IBM WorkPad 8602-20X Handheld

If you're tired of everybody and their grandmother toting around Palms and Handsprings, check out the IBM WorkPad c3. It's a black Palm Vx with IBM-syncing software, and when you pull it out, jaded PDA users WILL do a double take.

Feature Set
Like all Palm OS-based PDAs, the c3 has:

o Datebook: a daily, weekly, monthly, and yearly calendar
o Addressbook: an electronic black book with sort functions
o Memo Pad: jot quick notes before you forget them
o To Do List: great for grocery lists, IOUs, etc.
o Calculator: calculate tips, sales tax, etc.
o Find: sometimes the only way to find information in a device that can store so much info; also good for finding all files and info on the device that contain the word you're looking for

Unlike the PocketPCs, Palms don't try to be all things to all people. It performs the above tasks, and performs them well. This is the so-called "Zen" of Palm. Of course, if you want to slap on all kinds of accessories and software, you can.

c3 Specifics
The c3 syncs with IBM's DB2 and Lotus software, rather than Microsoft's Outlook, so if you're an Outlook user, you might be better off with a Palm. Or if you've already been seduced by the c3's sleek, black form, then you can get Chapura's PocketMirror software to have the best of both worlds.

Long-Term Report
The c3 has no problems withstanding everyday use (abuse would be another story, but if you did that, maybe a PDA isn't for you). The Grafitti soon becomes second-nature (you even start writing in Grafitti when not on the c3!), and the case shows no signs of fatigue after a year's use. I do recommend a case--I use Franklin Covey's wallet/Palm V case combo, which lets me hold everything a wallet would, plus the c3. And since everything is black, it looks even cooler.

Syncing is fine, though USB would be faster than the serial connection the included cradle comes with. My only other minor gripe is that I wish the display were black and white, rather than green and black. Readability is fine under all lighting conditions (you'll want a free hack to reverse the odd backlighting), but reading black text on a white background is much easier on the eyes.

Conclusion
Forget the new Palms and WorkPads for now, with their evolutionary changes (dim color screens? yuck!) and shocking price tags. Stick with the c3, and you'll be happy.