The Top Palmtops The incredible shrinking portable reaches new heights. We test five palm-size PCs and organizers. By David Hayden How small can a computer get? Ten years ago, when IBM announced the PC, it seemed inconceivable that it would someday fit in a coat pocket. Today, such a device not only exists, it is even reasonably priced. Though palmtop devices are newcomers in the consumer electronics market, there's already a handful of models from well known manufacturers. The Atari Portfolio, Casio SF-9500 Executive B.O.S.S., Hewlett-Packard 95LX, Poqet PC and Sharp Wizard OZ-8200 represent the current crop of pocketable computers. Although the Sharp Wizard and Casio B.O.S.S. are primarily electronic organizers, their use of memory and program cards, and links to desktop PCs, make these products more than just electronic daybooks. The differences in the function and design of these five palmtops spell greater variety and choice for those interested in taking advantage of the latest technology. This report highlights these differences and give recommendations on the best uses for each model. Atari Portfolio If you want a palmtop that works well as a notetaker but don't want to spend a fortune, consider the $299 Atari Portfolio. The Portfolio features a very clear 40-character x 8-line display, a standard QWERTY keyboard with a solid feel, and 128K of memory that can be split between storage and memory. The built-in applications include the basic organizer functions such as address book, appointment scheduler, calculator and text editor, plus a limited spreadsheet with Lotus file compatibility. Literally hundreds of other applications may be run by using memory cards specifically for the Portfolio. The address book shows either a one-line entry containing names and phone numbers only, or a page display with the address and any other pertinent data. The address book has very little structure, and in fact, is similar to a free-form database. It works well for keeping track of things to do and practically any other data. The number of address books is limited only by storage. Loading an address book can be very slow if you have more than a hundred entries. The appointment scheduler doesn't have all the bells and whistles of the other units reviewed, but it does provide basic functionality, including sounding alarms, even when turned off. Repeating appointments are available, but a weekly view is not offered. The text editor, while weak in the formatting area, does provide word wrap (so that words are not split between lines), margin settings, cut and paste, and search and replace. While the Great American Novel probably won't be written on the Portfolio, it is useful for taking notes in a business meeting or in a classroom. The calculator feature is enhanced by the embedded numeric keypad that activates automatically upon entering the calculator mode. The calculator includes an paperless tape that can be edited and five memories. You can change the format of the numbers and send output to a printer. The worksheet application is a 127-column by 255-row Lotus version 1A-compatible spreadsheet without macros, databases or string functions. The Portfolio's spreadsheet is useful for small applications such as expense tracking. You have two options for transfering files between the Portfolio and a PC. The least expensive approach is the $50 parallel adapter that doubles as a printer port. The other is a $99 card drive that allows you to use Portfolio memory cards in your PC just like a floppy diskette. This makes the file transfer process effortless. Atari provides no facility for file conversion or merging work done on both the PC and the Portfolio, but all Portfolio files are saved in a standard ASCII format. For Macintosh users, there is a $159 program called "MAC in Your Pocket" that allows the use of the optional serial port for file transfers. Unfortunately, DOS compatibility is not as functional as PC connectivity. The Portfolio features a subset of MS-DOS 2.1 called DIP-DOS. This name is aptly suited for this limited, and extremely incompatible DOS. Only small, "well- behaved" DOS programs run acceptably on the Portfolio. When running DOS programs, the difference in screen size from a standard PC is handled by using the 40 x 8 screen as a window to a full- size 80 x 25 screen. In most cases this "virtual screen" approach works well, but the lack of reverse video causes some PC programs to be cumbersome or unusable. Fortunately, hundreds of public domain programs specifically for the Portfolio are available on CompuServe, a popular electronic information service, including a full-blown Basic programming language, games like Tetris, and many useful utilities. Until recently, only two program cards existed for the Portfolio: the DOS Utilities Card, which features a basic communications program, and the Finance Card. Several programs