Mobile Computing: Port Replicators

HANDHELDS

News: Gateway's Portable Music Player

The new Gateway Digital Audio Player is a tiny (1.5-ounce) and sleek USB device that also offers data storage and voice recording capabilities. It comes in two versions: the DMP-200 ($130) with 128MB of memory, and the DMP-300 ($170) with 256MB. Both devices connect to PCs via a USB port. Unlike many MP3 players, you can format and delete music files and create play lists directly from the devices.

Review: Best Buys in Wireless PDAs

PCWorld.com recently tested ten of the latest connected PDAs--handhelds that double as a mobile phone as well as models that offer Wi-Fi networking. We found two Best Buys: the Sony Ericsson P800, a PDA/cell phone combo; and the Palm Tungsten C with built-in wireless connectivity.

The sleek, tri-band Sony Ericsson P800 includes a roomy LCD and handles voice functions nicely. Phone sound quality (using AT&T's service) was excellent. As for data, the Symbian OS is fairly easy to use; but Web browsing, e-mailing, and other tasks require too many clicks.

Palm's Tungsten C scores high marks for offering a sturdy thumb keyboard and the Graffiti 2 handwriting recognition system. Based on Palm OS 5.2.1, the Tungsten C also includes a robust processor, 64MB of memory, a Secure Digital card slot, and the most usable Wi-Fi we've seen on a handheld.

News: Sony Car Cradle Shows the Way

Sony's Clie models are among the most feature-rich, innovative, and stylish PDAs on the market. Now Sony has come out with a car cradle accessory that adds GPS navigation, driving directions, and other in-car features to certain Clie models.

When docked in the Clie PEGA-CC5 car cradle ($300), Sony Clie models PEG-NX80V, -NX73V and -TG50 allow users to get turn-by-turn, voice-prompted directions (using Rand McNally's StreetFinder Travel Navigation software, included with the car cradle). You can also listen to music files stored on a Clie through the car's speakers and have e-mail messages read to you. The car cradle, which plugs into a car's power port or cigarette lighter, recharges the Clie device as well. For more info, go to Sony's Web site and search on "PEGA-CC5."