PDA perfection.

The Blackberry isn't the only PDA worth talking about. (See the March/April 2003 issue of Catalyst for an in-depth review.) The following are four other viable options based on user needs:

* Palm Tungsten ($499, www.palm.com/products/handhelds/tungsten-c/) The best palm PDA to date. The Palm Tungsten features one of the fastest processors seen in any PDA, a 400MHz Intel with XScale technology. The Tungsten also includes 802.11b Wi-Fi (2) technology to allow wireless connectivity anywhere that it is available. With an ultra clear TFT color screen the Tungsten is a beauty to look at. The Tungsten also includes standard PDA functions like office synchronization and the ability to add custom peripherals.

* Toshiba e750 ($599, www.toshiba.com) The latest by Toshiba has also moved to the top of the list. The e750 features 802.11b for wireless connectivity along with an Infrared port (115kpbs). It comes equipped with an Intel PXA255 400MHz processor and 96MB of combined RAM (64MB SDRAM/32MB NAND). It also has a SD (Secure Digital) slot and comes bundled with plenty of software. The display is brilliant and is one of the first PDAs to be backlit.

* Sony Clie TG50 ($349, www.sonystyle.com) This is another great product featuring the Palm OS 5. Although the processor (200MHz)is not as fast as the others, it still handles remarkably well. The Clie features built in Bluetooth networking technology with QWERTY keyboard layout. It also has built-in voice recorders, an MP3 player, and a rugged hard flip cover for the best protection. A true multimedia device that allows it to be used as an AV remote, it views picture and movie files. Sony also incorporated a removable memory stick slot for easy transfer of files and backups. Peripherals allow the Clie to be transformed into a camera or controller for advanced gaming.

* HP/Compaq iPAQ 3900 Series ($499, welcome.hp.com/country/us/eng/prodserv/handheld.html) Utilizing a 400MHz Intel XScale processor with 32MB of flash ROM, the iPAQ continues to be one of the standouts in the PDA industry.

A removable SD card and 64MB SDRAM help with transferring files and backup solutions. It has a built-in feature that backs the entire device up to the SD card for easy restore. The iPAQ boasts a brilliant 65,000 color display on a trans-reflective TFT LCD screen, numerous expansion capabilities for easy add-ons like wireless cards, cameras and GPS devices, and it ships with standard office suite software for synchronization with desktop or laptop.

(1) How does Nextel service work? http://www.howstuffworks.com/question530.htm

(2) How does Wi-Fi technology work? http://computer.howstuffworks.com/wireless-network.htm