On the other hand, many new houses are already being built wired for high-speed data access. Demand for handheld computing devices is predicted to continue growing rapidly. According to Dataquest, a market research firm, more than 30 million people will use handheld computers by 2003. Dominance in the handheld market is potentially lucrative because demand for small devices is growing. Palm devices are popular because they are simple to use, synchronize easily with users' desktops, and offer a growing range of applications.
Current users seem to prefer smaller devices.
Palm Computing and Sony plan to jointly develop a new version that will include audiovisual functionality and support for Sony's small, portable Memory Stick storage technology. In another agreement, Nokia plans to incorporate the Palm user interface and Palm applications into its smart phones and other devices, Nokia plans a phone that combines wireless voice and data access with information management capabilities. Other likely features will include calendar applications, and an expansion slot will let users add hardware and software capabilities via snap-in modules. Science fiction made popular the idea that our most useful tools could be both portable and intelligent. In reality, it did happen.