THE REAL DEAL

I bought the PalmIIIx specifically as an organizer but it has turned into much more than that. Of course, there are the basic functions that are installed on the Palm OS:Address book, Date Book, Notepad, Calc...etc.
But these are pretty basic.

The typical user may find these applications useful but they will find that there are other utilities and software that fully maximize the Palm's level of computing. These can be found at download.com or any other of the Palm software exchange sites, where most of the programs are freeware or software.

I have downloaded many useful and some not-so-useful but entertaining applications. For example, I suggest downloading "Dope WarS" for a really exciting fix..where you can experience the buy low and sell high narcotics game that drug lords play each day...it's very addicting.
A more practical application is the hotsynch feature which allows the Palm user to link his Palm information into a similar address book or the Palm address book. Personally, I use MS Outlook, and it works fine.
Another application I use frequently is the spreadsheet, called Sheet. I've downloaded my stock portfolio in a worksheet with simple macros that I can play around with.
Also, the Cspotrun feature allows the user to download large text files and portions or full editions of texts. I have the ancient art of war and the kama sutra. BOTH editions. But they are very difficult to read on such a small screen so I suggest just buying the books.
I suggest downloading simpler texts like jokes, recipes, drink mixes, maps, etc that do not require an extended time scrolling since one may become quite nauseated!

I definitely suggest downloading Launcher, which styles the Palm like a windows application, with useful and convenient icons.

Perhaps the only problem I have with the Palm IIIx is that when the batteries run out, you must replace them. Taking them out forces the user to reinstall all the programs that he has previously uploaded. I find this troublesome since usually I delete the zipped programs almost immediately after I hotsynch. But I guess this is only a slight convenience. If you are too bothered by this process I suggest looking into the sleek Palm V which has a lithium ion battery which can be recharged very fast when the Palm is placed in the cradle.But the marginal cost of this function cannot really be justified for me personally. The difference between the two lies with the aesthetics. Sure you may want to look like Austin Powers with his sleek spacey toy, but you can just settle down be like the suave James Bond with his traditional Palm IIIx.