were recently announced that greatly enhance the usability of the Portfolio. These include a Basic compiler, outliner, stock portfolio tracker, time and expense card, spell-checker and dictionary/thesaurus. Other titles include a travel guide for both the U.S. and Europe, language translator, check writer, database, flight planner, and a host of other applications. While the Sharp Wizard was once the king in program cards, the Portfolio is now a formidable opponent. Peripherals are available for the Portfolio from both Atari and third-party vendors. In addition to the PC Card Drive and parallel interface, a serial interface can be used to hook up a modem or virtually any other serial device. The Portfolio is the only palmtop that supports a line-powered modem such as the $159 Practical Pocket Modem. The other palmtops that support communications require bulkier battery- powered modems. Xoterix provides several interesting products for the Portfolio, including a 512K memory expansion module and an $899 20MB hard disk that attaches neatly to the bottom of the Portfolio. Several factors limit the usability of the Atari Portfolio. Currently, the maximum memory card size is 128K. Because of the Portfolio's tendency to lock-up, memory cards are a must for data storage. Also, the "battery low" message usually comes on after the batteries go dead. You don't see the message until after you insert a new set of batteries. Built-in applications are limited to a file size of about 50K regardless of available memory, which can limit the size of your address book or memo. While the Portfolio is not without it's weaknesses, it is a good value if you need a little more than an electronic daytimer. The built-in spreadsheet is useful for simple tasks. Although it provides only limited DOS compatibility, many applications have been adapted for the Portfolio. If your applications require a large amount of data, the Portfolio may not be appropriate because of its limit on storage and file size. The well-designed keyboard makes the Portfolio useful as a notetaker. Because of the wealth of free and almost-free software and the low cost of the base unit and the PC link, the Atari Portfolio is arguably the best value on the palmtop market. Casio Executive B.O.S.S. SF-9500 Unlike the other palmtops that offer DOS compatibility, high-powered built-in applications, and communications capability, the $319 Casio SF-9500 Executive B.O.S.S. sticks to the basics. It offers the same basic organizer functions as the first-generation Sharp Wizard. The addition of a program card slot to this new model opens up the capability for third-party applications. The B.O.S.S. 9500 features 64K of expandable memory, a QWERTY keyboard, and a 32-character x 6-line display that pales in comparison to the larger displays of the other palmtops reviewed here. The comparable Sharp Wizard OZ-8200 is superior to the Casio B.O.S.S. in nearly every area. It offers twice as much memory, a larger display, and several additional built-in applications. An interview with several SF-9500 users on CompuServe revealed that most would choose the Wizard 8200 over the Casio if given the opportunity to do it over. The built-in applications include a telephone book, appointment scheduler, memo function, business card feature, calendar, home/world time, and calculator. The telephone book and business card applications are similar: Both provide standard address book fields, including name, address and phone number, and six customizable fields. The business card function offers more detailed categories, including company name, position, department, fax number and other relevant information. The SF-9500 provides a flexible search facility which allows for a combined word search. The memo function has limited usefulness due to the 384 character limit. The Sharp Wizard's word wrap and calc data functions are not available on the SF-9500. The calendar application includes a view showing two months side by side. The integrated scheduler provides a useful timetable display and alarm function. Notably absent from the B.O.S.S. is a repeating appointment feature. The calculator is a no- frills equivalent of a basic calculator. Several options exist to expand the capabilities of the Casio B.O.S.S. SF-9500. The PC Link allows file transfers between the B.O.S.S. and a PC, including the capability to transfer Lotus spreadsheets and other data. A Macintosh version of the PC Link is also available. File conversions include Sidekick, Sidekick Plus, SDF delimited, text, and PC Tools. File transfers can include an entire file or a single entry. A unit-to-unit cable is included with the base model. Only a handful of applications are available for the Casio, the most powerful of which is the 3D Spreadsheet card. Expense Easy, Spell Checker and Thesaurus, Barron's Business & Travel Translator, OAG Travel Planner and several