If you're a graphic designer, well, forget it. Although there are drawing and painting programs for the Palm OS (such as TealPoint Software's TealPaint), they're much more akin to MacPaint than to any graphics program on the market today. You can read all about TealPoint's products in the February 1999 issue of PalmPower at http://www.palmpower.com/issues/issue199902/teal001.html.

A minor exception to the lack of graphic design ability is the recent appearance of digital cameras available for Palm devices that let you take photos using your Palm device and transfer them to your computer. I don't have hands-on experience with them, but if you need low to medium-resolution color or grayscale images in a small package, check out the eyemodule for Visor or Kodak's PalmPix cameras. You can read Craig Bobchin's article on the eyemodule in the June issue of PalmPower at http://www.palmpower.com/issues/issue200006/eyemodule001.html.

Portable power
A last consideration is energy. For most Palm devices, you'll do fine by tossing a package of AAA batteries in your bag. They're significantly lighter than an extra laptop battery. However, rechargeable models such as the Palm IIIc and Palm V require the HotSync cradle and a power brick to top off their battery levels. Carrying these adds weight and awkwardness (a HotSync cradle's rounded triangular shape refuses to pack well), so instead consider purchasing Palm's travel chargers if you're going to be away from the cradle for longer than a week or two. Other power alternatives include LandWare's BattPac, a snap-on Palm V attachment that uses AAA batteries to feed juice to the handheld. It's pictured in Figure C.

FIGURE C


LandWare's BattPac let's you recharge on the go. Roll over picture for a larger image.

You could also try one of Tech Center Labs' emergency chargers. The TCL Emergency 9V Charger is pictured in Figure D.

FIGURE D


The TCL Emergency 9V Charger can work in a pinch. Roll over picture for a larger image.

Handy mobility
My solution for staying portable so far has been to carry both my PowerBook and my Palm organizer. Each has its strengths, and in some cases, like word processing, I swap between them (especially when I'm flying, since most seats have barely enough room for me to sit comfortably, much less operate my PowerBook). However, it's possible to leave the laptop behind and do all your computing in your Palm device, provided you're willing to work within some limitations.

Jeff Carlson is the author of Palm Organizers Visual QuickStart Guide and is the Managing Editor of TidBITS at http://www.tidbits.com. He can be reached at jeff@necoffee.com. For more information on Jeff's book, "Palm Organizers Visual QuickStart Guide," visit http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/0201700638/escenetheworldsbA/.