Periphera

Pockets

Palm OS devices are handheld computers, and fit easily into a hand when in use. But what about when they are not in use? You can get belt holsters, flip cases, and other special purpose carrying tools; or you can simply put it in a pocket. The beauty of Palm OS devices is instant gratification: the time between thinking of a need and taking action to satisfy it is a second or less. This is possible only when your Palm OS device is instantly accessible. You should have it with you at all times: an idea may occur as you walk into the bathroom as easily as when you sit down at a computer.

I carry mine in a shirt breast pocket. For weekends when I laze around in jeans and a tee shirt, I have tee shirts with pockets. Possibly a carry case of some kind would be useful, but I avoid even flip-open cases. To me, even a flip-open case would turn my Palm OS device from “something I always have with me” (like pocket change, my wallet, or a pen) to “something I am carrying now” (like a shoulder bag or briefcase). Perhaps to someone used to carried storage—such as a purse or Waist pack—a pocket would not be necessary. But your Palm OS device is only useful when you are using it, and you have to have it with you to use it. I suspect one reason my Palm OS device is so useful to me is that I feel notably uncomfortable when I do not have it with me.

Your pocket or pocket equivalent has to carry both your Palm OS device and your stylus. (See the next section for why you will want a stylus.) A case fitted to the Palm OS device likely will not have room for a stylus, but a pocket or waist pack likely will. Keep this in mind before buying a fancy belt holster for your Palm OS device.

If you find some way of always having your Palm OS device with you, you will find it more and more useful to you as time goes on. If you routinely have to hunt for your Palm OS device to use it, you will not find it nearly as useful: it will be just another piece of clutter.

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Copyright © 2002 Brian Hetrick
Page last updated 15 July 2003.