Unlike desktop and notebook computers, you can often find some of your best handheld options in the PDAs that have been around for a while. Since most users don't need the latest and greatest processor, you'll be fine shopping around for models that have spent some proven time on the market.

For example, take the Palm Tungsten T5. Released at the end of 2004 for $400, you can now find it for well under that figure. The T5 features 256MB of built-in storage that can be expanded with Secure Digital, SDIO, or MultiMedia Cards.

There's a large and bright 3-7/10-inch screen that offers 320X480 resolution, giving you sharp images for your applications or games. With a touch of the stylus, you can go from portrait to landscape mode, providing two viewing options for photos and applications.

In addition, Palm designed the T5 to serve as a USB Flash drive, letting you connect it to any USB-capable PC without having to install drivers. This feature definitely comes in handy for file sharing with coworkers or friends. Just plug in the T5 and you can move files back and forth as with any external hard drive.

The T5 also has Flash memory for storage, so the files you're working on won't be lost if you run out of juice before you can recharge the batteries (they last around 5 hours between charges).

The steel gray case is aesthetically designed, featuring four application buttons on the bottom surrounding a five-way navigator that feels like a gaming D-pad. The navigator lets you manipulate the T5's menus with only one hand.

There's built-in Bluetooth so you can connect to Bluetooth PCs and peripherals, as well as Bluetooth cell phones to access the internet. However, there's no native wireless connectivity (an SD Wi-Fi card for the T5 will cost $99.99).

Business users will appreciate the integrated support for Microsoft Office applications including Word, Excel, and PowerPoint via DocumentsToGo. Multimedia users will enjoy video and audio playback on the T5; there's a speaker as well as a stereo headphone jack, so you can use the T5 as an MP3 player.

With a great price and excellent performance, Palm's Tungsten T5 still manages to be one of the better PDAs out there.

Pro: Good price, large and sharp screen. Proven reliability and functionality.
Con: No built-in wireless.

FOR MORE INFORMATION

Palm
950 West Maude Avenue
Sunnyvale, CA 94085
408-617-7000
http://www.palm.com/us

Warranty
1 year limited