[Previous entry: "Parking in South Philly Improving -- Slightly"] [Main Index] [Next entry: "Going to See the Gov"]

12/03/2003 Archived Entry: "Great Gadgets and Gizmos, Part 3 -- Organized and Occupied"

There are three things that I take with me everywhere I go, whether I'm driving coach or not: my cell phone, my digital camera -- and my Palm. My Palm (shown at right) is the Tungsten T model, almost a year old, now discontinued but replaced by even more powerful, less expensive models. For those unfamiliar with it, a Palm (or any PDA) is basically a very small computer, capable of most of the things your desktop computer can do, on a slightly more limited basis. It runs the Palm OS operating system, which, in my opinion, is simpler to operate and more reliable than the pocket PC models that do basically the same thing. I've been using various Palm organizers for about 7 years or so.

I use my Palm to keep track of both my work and personal schedule -- my trips get entered as soon as I find out about them. It's also my alarm clock; newer models have much louder alarms than earlier versions, making them very practical for use as an alarm clock, which, being battery powered (rechargeable -- no batteries to buy), alieves any worries of electric going off and missing a trip. But that's just the beginning for my Palm: it's my address book; memo pad; calculator; game machine (I'm a Solitaire addict); it displays my digital photos; it keeps track of my expenses as well as my shopping list; and it's the book I'm reading. There are thousands of books available online, most free or less expensive than their paper equivalents, so you've always got something to read when you're waiting for your group. This model even has a digital voice recorder, useful to make notes on a trip when it's not convenient to write things down, and can play music as an MP3 player, although I don't use it for that.

There are thousands and thousands of applications that can be downloaded online for your Palm from places such as PalmGear that extend its use even more. If you're not already a Palm user, this might be a great item for your Christmas list!

Replies: 1 Comment

now i'm gonna hafta blog mine.

Posted by Steve @ 12/07/2003 01:52 AM EST