The tools of the trade
Each writer using a Palm handheld has different needs and patterns. As a general rule, handheld writing requires the following:

• A case that provides protection, easy access, and portability;

• Various input options that are effective in all of the situations where the Palm handheld will be used;

• A viewing screen that is effective for displaying text clearly.

A system that includes these three abilities will be the most effective for mobile writing. I'm not going to recommend a particular combination of products, because what may be a suburb input method for me is almost certainly not going to work out for everyone else. Keep the three abilities in mind and whatever device you decide on will be as close to perfect as they come.

In addition to the proper hardware setup, having the right collection of software is necessary for using your Palm handheld as a writing tool. Mobile writing contains two software requirements in addition to the ebook reading software that you already have: planning/organization software and word processing software. In my experience, Pimlico's line of feature-rich Date Book replacements (at http://www.pimlicosoftware.com) are exceptional programs for managing all the agenda and to-do functions that mobile writer's require. Also, for organization and planning, I believe that a mapping/outlining program such as Shadow Plan (at http://www.codejedi.com) is very helpful for task management and brainstorming.

Since the whole point of writing on the go is actually writing, the proper word processing software is important. The most essential part of a handheld word processing program isn't the program itself, but the conduit that synchronizes your documents on your Palm OS device with those that reside on your desktop. This conduit needs to be efficient, smooth, and as seamless as possible. If you have to jump through numerous hoops in order to access your documents, the usefulness of a Palm handheld decreases significantly. The idea is to save time, not waste it trying to get a conduit to behave as it should.

WordSmith (at http://www.bluenomad.com) is a popular Palm OS word-processing application that has an impressive feature set and an amazing conduit. Sometimes, though, a feature rich program like WordSmith can get in the way of productivity. In a case like that, a simpler program such as Paul Nevai's Pedit (at http://www.paulcomputing.com) or one of the many other fine document editors available may be in order.

Writing with a Palm handheld
Now that you're all set up with a great package of gear and software, all you have to do now is figure out how you're going to make use of the Palm handheld as part of your writing process. Since everyone writes differently, there's no single right way to write with a handheld. Over the past few years of using various handheld devices in my writing process, I have come across a few attitudes and ideas that may make writing with my Palm handheld much easier.