|
Accessories No matter which palmtop you choose, the accessories you might expect are all available. Again, the most detail given here will be about PalmOS accessories, but similar products are becoming available for PocketPC. Before using your palmtop, you'll probably want to protect its screen from scratches with a screen protector. These thin sheets of plastic are available, in sizes for each model, at stores like Office Depot and run about $20 for 20 sheets. They last a lot longer than claimed - at least 3 months. You might want a case. Most palmtops have a flap that covers the screen; cases offer extra protection - though most provide little shock absorption. The average cost is about $25, and they're made from leather, neoprene, nylon, or metal. Some have belt mounts, turning them into holsters. Accucase has a "stiffened nylon cloth" case (REI, $15) that protects well enough to throw your palmtop into a day pack. REI and other outdoor stores also sell waterproof cases. It is probably wise to buy a few extra styluses and leave one at work, one at home, etc.; they run about 3 for $5, and up. There are stylus/pen combination products, but you might use the pen on the screen. Unfortunately, each palmtop model has its own unique stylus. In a pinch your finger nail will work. Palmtops connect to desktops via cradles, and there are a variety of them. Please read these details about cradles. Other add-ons include modems, wireless modems, GPSs (global positioning), back-up devices, cameras, and extra memory. Some add-ons use Handspring's expansion slot so are internal; the rest are external which make your palmtop bigger. There is a keyboard that folds down to the size of a palmtop. There are devices to connect your palmtop to a cell phone, like Palm's Mobile Internet Kit (cheap), and devices to turn your palmtop INTO a cell phone, like Handspring's VisorPhone. Omnisky offers a wireless modem for higher-end models like the V, which might be a nicer package than the Palm VII. Software Some applications PocketPCs have, like a spreadsheet, are not included with PalmOSes, but there are plenty of 3rd party solutions:
|
![[UCHSC Branding]](/images/brand.gif){kind=small}