I can't yet recommend a Pocket PC device over a Palm device for day-to-day work. In my experience, Palm OS devices work more smoothly and more reliably. On the other hand, you have to look at the robustness of the companies producing the devices. While Handspring hasn't tanked as hard as Palm, they've had a rough ride, as well. And no matter how you cut it, neither Handspring nor Palm are of the caliber of an HP/Compaq or a Dell. Dell has recently announced their own Pocket PC product.

All in all, it's been a tough year for almost everyone, financially, operationally, and emotionally. It's been just about a year since the events of September 11, 2002, and most of us are still here. I'm not sure what the next twelve months will bring, but here's hoping for a good year for all.

-- DG

PS: Just for the record, I own no stock and haven't owned stock in any of the companies mentioned, except for Apple. I owned some of their stock many, many years ago. For now, my entire portfolio is in ZATZ, which tells you which horse I'm betting on.

Steve Niles is Senior Editor for ZATZ Publishing. He is also an independent filmmaker and freelance writer. For more information, visit http://www.sn-films.com.