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December 1996 Reviews This Month
By Jim Forbes
I've used a personal digital assistant (PDA) for almost six years but have yet to find one I really like. With most PDAs, it's a problem to move files from an existing PIM to a PDA and vice versa. The Franklin Bookman Sidekick takes a step in the right direction.
Measuring 5.5 by 3.5 by 0.75 inches, this palm-sized device slips easily into a vest pocket, purse or briefcase. When needed, a connector cable supplied with the unit plugs into a serial port on your desktop or notebook computer. My test unit came with 512KB of memory and a small monochrome 27-character-by-4-line screen, all powered by two AAA batteries.
Setting up the device, connecting it to my notebook and transferring information was simple. The Bookman Sidekick provides utilities for both Windows 3.1 and Windows 95 that let you selectively choose and move files from one platform to the other.
The appointment feature in Sidekick's portable version supports alarms as well as the ability to attach notes to appointments. One of the unit's best features is the highly readable screen.
Two slots on the back of the unit are available for separately purchased ROM cartridges or for a solid-state recording module for spoken notes.
Unfortunately, the Bookman's much-admired small size makes typing very difficult. The tiny keyboard forces you to use single-finger hunt-and-peck, which limits its usefulness.
As one member of a family of five devices ranging from less than $100 to around $279, this mini-assistant does its job keeping you on time and up-to-date.
-- Info File --
Franklin Bookman Sidekick Palmtop Organizer
Price: As configured, $199.95
Pros: Small size; good utility
Cons: Tiny keyboard; nonstandard interface
Platforms: 3X, 95
Franklin Electronic Publishers
800-266-5626, 609-386-2500
WinMag Box Score: 2.5
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