Add to Your Palm

Grab these useful apps for the Palm in your hand.

Linda L. Grubbs, PC World

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You can't get along without your PalmPilot. But you're not as crazy about that Palm operating system. As it stands, you can keep track of addresses and appointments--but what if you want to do more? You can add functions to the Palm OS and make the apps it already has easier to use with downloadable Palm OS utilities and hacks.

Download HackMaster and tweak the Palm OS with "hack" files, separate files that add functions or customize the OS. Use the pull-down menu in MenuHack to access the application that has your contact information. Plan your route from the airport to the meeting with the utility HandMap, a map viewer/atlas. Jot down notes, then set reminders to follow up on them with DiddleBug, a free utility. Or send instant messages to your colleagues back at the office with ICQ for the Palm OS.

1. HandMap: Turn your Palm device into an interactive atlas: Download and view maps, search for streets and landmarks, plan routes, set markers, and calculate distances.

2. BigClock: Enlarge the time and date on your Palm display with this freeware clock. It has four separate alarms with different sounds, a snooze option, up to four world time settings, and a timer.

3. HackMaster: Customize and enhance your Palm with this system extension manager. HackMaster uses an open standard for separately downloadable "hack" files that tweak your Palm OS. You can instantly install and uninstall hacks in any order without restarting.

4. MenuHack: Get your Palm device to function a bit more like your PC. MenuHack lets you access pulldown menus for Palm applications by tapping the title bar at the top of the screen.

5. 3AlarmHack: This Palm OS hack lets you customize your Datebook alarms. 3AlarmHack also allows alarm-generating applications to use the Datebook alarm settings. You must have HackMaster installed for 3AlarmHack to work.

6. DiddleBug: This handy utility acts like a sticky note for your Palm device. Just scribble something down on your screen and select the alarm time, and DiddleBug pops up your notes at the time you selected.

7. Blocks: Got time to kill? Spend your downtime stacking blocks with this freeware clone of Tetris for your Palm handheld.

8. Thesaurus: Add a thesaurus and spelling checker to your PalmPilot. Thesaurus includes more than 50,000 cross-referenced and indexed entries. Filter synonyms by nouns, verbs, adjectives, or adverbs. A pop-up history feature remembers your last 15 entries.

9. ICQ for the Palm OS: Chat with your Net buddies from your Palm device. The Palm OS version of the popular chat client lets you to send and receive instant messages when you are away from your PC. Use existing ICQ numbers or build new contact lists on your Palm.

10. Klondike: Put this popular solitaire game on your Palm. Klondike features support for color and tap or drag playing, graffiti strokes for auto-play and undo, and a customizable game layout.

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