The Step Keeper's biggest drawback is that its software is stored on the module instead of on your Visor, so you can't access it unless the module is inserted in your handheld. It would be nice to be able to look at old records without having to first plug in the module. Also, since the module draws its power from the handheld, this can be a drain on your Visor's battery. Unfortunately, there's no desktop software included with the Step Keeper, either. You can, however, export records to the Memo Pad and then transfer them to your computer when you synchronize.

The bottom line
If walking is part of your regular fitness routine and you own a Handspring Visor, the Step Keeper is an intriguing option. However, at $49.95, the Step Keeper is more expensive than many standalone pedometers. The record-keeping and graphing abilities are nice features, but whether or not they justify the higher price is a decision only you can make.

Product availability and resources For more information on Step Keeper, visit http://www.hscus.com/stepKeeper.htm. For more information about Palm computers, visit http://www.palm.com. Easy, flexible article reprints ZATZ now offers a quick, easy, flexible and inexpensive way to use article reprints in your marketing and promotion efforts. You can now get article reprints for a one-time fee of only $200. For details, visit http://mediakit.zatz.com/reprints.

Vikki Lipset is a freelance writer who lives in Norwich, VT. She was formerly associate editor at Access Magazine. Comments can be sent to vllipset@yahoo.com.