Should we call them computicators?

• Author: Gilbert, Jo
• Position: Innovative personal computer devices for business use - Industry Overview

New electronic gadgets let you conduct business anywhere. Soon, they'll even anticipate your needs.

Devices on the market or in the works put loads of information at users' fingertips. Some of the so-called "palmtop" products can transmit fax or e-mail messages, retrieve information, organize schedules and record notes. In order to keep mobile professionals truly mobile, these products are powered by batteries or battery packs and often can communicate via cellular or other wireless technology.

An example of the latest hand-held technology comes from Hewlett-Packard Co. Its HP 95LX is roughly the size of a thick checkbook, weighing 11 ounces. It looks like a pocket organizer but is geared toward computer users. It comes standard with Lotus 1-2-3 and other software, and some 500 different programs have been developed to make the device work for insurance agents, physicians, real-estate agents, sales people and bond traders.

The 95LX can transfer files and connect to printers and modems. Its organizational applications are handy: an appointment book, a phone book and a memo function. An alarm can be set to remind users of especially important engagements.

Its biggest negative may be the tiny keyboard. "It is definitely something a person would not use if they're going to be doing a lot of letter writing or things like that," says Lucy Honig of Hewlett-Packard. "But it is designed to be a very, very powerful PC that is unconsciously portable."

The tiny keyboard is not a problem with another breed of hand-held electronic gizmos. IBM and EO both have pen-based products already available, and one from Apple is on the way.

IBM's ThinkPad 710T is quite a bit larger than a typical palmtop device, but provides similar convenience. According to Bob Kehlor, personal computer product manager for IBM Indiana, the practical uses for IBM's tablet are many--but mostly revolve around "anybody who has to fill out forms," such as service technicians, insurance agents, real-estate brokers, meter readers and census takers.

But it's not just an electronic form with a stylus. The IBM tablet can be used to take notes that then can be converted to type. With a variety of ports, the 710T can be connected to an external display for presentations or to other peripherals that can enhance productivity. "You can connect it to a keyboard, mouse and a printer and run it like a regular computer," Kehlor says, "and then unplug everything and take it with you."

EO Inc.'s...