The MyPalm web portal is going to shut down on January 10. All its services will stop on that date. All PIM data will be permanently deleted from the MyPalm web portal and will no longer be accessible. However, subscribers to the Palm.Net wireless service will still be able to access their web email and Palm.Net accounts. Also, the MyPalm mobile portal for use on the Palm handheld will still be accessible

The MyPalm web Portal allowed users to access and modify datebook, phone lists, and to-do lists on the Web and synchronize with their handheld or desktop PIM.

Palm offering discounts when purchasing a Xircom Wireless LAN module and a handheld from the Palm Store. Even if a handheld isn't purchased at the same time, the module still comes with a CD containing an email client, browser, a VPN, and other software.

The Xircom Wireless LAN module uses 802.11b to connect to a network access point at up to 11 Mbps with a range of up to 1,000 feet. It costs $290 separately or $600 with an m505, $550 with an m500, or $500 with an m125.

OmniSky, the wireless Internet service provider, is in deep financial straits. Last week, it failed to release a financial report for its most recent quarter, a violation of SEC rules. The company has issued a statement that says that it "continues to evaluate various strategic options, including a reorganization, sale, or other form of restructuring under the federal bankruptcy code." Its stock is currently trading around 20 cents, off its yearly high of $12.50.

AstroCommander's developers describe it as "a new style of shooting RPG game". Players can choose from among four possible races and will fight space monsters with various weapons through multiple levels. It costs $25. -dckiwi

Palm has added Handmark's Scrabble to their list of games available on expansion cards. It costs $30. -Kevin Crossman

The Sony Clie T415 has begun shipping from sonystyle.com, and has started to appear in local retail outlets, as reported in our forums. SonyStyle is new offering it with a black casing in addition to the brushed aluminum case.

Citing anonymous sources, Cnet is reporting a rumor that Palm intends another round of lay-offs in the next few weeks. When this will happen and how many people will be affected will depend on sales during the second half of November. This might total as many as 400 employees.

Earlier this year, Palm cut about 500 employees and contractors, reducing the company to approximately 1,300.

Doctors have been at the forefront of the handheld-revolution, using palmtops to hold the bulky reference works they need and even keeping track of patient data. Techniques that were once used by individual doctors are now becoming standards. Hospitals are now using handhelds to help ensure ensure smoother, more efficient patient care, such as streamlining post-operative patient-management, medication-monitoring and risk-assessment procedures.

Pogo! Products has launched the DataQuake Springboard module. Available in 8 MB and 16 MB versions, it provides memory expansion with vibration and a flashing LED for alarms. It comes with File Mover to copy apps and databases between RAM and the module. Its vibrating alert has three intensity levels. It is now available for $70 for the 8 MB version and $100 for the 16 MB.

There is a new option for users looking to connect thier handhelds to the Internet. Zap Link e-services kiosks are being installed in Circle K stores that provide wireless Infrared connectivity. Handheld users can connect to the Internet by pointing their Infrared port towards the Clarinet Systems EthIR Beam located inside the kiosk. They can then download email as well as browse the Web. The service is free. There are only 35 stores in the initial rollout but hundreds more are planned for next year.

Almost lost in yesterday's hubbub over the T600C was Sony's announcement of a GPS Memory Stick module. In order to save space it has a folding antenna. It will work with the new T series and the N series, not the S series. The PEGA-MSG1 will be available in Japan on December 8 for 20,000 Yen, or $165. According to a Sony spokesperson, the company isn't willing to say when or even if this module will be available in the U.S.

Law Enforcement Agencies are using handhelds running the Palm OS to fight crime. Some are even using wireless handhelds to get the up-to-the minute information they need to make better-informed decisions more quickly while working in the field. Officers are getting information about suspects, vehicles, guns and even using their handhelds to keep track of evidence.