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There are lots of reasons for buying PDAs, and not all of them have to do with the devices' utility; some people just like the image they think PDAs project - that of a busy, connected mover and shaker. Of course, in some circles, carrying a PDA makes you an info-geek who needs to get a life. It's sort of like the people who carry three cellphones and two beepers whenever they go out; are they "connected," or just insecure?

Ours is not to analyze the psychology of workaholics; as far as most of us are concerned, the point of a PDA is productivity when you're away from your computer, and an easy way to store bits of information you pick up on your travels, whether it's phone numbers or appointments. Ergo, the value of a PDA - to you - is in its software. So let's see just how useful a PDA can be.

OF COURSE, both Palm and Pocket PC PDAs come with basic applications, like a memo pad, phone book, calendar, note pad, calculator and desktop PIM (Personal Information Manager). Although these are pretty basic, they have plenty of useful features, and many users make do with the basic software. But PDAs have other functions that can be taken advantage of by more sophisticated software purchased online and easily added.

In some respects, Pocket PCs have an advantage over Palms when it comes to software. Both Windows CE and Palm OS 5 devices have built in e-mail applications, but not all older Palm models come with an e-mail application. Pocket PCs also come standard with an on-line and off-line browser and an e-book reader - software not standard on all Palm devices.

The greatest advantage of Pocket PCs over Palms in terms of software is the fact that they are based on the Windows platform, and come with palmtop versions of Microsoft Word, Excel and Outlook. Using the syncing software, you can seamlessly upload and download documents to and from your PC. While some users find the idea of editing Word or Excel documents on the tiny handheld screen daunting, all users welcome Pocket PCs' ability to use desktop Outlook for e-mail and contacts. And of course, plugging into Outlook means plugging into your company's Exchange server - and it's all included in the package.

Palms can also hook up with Office documents and e- mail - there are several suites that do this, the most notable being Documents to Go by Dataviz (www.dataviz.com). The full version of the program (which costs $90) also supports Powerpoint documents and MS Access databases. Although many reviews say Documents to Go's document handling and interface is superior to that of the Pocket PC's Office programs, be aware that because of the way it handles text, it may not be compatible with some add-ons, like spell checkers or other popup programs. For Outlook, Dataviz offers Beyond Contacts, which has all the e-mail and scheduling features of desktop Outlook. Chapura (www.chapura.com) also makes popular Outlook syncing programs ($40 and up).

If you're not tied to Outlook, though, you have some excellent PIM and e-mail choices on Palms. The Palm Desktop software is easy to learn and use, and is built into all Palms. Eudora, the excellent free e-mail program, also provides a free e-mail application for Palms, which will hook up not only with Eudora desktop, but mail apps like Outlook and Mozilla/ Netscape, and provides a free Web browser as well. Both Pocket PCs and Palms can also sync with Lotus Notes (as well as Outlook) by using Intellisync ($70, from www.pumatech.com). If your device doesn't have a modem or wi-fi connection, you still get to send and download e-mail from it every time you sync with your PC.

WHAT ABOUT surfing the Web? Well, unless you have an always- connected device, traditional Web surfing is out - but you can still get your favorite Web pages. The premiere program to do this is Avantgo (www.avantgo.com) which is a web clipping program that downloads handheld versions of news, sports, technology and other information sites. You can also easily make your own Web "feeds" of any page by using iSilo and iSiloX (www.isilo.com) - a document reader that handles hyperlinks with ease. Both are available for Pocket PCs and Palms.

Another very popular option for handheld devices, by the way, is - believe it or not - software to turn them into remote controls. Software can use the IR ports of Palms and Pocket PCs to send commands to TVs, VCRs, DVDs, and all sorts of other devices.

Along with the basics, there are plethora of useful applications for both platforms, from databases to schedulers to dog chasers (which emit a high-pitched signal only dogs can hear; available at www.freewarepalm.com/misc/dog-b-gone.shtml). If Pocket PCs have an edge because they fit Windows like a glove, Palm's great advantage is in the amount of software - including freeware - available. About two thirds of all handheld software is available exclusively for the Palm platform, most at very low cost (under $20). Pocket PC software is usually more expensive, and there's less free stuff available. Some good spots for Palm software are www.freewarepalm. com and www.eurocool.com and www.palmgear.com for shareware. Pocket PC freeware can be found at www.freewareppc.com and pocketpc. pdatopsoft.com for shareware.

It's worth checking out what's available in terms of software before committing to either platform; once you commit to one or the other and your documents and software are built around that device, you might find it difficult to switch. Make sure you check out the games available, too. After all, if you can't relax, you won't be as productive as you can be, which would defeat the whole purpose of having a PDA!

What about Hebrew, you ask? What about all those folks you see using their Palm Pilots as prayerbooks at mincha time? You, too, can turn your handheld into an expression of your beliefs at the PilotYid site (www.pilotyid.com) which has software and links to Jewish calendars, religious texts, Omer counters, holiday guides, Hebrew support, etc. The people who run the site have maintained it for many years, constantly searching for updated software.

Next week we'll look at some specific devices, and see how best to make sense of all the features and models available.

ds@newzgeek.com

The greatest advantage of Pocket PCs over Palms in terms of software is the fact that they are based on the Windows platform, and come with palmtop versions of Microsoft Word, Excel and Outlook. Using the syncing software, you can seamlessly upload and download documents to and from your PC. While some users find the idea of editing Word or Excel documents on the tiny handheld screen daunting, all users welcome Pocket PCs' ability to use desktop Outlook for e-mail and contacts. And of course, plugging into Outlook means plugging into your company's Exchange server - and it's all included in the package.

Palms can also hook up with Office documents and e- mail - there are several suites that do this, the most notable being Documents to Go by Dataviz (www.dataviz.com). The full version of the program (which costs $90) also supports Powerpoint documents and MS Access databases. Although many reviews say Documents to Go's document handling and interface is superior to that of the Pocket PC's Office programs, be aware that because of the way it handles text, it may not be compatible with some add-ons, like spell checkers or other popup programs. For Outlook, Dataviz offers Beyond Contacts, which has all the e-mail and scheduling features of desktop Outlook. Chapura (www.chapura.com) also makes popular Outlook syncing programs ($40 and up).

If you're not tied to Outlook, though, you have some excellent PIM and e-mail choices on Palms. The Palm Desktop software is easy to learn and use, and is built into all Palms. Eudora, the excellent free e-mail program, also provides a free e-mail application for Palms, which will hook up not only with Eudora desktop, but mail apps like Outlook and Mozilla/ Netscape, and provides a free Web browser as well. Both Pocket PCs and Palms can also sync with Lotus Notes (as well as Outlook) by using Intellisync ($70, from www.pumatech.com). If your device doesn't have a modem or wi-fi connection, you still get to send and download e-mail from it every time you sync with your PC.