personal programs, including Wine Companion, Weight Loss Companion, and Lottery/Horoscope Diskware are also available. Finally, to expand the internal memory, Casio offers 64K and 128K memory cards. Many SF-9500 users on CompuServe reported several problems including battery failure without warning, almost non-existent technical support, and confusing documentation. The documentation fails to mention a number for technical support or what to do if the unit is defective. Both experienced and novice users found the Casio difficult to use in comparison to the Sharp Wizard. The Casio Executive B.O.S.S. SF-9500 is behind the times. Except for the QWERTY keyboard and larger screen, it brings little new to the table from the original Sharp Wizard that was introduced more than three years ago. Users of earlier models of the B.O.S.S. line may find the increased memory and program card slot of the SF-9500 worth upgrading, but new users should look elsewhere. Hewlett-Packard 95LX If you are a spreadsheet user and need more than an electronic organizer, but an full 80 x 25 display isn't necessary, the $699 DOS- compatible HP 95LX offers the best tradeoffs. It features a 40-character x 16-line LCD display, 512K of memory, Lotus 1-2-3, and an impressive array of organizer tools in a package that is small enough to fit in a shirt pocket. The HP 95LX is the newest member of the palmtop category, and Hewlett-Packard clearly has learned from the mistakes and achievements of the competition on almost every front. The built-in applications include an address book, appointment scheduler with to-do list, text editor, data communications, HP calculator, file manager, and most impressively, Lotus 1-2- 3. Unlike the Portfolio, whose spreadsheet has limited functionality, the HP 95LX provides a full copy of Lotus 1-2-3 version 2.2, complete with graphs, macros and database. It is identical to its desktop counterpart with the exception of Allways, Print Graph and the Translate utility. The keyboard is designed with the Lotus user in mind. The 95LX features a separate numeric keypad, and the / key, @ symbol and parenthesis are separate keys. Even the 1-2-3 function key template is printed above the keys. If you are a Lotus 1-2-3 user, the HP 95LX is a good fit. The address book is adequate, but like the other built-in applications, excluding Lotus 1- 2-3, file sizes are limited to about 50K. The address book provides both a card and index view, and search capability. The memo editor provides basic text editing and printing, but isn't designed for letter writing. The appointment scheduler is rivaled only by the Sharp Wizard. The 95LX is the only product that features a prioritized to-do list that is integrated into the appointment scheduler. A useful alarm function allows you to set a lead time of up to 30 minutes to remind you of an appointment, even if the unit is turned off. Other features include attachable notes, repeating appointments and a calendar view. The communications module is the most complete among all palmtops. It is the only one that features VT-100 terminal emulation and provides the most complete scripting language for automating communication sessions. Other features include both Xmodem and Kermit file transfer protocol, file capture and the ability to easily move around an 80-column communications session. As you would expect, the financial calculator function of the 95LX is the best among its peers. An impressive array of features include time-value-of-money calculations, interest rate and currency conversions, function graphing and general arithmetic. A back-solver function is seamlessly integrated with 1-2-3, so you can perform calculations even if a variable is missing. A typical application would be to determine the principle of a loan given a specific monthly payment. How do you make a good QWERTY keyboard in a 4 x 2-inch area? You don't! If one feature takes away from an otherwise great product, it's the keyboard. It is obvious that this one was designed by HP's calculator division. The inclusion of a separate numeric keypad versus an embedded keypad like that of the Portfolio, Poqet and virtually every laptop and notebook computer on the market, makes typing a challenge. Some 1-2-3 and calculator users will welcome the tradeoff. The overall hardware and software design, with the exception of the keyboard, is extremely logical. Probably the most useful feature of the 95LX is the ability to instantly switch between any application at the touch of a key and return to it at exactly the same point. Being able to instantly switch between Lotus 1-2-3, phone book, memo and appointment scheduler is a big boost to productivity. Other useful features include a battery gauge, password protection and a system-wide macro facility. An infrared port allows convenient wireless file transfer between two HP 95LXs. The PC Link cable is unobtrusive