I have never been a fan of electronic diaires, and if I'm honest I still use a conventional diary, but then I did not buy my Palm m130 for the diary capabilities.

I have had this for several months now, and I wouldn't be without it. You can use the PC software provided, or you can do as I do and synchronise it to your Mocrosoft Outlook settings - this means you can synchronise between your PC and Palm to keep your contacts, diary, notes and to-do lists current. But there is so much more to do!

I don't yet use half the features since I don't link it to an internet connection, but this is what I do use my Palm for:

- addresses and phone numbers
- birthday reminders
- calculator
- transporting Word, Excel and Powerpoint documents
- writing lists of stuff to remember for later
- to-do lists
- carrying digital photographs
- scribbling post-it notes
- playing games
- reading ebooks
- tv guide (download from Radio Times site)

Particularly in the last three cases I find it invaluable when travelling - there is ample battery life to play a variety of games or read an ebook during train journeys or when there is time to kill. There are loads of free downloadable games - try the Palm website, or tucows for masses of choice. Here you will also find plenty of useful freebie downloadable applications.

The shape of the device means that it is really comfy to hold, the synchronisation is a breeze, the add-ons are tempting (changeable covers, slot-in cards to increase memory or add applications). Purist would complain that the resolution on the screen isn't great, but I find it is no problem. The backlighting is very good, but is hopeless in bright outdoor conditions.

Overall, even though I choose not to use every feature I feel that it has been more than worth the money I paid, and I look forward to getting to grips with the internet capabilities!

Jan 20
03