Oregon Scientific ECHO PDA

Everyone seems to have a convenient and cool-looking handheld computer these days. But if you've been reluctant to plunk down a large chunk of cash to organize your phone numbers and calendar, the Oregon Scientific ECHO may be the gadget you've been waiting for.

This affordable organizer has all of the basic functions of the more expensive PDAs, including a docking station that enables you to exchange data with your PC. Plus, you get handy functions like a calculator, world time, and daily alarms to keep you on schedule.

At 512 KB, the ECHO's memory is more than big enough to hold hundreds of phone numbers, Web site addresses, and short memos. Enter memos and notes using the onscreen keyboard--a small typewriter icon will pop up on the screen and you just tap the letters with the included stylus. Each memo can hold up to 100 characters.

Navigating the ECHO's menu is easy with oversized icons for phone book, notepad, calendar, calculator, clock, PC sync, and other choices. A row of icons on the left side of the screen allows you to scroll, delete, edit, and return.

A great feature of many handhelds is their ability to transfer data to and from your PC. If you enter an appointment into the ECHO's calendar, for example, just slide the unit into the included docking station and start the linking software on your PC (the ECHO comes with PC Sync on CD-ROM). With one click of a button, your desktop schedule is updated.

Another plus for the ECHO is its compact size--it measures 3.34 by 2.13 inches and is only 1/4-inch thick. At about the size of a credit card, the ECHO fits easily into a shirt pocket and weighs only a few ounces. The ECHO shuts itself off automatically after three minutes of inactivity to save battery power.

The ECHO is powered by two lithium cell batteries, which should last for months with normal usage.