From Eveningsnews.com

Gadgets and Gizmos
Versatile Handhelds Attractive To Students
By
Sep 7, 2005, 22:43


(NAPSI)-Many college students are discovering a great way to get organized can be at their fingertips. The latest hand-held devices are generally affordable and packed with productivity, not to mention fun applications such as an MP3 player, video player, photo viewer and games. What's more, the range of add-ons-such as a GPS navigator, wireless keyboard or Wi-Fi card to surf the Internet right on campus-offers even more versatility.

At Florida International University, for example, Dr. Mark Szuchman, professor of Latin American studies, says students are experiencing the added benefits of the mobile computing movement.

"With handhelds, students acquire new organizational habits, strengthen their working skills, and develop more sophisticated cognitive processes that help to re-shape the way they go about their studies," he explains.

Today's college students expect access, portability and multimedia. Devices such as palmOne, Inc.'s Tungsten E2 handheld answers many students' technology demands. The device puts important documents, music, photos and class assignments right in their back pockets. With Bluetooth included, connecting to compatible Bluetooth-enabled phones to surf the Web or access e-mail, printers and laptops is a snap.

For students who want a more power-packed device or a combination phone and organizer, the company offers the LifeDrive mobile manager and the Treo 650 smartphone.

The top 10 ways students use handhelds like the Tungsten E2:

1. Add a Wi-Fi card and use a campus Wi-Fi hotspot to download assignments and e-mail professors;

2. Use Documents To Go software to edit papers, presentations and spreadsheets or take class notes with a wireless keyboard and synchronize them to a computer;

3. Make a to-do list and check things off;

4. Listen to favorite tunes using the built-in speaker or a set of stereo headphones (headphones sold separately; expansion card required for mp3s, sold separately);

5. Show off photos from those spur-of-the-moment road trips with friends;

6. Store all the names and numbers of new friends and attach photos;

7. Track expenses for books, food and social activities;

8. Get organized with the calendar. Keep track of classes, homework, club meetings, practices and professors' office hours;

9. Download video clips of an upcoming movie;

10. Navigate back to school with a GPS Navigator accessory.

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