If so, you're definitely in the market for one of the 8MB or more models. Models such as the new Palm m500 and Palm m505 as well as the Visor line, the Handera 330, and the Sony CLIE allow you to expand the memory beyond 8MB. In the interest of space, I'm not going to discuss the various expansion modules for those units.

The Palm IIIc, Palm VIIx, and Palm Vx may be what you're looking for. These models now represent the older Palm OS handhelds, but they're still nice units. These 8MB models aren't expandable and are getting near the end of their sales life, but they're still quite nice. The Palm VIIx is wireless, and you can only use Palm's, Palm.net service plan, which ranges from $10 to $45 a month depending on the plan. If the Palm VIIx doesn't appeal to you, there are other options, such as purchasing a wireless modem (not available for every model). Again, the monthly service charges can be expensive.

How can you tell if a model is nearing the end of its life?
There are a couple of obvious signs that a model may be nearing the end of its life, such as rumors and press leaks, some I suspect deliberately started by the manufacturers. Another sign might be a price drop of the model and its accessories. Most recently, the Palm VIIx and the Palm IIIc and its accessories have experienced regular price reductions.

This is very similar to the automotive industry. If you bought the 1999 Toyota Avalon, you have a really nice car. However, in 2000, the Avalon underwent a radical body change. People who did their research before buying the 1999 Avalon knew this and made an informed decision to buy the 1999 model. They got a great car, and probably, taking the upcoming body change into consideration, they got a great deal. Others who didn't do a great deal of research and bought the 1999 model may have been surprised and unhappy when the 2000 model arrived in the showroom, feeling their 1999 models were dated and somehow not as good.

If you're the type of person who can be happy with a model that is soon to be phased out, that's fine. However, if you're the type who is going to be envious when your neighbor drives by in his newer model, then you should purchase one of the more recently released models. On the other hand, you might as well face the fact that technology changes every year or more, so you'll probably have to get used to the idea that whatever you've bought gets old pretty quickly.

Other considerations: size and color
There are two other considerations to keep in mind when choosing a handheld. These are size and color.

Size does matter
Regardless of what your significant other told you, size does matter....at least when it comes to PDAs. If it's too big, bulky, or heavy, you're not going to use it. It's going to be a hassle to carry. Another point to consider is whether a particular model is too small. How does it feel in your hand? How does it feel in your pocket, if that's where you plan to carry it.

My husband is well over six feet tall. While he likes the sleekness of the Palm V series, they feel too small and flimsy to him, so he's sticking with his Palm IIIx. The new Sony CLIE, while sleek in design, feels sturdier and more comfortable to him and most likely will be his next model. I love the Visor Edge, especially in red. However, what was Handspring thinking? Why design a sleek model and then it bulk it up considerably with the way the Springboards attach? Of course, if you don't plan too use Springboards, then it's not a problem.