Document reader
I don't think an issue of PalmPower's Enterprise Edition has gone by where we didn't mention DataViz, Inc.'s Documents To Go Professional Edition software (at http://www.dataviz.com). It's one of the truly universal enterprise applications, as it allows you to view and edit Word, Excel, and other files right on your Palm device. Wouldn't you find that useful in any line of work?

Palm obviously recognized the benefits enterprise users have found in Documents To Go Professional Edition, because the software is now being bundled with the Palm m500 series handhelds. If you buy the device, the software's yours, meaning you'll be able to access all your important files, such as sales forecasts, expense reports, and contracts, wherever you go.

Other bundled software
Besides Documents To Go, the m500 series devices are bundled with some other useful enterprise-related pieces of software. First, there's the Infinity Softworks powerOne Personal calculator (at http://www.infinitysw.com/Products/powerOne_Personal.html), which can be used to perform advanced math and business functions. It's pictured in Figure F.

FIGURE F

The powerOne Personal calculator can perform advanced math and business functions.

The devices are also bundled with Chapura PocketMirror 3.02 (at http://www.chapura.com). You can use PocketMirror to synchronize your device with Microsoft Outlook Calendar, Contacts, Tasks, and Notes. You can find more information on how it works in Bob Draper's series running in PalmPower Magazine. His article, "A step-by-step guide to configuring PocketMirror and Microsoft Outlook," appeared in the January 2001 issue at http://www.palmpower.com/issues/issue200101/pocketmirror001.html.

Other bundled software includes the following:

• Palm Reader for reading ebooks on your Palm handheld;

• MGI PhotoSuite Mobile Edition for viewing and sharing images and video clips;

• AvantGo for wireless and offline access from a handheld to content and applications on the Web;

• AOL for Palm OS to allow AOL members to send and receive AOL email and instant messages.

Silent alerts
I make use of the alarm function in the Date Book of my Palm IIIc all the time. As handy as it can be, though, on more than one occasion the alarm has gone off in the middle of a meeting or a seminar, much to my embarrassment. This need no longer be the case, as both of the m500 series devices can be programmed for silent alerts. You can choose between a vibrate mode or a blinking LED for notification of important events and messages.

Security
If you use your Palm device on the job, security can be a big issue, particularly if you keep sensitive company information stored on your device. The m500 series has improved security features, including new password protection, user-configured automatic lockout, improved data masking, and password "hinting."

Accessories and peripherals
There are a number of accessories and peripherals that are already available for use with the m500 series of handhelds. Choosing a case is important to protect your Palm device as it gets banged around in your briefcase or jacket pocket. Four leather cases are available at the moment for the m500 series, ranging in price from $24.95 to $34.95. There's even a zippered model, pictured in Figure G, that includes slots to hold all your SD cards or MultiMediaCards.