compared to the bulkier connections of the Atari and the Poqet. The Filer, which is similar in functionality to LapLink, provides a split screen, with HP files on one side and PC files on the other. Of all the palmtops reviewed, the HP provides the easiest PC file transfer facility. The Filer is also useful for copying files to and from RAM cards, deleting files, creating directories and executing DOS programs. Included with the $99 Connectivity Pack is the desktop counterpart of the HP's internal applications, with the exception of Lotus 1-2-3 and the communications module. File translate utilities are included for conversion between HP applications and Lotus Metro, Sidekick Plus and PC Tools. Because of the marketing power of Hewlett- Packard and Lotus, third-party developers are jumping on the HP bandwagon with an abundance of new hardware and software. Motorola recently announced the NewsStream Receiver that offers wireless one-way communications to the HP 95LX. This product is actually a pager that connects to the side of the unit and displays messages and up-to-the-minute information such as news, sports and weather, plus traffic reports and stock quotations on the HP's display. Other products due out include ACT!, a popular contact management application, MCI Express for electronic mail, Managing Your Money, a personal finance package, and Globalink, a document translation package. Several peripherals are available from third parties including the $359 U.S. Robotics Worldport 2400 modem and the $539 Kodak Diconix 150 Plus battery-operated printer. Currently, HP offers only 128K and 512K memory cards. Memory cards designed for the Poqet PC, up to 2MB, will work on the HP 95LX, although Hewlett-Packard claims that battery life may suffer. PC card drives are available from several vendors including DataBook. The HP 95LX is the latest entry into the palmtop category, and HP has capitalized on the experience of the other vendors. The built-in software is the most comprehensive of the bunch. The spreadsheet, which is a complete version of Lotus 1-2-3 v. 2.2, and a communications module that provides terminal emulation and scripting, are superior to the other products. The daytimer features are equaled only by the Sharp Wizard. The HP 95LX is not recommended for extensive writing, due to its small keyboard. Hewlett-Packard clearly designed the 95LX for 1-2-3 and HP calculator users, but the combination of useful built-in applications, DOS compatibility and an industry standard memory card slot give the HP 95LX mass appeal. Poqet PC If your definition of a true palmtop is a full function equivalent of a laptop, the $1,450 Poqet PC is what you have been waiting for. The Poqet PC is the only unit that offers full PC compatibility by providing a standard 80 x 25 display with CGA graphics capabilities. It also sports a standard QWERTY keyboard, 512K memory, a 512K RAM card, and the PC Link cable and software. Many popular PC programs have been converted to ROM cards for use in the Poqet PC. ROM-card versions of Lotus 1-2-3, WordPerfect, Lotus Agenda, ACT!, Lotus Works, XyWrite III, and PC Anywhere IV represent a good selection of programs that you might already use on your desktop PC. Two industry standard RAM/ROM card slots are available. Two factors detract from the Poqet PC: size and price. While the 8.8 x 4.3 x 1-inch footprint is impressive for its capabilities, it cannot fit in an inside coat jacket pocket, despite the manufacturer's claim to the contrary. Even if you managed to find a big enough pocket, it would be too big and bulky for an all-day affair. The obvious place for the Poqet PC is a briefcase. This begs a key question: If you are going to use a briefcase to carry your Poqet PC, why not carry a more capable notebook computer? For many users, a notebook computer makes more sense, but sometimes the smaller Poqet PC is a better solution. In restaurants, business meetings, seminars, and other places where space is limited, the Poqet PC offers obvious advantages. At $1,450, the Poqet PC is the most expensive palmtop reviewed here. Although the recent inclusion of a 512K RAM card with the base unit makes it a much more attractive product, it is still twice as expensive as the similarly equipped HP 95LX, which includes Lotus 1-2-3. On the Poqet PC, Lotus 1-2-3 is a $495 option. The base unit price, though, is only half the problem. As with most of the palmtop computers, the true expense is in memory cards, which cost as much as $1,400 for a 2MB RAM card. To alleviate this problem, Poqet has teamed up with SelecTronics and Memory Card Associates. SelecTronics has licensed an exclusive data-compression and retrieval technology from Xerox Palo Alto Research Center that allows a 20MB database to fit onto a 1MB memory card. Memory Card Associates provides a service to copy legally licensed software to inexpensive ROM cards up to 