Sharp YO-520P Memo Master

built in Organizer Functions. Calendar, Schedule, To do, Tel, Memo, Expense, Clock Calc/conv, Gift list. 20 Column by 5 Line LCD display with Back light. Includes Memo master Organizer, Data Transfer Cable, CD-ROM, Operation Manual, Two AAA Alkaline Batteries

All roads seem to be leading to the PDA. While some palmtops are being streamlined down to PDA-like levels, a few companies are taking their formerly meek organizers and beefing them up to compare with the handhelds as well. Sharp's YO-520 electronic organizer definitely falls into that latter category.

The YO-520 has 1 MB of system memory, which is low for a handheld PDA but on the upper end for a $50 organizer. It also synchronizes data with your desktop PC, albeit through a slower serial port connection (though most of the data transfers you'll be doing won't be large enough to warrant a faster connection).

Close to the size of a PDA, this foldout organizer features only a 20-column-by-5-line screen, but does offer a bright backlight behind the display. Most of the space of the organizer is taken up by its myriad Chiclet-size keys--an entire keyboard and calculator are replicated on the unit. Additional buttons take you to the different applications built into the YO-520, including a calendar, scheduler, to-do list, expense calculator, and date reminder.

Programming the YO-520 isn't as easy as with your average PDA, where you click with the stylus until you find the settings. We found it was necessary to keep the manual handy, as we were constantly using secondary key functions to change the preferences.

In addition to synchronizing with data on your PC through the simple but thorough PIM (personal information management) software, the PC connection lets you download files from MyWizard.com and transfer them to your YO-520. These programs include sports schedules, college class notes, literature, and more. There is also a handy Info to Go feature at the MyWizard site to convert text from any Web site into a format readable on your YO-520.

While it won't be kicking the Palms out of dedicated PDA users' hands, Sharp's YO-520 provides more power and connectivity than your average organizer, and it would work well for users who need an inexpensive and portable PIM. --J. Curtis

Pros:

• Inexpensive
• Full keyboard
• Synchronizes with a desktop PC

Cons:

• Tiny display
• Serial connection

The Sharp YO-520P packs 1 MB of memory and PC synchronization capability into a compact two-sided organizer. This organizer has a full keyboard with cursor keys, number pad, and menu keys, plus a backlit 20-character-by-5-line display. Organizer functions include three phone books for easy lookup of business, personal, and other contacts and a scheduler to keep track of all your appointments. The calendar displays monthly, weekly, and daily views.

With the YO-520P's PC cable, you can back up your data and synchronize with your PC. Browser software allows you to download data like sports schedules, holidays, city guides, and more from MyWizard.com. Software is included for Windows 95 and 98 connectivity and Microsoft Outlook synchronization.

The Sharp YO-520P operates on two AAA batteries for up to three months, based on one hour of use per day. It comes with a one-year warranty.