As palmtop/handheld computers with email and Internet connections, today's units are light years ahead of the early units based on features, technology, and quality. And things will continue to change rapidly. Palm, Inc. is doing color; Microsoft is actually scaling down Windows CE somewhat, or at least making it more user friendly. Linux-based units are already being introduced. Inevitably, all of the PDA world will reconcile itself with the cellular phone world because wireless connectivity seems to be the wave of the near future.

Combining an effective organizer, a capable processor running complex applications, wireless connectivity, a color screen, expansion capabilities, huge amounts of RAM, decent battery life, and effective input methods, all in a lightweight, portable, and usable unit is certainly a tall order, and one that the early designers probably couldn't imagine. If such a perfect machine ever gets manufactured, guess who'll be strolling down the aisle with a box in one hand and money in the other.

Heather McDaniel is unique because she has experience in three important fields--real estate, handheld computing, and personal success coaching. She holds a real estate license in both Hawaii and New Jersey. Prior to starting her own personal success coaching business dedicated to helping people reach their goals, Heather is the news editor and former sales manager for ZATZ, publishers of this magazine. She's widely acknowledged as a leading expert on the handheld industry. For a free coaching session, contact Heather at heather@coachheather.com or visit http://www.coachheather.com.