4MB in size. Another problem with the Poqet PC is the hard-to-read LCD display. The characters are very small and glare is a problem. The latter problem has been somewhat resolved with an improved model. Unfortunately, the new $1,500 Prime Poqet PC, which increases the internal memory to 640K, is only available from selected Value Added Resellers such as Digital Equipment Corporation, and does not include the 512K memory card or PC Link cable. While the Poqet PC has its shortcomings, it is a very capable product for those who can afford it. In the right light it is a pleasure to use. The keyboard, which was modified from the original design, allows for touch typing and has a very solid feel. The built-in applications could use some improvements, however. The Write application is a useful text editor, but if you want to do any significant amount of writing, you probably will opt for the WordPerfect ROM card. The text editor provides block search and replace, move and copy, word wrap and printing. The Talk application is a useful communications program. While all palmtops reviewed here, except the Casio B.O.S.S., provide some modem communications capabilities, the Poqet is clearly the most adept in this area because of its 80 x 25 display. Unfortunately, the built-in communications program has neither terminal emulation nor scripting capabilities for automating communications sessions, so users must look to third parties for a complete solution. Traveling computer support personnel can run the optional PC Anywhere program on the Poqet PC to provide electronic software support from anywhere in the world. This program also allows users to log onto a network. If you are looking for an electronic replacement for your daybook, look elsewhere. The appointment book and scheduler lack the flare of products like the Sharp Wizard and HP 95LX. The Poqet PC provides basic functionality, plus an alarm function that works even when the unit is turned off. The Poqet tools also include a calculator function with memory and paperless tape. To enhance the compatibility of the Poqet PC, standard peripherals, including parallel and serial ports and a 3.5-inch battery- operated 1.44MB floppy disk drive are available. A $389 PC Card Drive from DataBook allows Poqet memory cards to be used on a standard PC. The Poqet PC link cable and software is provided for file transfers. It is similar, although not as well implemented, as the popular LapLink file transfer program. If you are looking for a small substitute for a laptop, the Poqet PC may be just the ticket, if you can afford the admission price. Also, if you must have a palmtop with an 80 x 25 display, the Poqet PC is not only your best choice, but your only one. We found the Poqet PC to be the only unit that provided a solid word-processing environment. The combination of WordPerfect, full-size display and solid keyboard put it well above the rest in this area. Because of the Poqet's limited built-in applications, it is inappropriate as an electronic daytimer, but for applications that require full DOS compatibility the Poqet PC is the best choice. Sharp Wizard OZ-8200 If you are looking for an electronic replacement for your daybook, and DOS compatibility and power spreadsheets are unnecessary, the $399 Sharp Wizard OZ-8200 is the product for you. It features a clear 40- character x 8-line display, 128K of expandable memory, a program card slot with a unique touch screen panel and a host of built-in applications that are a pleasure to use. If you judge a palmtop on the basis of the design and operation of its built-in applications, the Wizard is head and shoulders above the rest. With a few exceptions, the Wizard's built-in software is well designed and intuitive. The scheduler provides monthly, weekly and daily views, and a time line that graphically displays start and end times of appointments, revealing scheduling conflicts. Alarms will sound even if the unit is turned off. Repeating appointments are handled through a flexible anniversary function. Three address books and a flexible, albeit slower, business card function are included. The memo function is the OZ-8200's most disappointing application. It is limited to 2,048 characters per entry. Other than a basic search facility, the Wizard's memo function offers an innovative feature called calc data. This feature can be used for storing price lists, and by using the integrated calculator, you can calculate a proposal on the spot. The outline function will appeal to even the most diehard outline user. It is useful for keeping track of to-do list, projects, presentations and a variety of other applications. A built-in module provides modem communications with the addition of a $179 pocket modem or a $499 fax/modem. This well- designed communication facility provides a dialing directory, log-on scripts, and virtual 80-column support. Other applications