THE CASE OF THE SHRINKING COMPUTERS

A Palm Pilot can be used to download information into an office computer.

There's no doubt computers are here to stay. However, as society becomes more global and communications become more mobile, companies are being asked to develop ever-smaller, handier versions to perform quick, efficient and multiple functions for the ever-growing market of users.

Nowhere are the changes in computer technology and the needs of users more evident than in the recent development of palmtop computers. As with its desktop and laptop predecessors, development of the palmtop computer has sparked controversy about efficiency and function among the computer-savvy.

George Florian, a systems consultant with Automation Services Co. in Cape Girardeau, works with all types of computers and users daily. He said there is no real issue to debate about which computer type is the best because everything depends upon the needs of the user.

"They definitely have two different purposes -- reference versus application," he said. "The palmtop is really good as far as personal digital assistance, like keeping up with addresses, schedules and appointments. The laptop is really needed when you need full-blown programs and applications."

Florian said people with certain mobile careers, like delivery drivers, service technicians, sales representatives and others would find the palmtop a handy companion. The unit is good for basic notetaking, checking e-mail and even has global positioning system capabilities, which is often used by the military and pilots for tracking and log work. It can also run basic word processing programs and can be plugged into an office database to make secretaries more easily aware of where a person is at any given time.

Florian himself has used a Palm Pilot as a dayplanner for about a year. The unit is fairly inexpensive -- a good one will cost between $300 and $800 -- and does exactly what its name implies -- it fits in the palm of your hand and runs on AAA batteries.

"For me it works out really good because I work in an office for a portion of the day and then I'm out working with clients," he said. "It's a lot easier when I'm in my vehicle to look up information on a Palm Pilot than it would be to use a laptop. It's also nice because there may be people sitting next to me who use it, but they're not carrying this big briefcase."

John McCaherty, a district manager for Tipton Linen and Uniforms, also has worked with a palmtop computer for about a year. Keeping up with the customer accounts and special orders has become as easy as a swipe with the stylus, he said.

"It kind of keeps us from forgetting -- it takes out some of the human error," he said. "I also don't have to use a laptop much."

Laptops are more of an advantage for people who will be away from their office for long periods of time, said Florian. Company trainers, lawyers, outside sales representatives and others who need access to complex applications like PowerPoint for presentations or other use will find the palmtop computer won't meet their needs. While not as inexpensive as palmtops -- good laptop computers run about $3,000 -- they fit the bill for people who need the abilities of a desktop computer in a more mobile form.

"Palmtops are totally inappropriate for that: Their focus is really to be just a focus of reference," said Florian. "There's a big difference in the initial cash investment, but otherwise, laptops are for people like sales reps who are going to be out for weeks at a time."

There's no telling how long this latest technology debate will go on. However, for the everyday user, the buyer's choice will probably come down to whether the basic need is for a reference tool or for a unit capable of doing most of the functions of a desktop computer outside of the office.