When field salespeople synchronize their PalmPilots with their PCs, they automatically get the new data. Mobile users can't always get to their desktops to connect. So last year, Palm introduced a modem for the PalmPilot. Also giving that trend a big boost are a willingness by corporate network administrators to support PalmPilots, and now, wireless connections. Novatel offers national CDPD service, which runs over the conventional analog cellular network, through GoAmerica.
Service is also available from some local cellular carriers.
CDPD is available in most large metropolitan areas, but it can bog down at times when cellular traffic is heavy, such as evening rush hour. While the PalmPilot isn't great for long messages, it handles short notes well. Once you have mastered its Graffiti shorthand, it can be easier to use to write messages than the mini-keyboards on other handhelds. Other services are starting to take advantage of this communications ability. Most Pilots are still used as simple organizers.