include a calculator with memory and paperless printer as well as an index feature that displays a one-line description of each entry in each built-in application. World and local time functions and a password facility to protect data from prying eyes are also provided. Unlike the older 7000 series, the 8200 has a standard QWERTY keyboard that is a godsend for previous Wizard users. The keys are adequately spaced, and the feel is good enough to make touch typing possible. Twelve buttons located across the top of the keyboard let you access the built-in applications. Unique to the Wizard is a touch screen located next to the display, which changes functionality with each program card. Although the Wizard is not MS-DOS compatible, Sharp and several third party vendors have released Wizard-specific applications, all utilizing the Wizard's exclusive touch screen. One of the most powerful of these is the 3-D Worksheet Manager, which is based on Lucid 3D, a popular PC-based spreadsheet. It features a 26-column and 999- row work area, and a host of advanced features, including 3-D spreadsheet-linking, macros, financial functions and graphing. Other IC program cards include Time/Expense Manager, Dictionary/Thesaurus, Language Translator, City Guide and Money Planner. Unfortunately, most of these cards, except the 3-D Worksheet Manager, were developed for the original Sharp Wizard OZ-7000 and its 16-column screen. These applications only use the first 16 columns of the Wizard 8200's 40-column display. The good news is that most new cards support the full screen. A few recently released programs include the Holy Bible, Chess, a Tetris-like game and Basic programming. Basic is not the only application development tool, though. Probably the most innovative program for the Wizard is a program called Toolkit, by Nictrix. It is both a database and application generator, and is available in both end-user and developer versions. Because palmtop computers generally serve as an extension to a desktop PC, the PC Link is a critical part of the total package. The Wizard's well-designed link provides a facility for backing up files to a PC, but it goes further by providing complete PC versions of the Wizard's built-in applications. It can also merge data changes on both the PC and Wizard. Several import and export routines are available, including Sidekick II, ASCII, comma delimited, and even Lotus 1-2-3 for the optional Time/Expense Manager card. The Sharp Wizard OZ-8200 is the perfect electronic replacement of a daytimer. Applications are full-featured and work as expected. The appointment scheduler is effective at handling even the busiest of schedules. The integrated outliner allows you to organize notes and ideas and access them at the touch of a key. The ability to easily merge data from the Wizard and a PC, via the PC Link, allows the Wizard to function as an extension of a desktop PC. The abundant supply of program cards available allow you to easily expand the Wizard as your needs grow. If DOS compatibility is not a requirement, and you want a top-notch electronic daybook with superior connectivity to both PCs and Macintoshes and a good selection of software, you can't go wrong with the Sharp Wizard OZ-8200. Recommendations Although the palmtop class of computers is still in its infancy, these products can fill the needs of just about every user. While advances still need to be made in the areas of storage media and screen technology, these products have come a long way in a relatively short time. It is impossible to make an across- the-board recommendation, because these products are clearly not one-size-fits-all. While each product has its own weaknesses, each also has its place in the market. Although it is difficult to generalize on the market breakdown of each product, key features of each product position it for specific users. The best way to decide which palmtop is right for you is to compare the relative strengths and weaknesses of each unit described in this report with your own needs and desires. If possible, find a dealer that offers a return policy, so you can try out your choice in everyday situations to see how you like it. The Casio Executive B.O.S.S. SF-9500, though inexpensive and capable as a basic organizer, offers few innovations . . . and therefore provides little incentive for new buyers of palmtops. However, existing users of earlier B.O.S.S. models may choose it as an easy upgrade. For this category of computers, you cannot make an informed decision by reading a specification sheet. From a technical specification standpoint, the Poqet PC is clearly superior, but the hefty size makes it more of an extremely small notebook computer rather than a palmtop. Also, the built-in applications are somewhat lacking, and the screen can be hard to read. Nonetheless, if what you demand is full PC compatibility, a full-size 80 x 