Handspring Visor Prism
This full-color handheld computer is a great device that offers superb functionality and expandability. It features over 65,000 colors, a built-in microphone, infrared connection, and supports a cellphone, global positioning satellite service, and Internet browsing. Although it offers full color (a new trend that is developing in the PDA world), most of the supplemental programs for the PDA are in monochrome. The one major advantage this device has over other portable computers is its great capacity for multimedia. The Visor's backlit screen provides vibrant graphics that may be useful for presentations and in meetings. Another feature is the battery use time. The battery provides up to 7 hours of continuous talk time or up to 300 hours of standby time. Base price for the Prism is $299. An additional $249.99 will purchase the Sprint PCS Wireless Web Digital Link which will permit wireless use at University Park and Madison, Wisconsin. The ongoing monthly charge for the basic Sprint plan (special offer) would be $39.99 (350 Anytime minutes, 3650 Night & Weekend minutes, long distance included).

Kyocera QCP 6035 Smartphone
Kyocera's 6035 smartphone combines all the functionality of a Palm handheld with the latest in mobile phone technology into one compact device. It features include wireless e-mail, fax capabilities, and full-blown Web access. As with the Handspring Visor phone, the phone numbers in the address book can be automatically dialed by tapping an onscreen button. This particular phone goes one step further by allowing the user dial entries using voice commands (say the person's name and the phone dials the number automatically). One Smartphone drawback is the battery only allows for up to 5 hours of continuous talk time and 180 hours of standby time. This could be a problem if you are away from a charging mechanism for any length of time (e.g., while traveling) and find the need to use the airtime features of the PDA. Base price for the Kyocera 6035 was originally $499, but with the wireless wars today, this PDA/phone can be found as low as $49 with rebates and a one-year service plan. Ongoing monthly charges for the Sprint plan start at $39.99 for basic service (350 anytime minutes; includes long distance).