software that comes pre-installed includes an address book contact manager, calendar with alarms, email program, to-do list, an expense tracker and a simple calculator. But there's no limit to the amount of software available free, or for a low price, much of it stuff you can download from the web.

The handwriting recognition in the PalmOS is exemplary. It's extremely easy to learn, and its accuracy makes early PDA's, such as the Apple Newton, look pretty sad by comparison. Nevertheless, you'll often want to enter your data using tried-and-speedy methods, like typing, and this is where the Pilot's, er the c3's, excellent synchronization feature comes in.

2 MB of RAM is enough for a bundle of shareware and a movie agents' worth of contacts. The IR port makes it easy to synch up with other devices, even if you don't have a cradle and cable attached, but the cradle doubles as a recharger, which works automatically when you set your WorkPad into it. My only concern with the hardware is the screen itself, which could be scratched fairly easily, however, some companies offer scratch-resistant plastic covers to protect the glass.

Drop the c3 in the cradle and push the Sync button. The Palm and your PC instantly strike up a conversation, sharing notes about what you've got on the agenda, whose numbers are worth keeping (or deleting) and organizing your mail. If you've ever tried to move your mail messages, say, to your laptop from your desktop PC, you'll instantly recognize the brilliance of this feature.

My hat's off to Palm Computing for the usability design in this gadget, with a nod to the blue suits at IBM for putting their label on a good thing when they see it.

If I have a complaint about the WorkPad c3, it's that a wireless modem isn't built in. But that, I suppose, would be asking a lot for the money.

A shopping tip about the c3: the Palm V has such strong name recognition, that the price for these little gems is still close to $400, but the WorkPad c3, with it's more somber color scheme, has been spotted at bargain prices around the web.



Purchase Price:  259