Reference and directories
Reference tools are becoming popular for wireless use, and there are some very good ones available. I like GuruNet because it searches a variety of reference sources at once. Using this tool, you don't have to carry multiple applications on your Palm device. GuruNet is similar to a search engine, however I like to think of it as a reference engine. The entrance screen is simple, as you can see in Figure C, but the information returned can be quite detailed.

FIGURE C

The GuruNet entrance screen is simple, but the information returned can be quite detailed.

The GuruNet application will search a variety of databases and return definitions, company news and stock information if applicable, translations, encyclopedia information, and more. Each search result varies according to what you enter on the main page, but the expanse of information returned can be tremendous. For more information on GuruNet, visit http://www.gurunet.com/.

Travel
iTrackU and Traveler SOS are my picks for the best Travel PQAs. Many travel PQAs are used to book flights, hotel rooms, and rental cars, but iTrackU is just a simple and useful application that allows you to check a plane's arrival or departure status. iTrackU allows you to first input the airline code and flight number, as seen in Figure D.

FIGURE D

To check your flight's status, first input the airline code and flight number.

It immediately returns either summarized or detailed information about that flight, as seen in Figure E.

FIGURE E

iTrackU then returns either summarized or detailed information.

For more information on iTrackU, visit http://www.itracku.com/enm/en/pqa.html.

Traveler SOS is an application that provides emergency service to road travelers. As seen in Figure F, the application has other relevant features, but the real strength is the emergency service features.

FIGURE F

Traveler SOS provides a number of relevant features, including emergency service.

If you get stranded on the side of the road, simply tap the Assist icon, and you're put in contact with the 24-hour customer service representatives of 1-800-Tow-Truck. A service representative will dispatch a tow truck to your current location, secure a taxi, or even track someone down by phone to deliver a message. The basic service is free, but for $59 a year, the premium version will provide you up to $100 in roadside assistance per incident. For more information on Traveler SOS, visit http://www.travelersos.com.

Communication
eFax, pictured in Figure G, is an excellent communication PQA that provides you with an online fax number.

FIGURE G

eFax lets you receive faxes on the go.

When faxes arrive, they're immediately forwarded to the email account of your choice. The Palm OS version of eFax allows you to forward any fax to a nearby fax machine or printer. Thus, even when you're away from your office, you can still receive and review faxes as needed. For more information on eFax, visit http://www.efax.com.

My favorite communication PQA is AIM. The AOL Instant Messenger application is still in beta testing and thus only available on AOL proper, however it's already almost indispensable to those who use it. As you can see in Figure H, it's packed full of features such as quick smiley faces and Palm shortcuts.