The future of computing may be in the palm of your hand. A Palm computing device may permit you to work in the way that you like to work and not the way a computer or its software makes you work.

Many attorneys rely on calendars, daily planners, address books and legal pads. Others rely on notes scribbled on scraps of paper and stuffed into their pockets or purses. Carrying and managing these items can become a burden. Other times, an attorney may want to access e-mail or perform simple word processing or other functions without hauling around a notebook computer.

	Palm V

A Palm computing device (the PalmPilot, Palm IIIe, Palm IIIx, Palm V, Palm VII, Visor and others) is a very small handheld computer that runs the Palm operating system (OS). A Palm device can digitize and consolidate the information in your address book and planner and let you perform many other tasks. By design, it in fact fits into the palm of your hand and into a shirt pocket. Many of you have seen other attorneys carrying these devices. In fact, over 3 million of these devices have already been sold.

This device has pen-based input and lets you store and manage notes, to-do lists, addresses and contact information, your calendar and even e-mail. And, this is the key point, information stored on the Palm device can be easily synchronized with information on your home or business computer.

A Palm device can benefit many attorneys, especially those who spend a lot of time on the go and who rely on calendars and to-do lists. I've consistently been surprised at useful my Palm IIIx has become and the power that it holds.

I see six factors for the Palm devices' popularity (in addition to simple "gadget chic" or the "gee whiz" factor):

1. It Does A Limited Number Of Things But It Does Them Very Well And Very Quickly. One of the big complaints about today's software is that programs tend to have "feature bloat." The typical user uses only a fraction of the features of any software and many programs are slow-loading monsters. The Palm devices are truly "instant on" and take you to the application of your choice as soon as you hit the "on" button. No need to go get a cup of coffee while first Windows 95, 98 or NT, then Word or WordPerfect, load. Your Palm device will have the standard features you want and the simplicity to be used on a quick basis whenever you need it.
2. You Can Synchronize Data With Your Home Or Business Computer. When you meet someone, you can enter the contact information immediately into your Palm device. You can even "beam" information by infrared waves with another Palm device user (Palm III or later). When you get back to the office, you slip the unit into its "cradle," push the "hot sync" button (literally a one-button process) and the information is added to the address book on your office computer and any new information your secretary added to the office address book is downloaded into your Palm device at the same time. The same for notes. Didn't get the chance to read all your e-mail before you left the office? Download your e-mail into your Palm device and take it home and read it at your leisure.
3. Because Of The Large Installed Base, Software Developers Are Writing New Programs For The Palm Devices. There has been an explosion of new software for Palm devices, from productivity software to games, which have added new feature and enhanced the value of the Palm devices. There are over 4,000 Palm programs and new programs allow you to import your documents and spreadsheets into your Palm device and read them at home. Don't want to read your own documents? Books, articles, the Constitution and Bankruptcy Code, among other things, can be downloaded into your Palm device, making it an electronic book. Check out the Documents area in our Products Section for a comprehensive collection of pertinent legal materials.
4. It Is Priced Sensibly. The Palm IIIx, which I use, can be found at mail order houses for under $250. The more expensive Palm V (less memory, but a more stylish look than the IIIx) costs less than $300. The brand new Palm VII, with a built-in wireless modem costs around $450, but connection costs may eat you alive. The good news is that Handspring's new Visor runs the Palm OS and is priced in the $200 to $250 range.
5. It Actually Fits Into A Shirt Pocket. Because it is small, lightweight and legitimately fits into a shirt pocket, you really can take the Palm devices anywhere, greatly increasing its utility and value. This "always-with-you" factor is key to its utility.
6. The Batteries Really Do Last a Long Time. I experimented with a Windows CE palm-sized PC and found that my batteries went dead even if I didn't use the unit for a while. Devices with color screens are notorious for short battery life. The Palm devices give you bang for your buck on batteries. Most Palm device users seem to get about two months of battery life with normal use on a set of AAA batteries.

Owners of the early Palm Pilots have loved them and I'm quickly learning why. There are Palm web pages, e-mail mailing lists and user groups. It's great to see people so excited about a product that they feel enhances their productivity. I'm reminded of the excitement of the early Macintosh community.

	Landware's GoType!

A Palm device, however, is not perfect. It has limited functionality and you'll want to keep that in mind. If you see your Palm device as an "extension" of your computer and not as a "replacement" for it, you will be happy with your results. The big issue is that data entry is pen-based. There is no keyboard, although there are third-party keyboards for about $80. You can input data either by using a pen to pick out keys on a keyboard image on the screen or, as most do, by learning "Graffiti," the Palm handwriting recognition program. In essence, Graffiti is a form of shorthand. It can be learned fairly easily, but it takes time for you to become proficient. It forces you to learn a new method of writing rather than attempting to recognize your normal handwriting. Another program called "Jot" is available which allows you to use a more natural approach.

The Palm devices are ideally suited for people who rely heavily on calendars and to do lists, use their address books and new contacts regularly and jot short notes to themselves. If you match that profile, I highly recommend that you take a look at the Palm devices. We are beyond the stage where these devices are only for gadgeteers. The Palm devices have excellent functionality for many lawyers right now and may be an inexpensive tool that fits your practice needs.

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