They could store phone numbers and help manage personal schedules, but did little else. While their diminutive size and miniature memories automatically limit them in many respects, PDAs such as Apple's newest Newton are useful, if unorthodox, solutions to the challenge of computing while commuting. Other machines, including Hewlett-Packard's 320LX palmtop, minimize the hassles of switching between different kinds of computers by sticking to familiar software and user interfaces. The palmtop's strength is its use of Microsoft's Windows CE operating system and a suite of stripped-down Windows applications that are close cousins to the most popular PC software. Commands are also familiar to Windows users, although there's no mouse or pointer.
Input is delivered via a small keyboard and by tapping twice on screen icons with a stylus.
Sharing documents between PC and palmtop is simple and seamless, the only drawback being that the portable's onboard address book and scheduler only talks to Microsoft Schedule Plus. A modem or additional memory can be added via a PC-card slot. Power is provided by AA batteries. The 320LX isn't quite compact enough to slip into a jacket pocket. It's awkward to use while holding it in one hand.