25 display with CGA graphics capability, and a great keyboard, the $1,450 Poqet PC is the hands-down winner. The low-priced Atari Portfolio offers more than simple daytimer functions, but its DOS compatibility is limited. If you are looking for a device to use primarily as a notetaker, the Portfolio, with its well-designed keyboard, might be just right. And with the hundreds of free programs available, it is most certainly an excellent value. If your objective is to find the best all- around organizer, there's no beating the Sharp Wizard OZ-8200. Don't plan on any heavy-duty spreadsheet work--that's not really what the Wizard's designed for. The unique touch screen makes the incredible variety of card-based applications a pleasure to use (although you should avoid the older cards written for the original 16-column Wizard). The built-in schedulers, to-do lists and the like are excellent. And the perks just keep piling up, like the easy-to-use PC Link capability. Sharp's continual refinement of the Wizard should pay off for them handsomely. We're pleased to award this product our "High Honors" recommendation. For the diehard Lotus 1-2-3 user, the Hewlett-Packard 95LX is clearly the best choice. And this isn't the HP's only strength: The scheduler and alarms rival those of the Wizard, and the PC link is nearly flawless. Only the keyboard is sub-par, and even that is a matter of personal taste: Users who want a separate numeric keypad will prefer this model. As the newest palmtop on the market, the 95LX definitely benefits from Hewlett-Packard's attention to the pros and cons of the competition. We can expect a host of innovative applications for the 95LX, not the least of which is the Motorola communications device, which will take the palmtop category to a new plateau. Congratulations to Hewlett-Packard for earning the Mobile Office "High Honors" award. ---------- David Hayden is the president of Computer Systems Analysis, a consulting firm that specializes in the support of palmtop computers. ...end text SIDEBAR Battery Life Battery life has always been exaggerated by laptop vendors, and palmtop vendors have carried on this same tradition: Vendors claim as much as 150 hours of usage on a single set of batteries. Many factors affect the battery life of these pocket computers. The most dramatic is the use of peripherals, such as desktop computer links and modems. The Poqet PC, Hewlett-Packard 95LX and Atari Portfolio use AA batteries, while the Sharp Wizard and Casio B.O.S.S. use flat, round lithium batteries. A survey of many palmtop users on CompuServe revealed some interesting information on average battery life. With an average use of about two to three hours per day, including occasional links to a PC, the Casio B.O.S.S. and Sharp Wizard went three to six months without a battery change. The Poqet PC runs for about 60 hours on a set of batteries, yielding about a month of use. Extensive modem use can cut the time down to less than a week! The HP 95LX is good for three to four weeks, while the Atari Portfolio lasted about two weeks longer. These times may vary greatly depending on the amount of peripheral use such as PC links, modems, and printers. Rechargeable batteries did not perform as well, and are not recommended. Most of the palmtops have a backup battery that last about a year. Memory cards also use a backup battery that needs to be changed once a year to prevent data loss. Battery powered modems seemed to last about four to six weeks. --D.H. ...end sidebar SIDEBAR Resources Atari Computer Corporation 1196 Borregas Avenue Sunnyvale, CA 94088 (408) 745-2000 Casio Consumer Product Division 570 Mount Pleasant Avenue Dover, NJ 07801 (201) 361-5400 Hewlett-Packard 1000 NE Circle Boulevard Corvallis, OR 97330 (800) 443-1254 Poqet Computer Corporation 5200 Patrick Henry Drive Santa Clara, CA 95054 (408) 982-9500 Sharp Electronics Corporation Sharp Plaza Mahwah, NJ 07430-2135 (201) 529-8200 CompuServe 5000 Arlington Centre Boulevard Columbus, OH 43220 (800) 848-8990 DataBook, Inc. Tower Building Terrace Hill Ithaca, NY 14850 (716) 889-4204 Digital Equipment Corporation 143 Main Street Maynard, MA 01754 (800) DIG-ITAL Eastman Kodak Company 901 Elm Grove Road Rochester, NY 14653-6201 (800) 344-0006 Globalink 9302 Lee Highway 4th Floor Fairfax, VA 22031 (703) 273-5600 Memory Card Associates 1016 East El Camino Real, Ste. 273 Sunnyvale, CA 94087 (408) 236-2623 Motorola, Inc. 1500 NW 22nd Street Avenue Boynton Beach, FL 33426 (407) 364-2000 Nictrix Corporation Leonia 80 Technical Center 2 Christie Heights Street Leonia, NJ 07605 (201) 947-2220 Practical Peripherals 31245 La Baya Drive Westlake Village, CA 91362 (800) 442-4774 Selectronics, Inc. Two Tobey Village Office Park Pittsford, NY 14534 (716) 248-3875 U.S. Robotics 8100 N. McCormick Skokie, IL 60076 (800) 342-5877 Xoterix 23106 Baltar Street West Hills, CA 91304 (818) 888-7390