Admittedly, much of the appeal of owning such a unit, for me anyway, is the ability to extract the inputted data and transfer it to my desktop, as it serves as my primary emailing station/late-night editing system. Fortunately, the Axim delivers on that front as well.

Microsoft ActiveSync software is a breeze to setup and has functioned without hitch since installation from the enclosed software CD. The cradle/docking station allows for near instant recognition of the unit as it locked into place, syncing automatically to the desktop while charging the unit's main battery. The cradle shown in Figure C also offers a slot to charge a spare battery for those who wish to swap and run.

FIGURE C

Transferring data is an effortless affair with the USB cradle. Click picture for a larger image.

Pocket Word (and Pocket Excel) files transfer effortlessly into any program capable of opening compatible Word or Excel applications. I happen to use OpenOffice.org 1.1.3 on my desktop.

In addition to all the goodies Windows users have come to expect, Mobile comes equipped to make use of the touch screen with programs such as Notes, which allows for totally handwritten characters or drawings that can be copied into documents, emails, or presentations. Best of all, voice recognition with a build-in microphone and speaker allows for voice memos and reminders to accompany text. Using the Recognize option does an instant translation of the written characters into text, albeit sometimes a little off base, but this could be the result of my handwriting, which many fellow human beings can't even decipher.

In all honesty, I've found there isn't much I can't accomplish with this portable powerhouse. My only regret in the decision to purchase it is that I fear my new laptop may start collecting dust. Upon completing this review I've decided, for old times sake, to drag over the battery indicator icon, just to get a feel for how much time I have left to enjoy some MP3's on Windows Media Player. Just under 9 hours of charge remaining!

I guess the only question that remains: Is anyone looking for a slightly used Acer Tablet PC?

OUR RATING: 4 of 5

Dr. Humayun Bakht completed his Ph.D at the School of Computing and Mathematics in Liverpool at John Moores University. Prior to his current course of studies, he has successfully completed his MSc Software Engineering and BSc Electronics Engineering from University of Liverpool UK and Sir Syed University of Engineering and Technology in Karachi, Pakistan. Humayun's research interest is mobile ad-hoc networks, in particular, the development of a new routing algorithm for this type of networking. He can be reached at humayunbakht@yahoo.co.uk and you can visit his Web site at http://www.geocities.com/humayunbakht/.