From The Editor  

Rich Hall

The cover page of this issue of Handheld PC Magazine proclaims "The Best Little Handheld on the Planet!" Ed Zabrek, the author of the review, and quite a few others I've talked to are in love with Hewlett-Packard's new Jornada 680 Handheld PC Professional Edition computer. In fact, I'm carrying one in my pocket right now.

When the H/PC Pros started coming out late last year, we kept seeing devices the size of a small notebook computer. Most of them had 640x480-or-better color screens, and most of them had keyboards over 90% the size of a standard keyboard. Many in the computer press were speculating that we had seen the end of the small, pocketable Handheld PC. After all, who could use that tiny keyboard anyhow?

Those of us who have been writing about mobile computing for more than a couple of years suspected that we had not seen the last of the smaller handhelds. There is an honorable tradition of devices like the Poquet, the Psion and the HP 200LX Palmtop PCs. More importantly, there are millions of users who like this type of device (it has a small keyboard, comes with the necessary software built in, and it slips in your pocket). And yes, you can use the keyboard. You develop shortcuts, sometimes you type with three or four fingers on each hand, but you adapt very quickly. Take a look at the review of the Jornada 680 for more on this innovative device. Ed Zabrek also reviews Compaq's entry into the Palm-size PC arena, their new color-screen Aero 2100. This Palm-size PC has one of the most readable screens I've seen. This is especially true out of doors, in bright sunlight.

Much of the rest of the issue is devoted to "on-the-road" issues. I take a look at four ultra-portable printers for mobile professionals who must take a printer with them. I also give some tips that can help you avoid the hassle. Contributing Editor Chris De Herrera gives us his top five tips for staying connected on the road. Regular contributor Jason Perlow takes a look at wireless communications solutions that help you stay in touch on the road. I also take a look a bSQUARE's bREADY Reader, software that lets you read a good book on your PC Companion.

I'd like to thank John Phillips for writing about how his company used H/PCs to organize and simplify their merchandising effort. Thanks also to Andy Seybold for his article on information appliances. Finally, a big thanks to Contributing Editor Jim Christian. A recent e-mail survey indicated that our readers wanted more how-to articles and tips. Jim obliged by deluging me with over 100 tips and tricks. We only had room for the first 50 in this issue. They're short and sweet, and cover a variety of topics. Let me know if we're on the right track.