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. Don't plan on writing a novel on a palmtop, and don't expect a gratifying Internet experience given the dimensions of the monochrome display. Apple's MessagePad 2000, by contrast, has the power and versatility to merit consideration as an alternative to a laptop. It comes with a web browser, e-mail, spreadsheet, calendar, word processor, and note and sketch pads.