I've had hand held PCs before, but I'm thinking about getting a new one.  

I've been a fan of Palm OS, but it seems that is quickly becoming obsolete thanks to Daddy Gates.

So, how about some info from those of you that know out there?

What is a good general purpose PocketPC or PalmOS handheld?

Multimedia capability is only a secondary capacity.

It should run Pocket Excel/Pocket Access or a similarly functional program quickly and easily.

It should have good memory or be upgradable in this respect (memorystick or SD cards, etc)

Wireless uplink to anything isn't a big deal.

Biometric security for the device is nice, but also secondary.

It must have a very functional and easy to use day planner, or one that is downloadable at minimal cost.

It should be easy to learn to operate (I've got an advantage with PalmOS based devices).

Keyboard attached to the device is optional.

A good processor is a plus--I hate waiting.

I'm not going to worry about price, but under $400-500 would be nice.  I just want some opinions from actual users of some of these devices to give me a starting point for research.

I'm going to add some info about the intended use.

My job will have me travelling alot once I'm trained on all the equipment etc etc.  I think a handheld will be good for keeping track of itenaries--flights, hotels, maps from the airport to hotels and from hotels to the customer destination, etc.  

Also having access to schematics (I'll have to be creative to convert them from an Autocad2k file to something that will work on a handheld, but I can do it I'm sure) and PDFs of software and hardware manuals would be really helpful.

Expense tracking for the trips too.

Unresponsive - sorry - but I'm in the same boat and instead, I use a 15' portable PC and...


I leave the PC in the motel along with a full-size folding keyboard and real mouse since my big paws and poor typing skills limit my capability with a portable keyboard, etc.  All hard info written in my day-planner is also in the PC and new info transfered to the PC each night.  If the dayplanner gets lost, I just go to any convenient store and get another one - no big deal.

Quoted: I'm on the same boat but use a 15' portable PC and...

Yeah, I've got a notebook, but I'm not going to be pulling out my 15" widescreen at a resturant to enter in $9.89 for dinner on [date].  

Same thing...if I need a quick ref of a doc or schematic, pulling out the ol' 15" badass is going to be a bit cumbersome...not to mention trying to get all the porn off of it to make it 'customer friendly'

So in these instances, I figure it would make more sense to have a handheld PC.

Oops .  I was editing when you posted.  Sorry.  I do see you points and realize I'm old-fashioned but then I've lost stuff too .  Just shared an opinion, no hijack intended, and I'll butt out now.

Steve