Experienced users know that buying the handheld is just the beginning. It is almost impossible to avoid getting some peripherals and accessories to go with it. InnoPocket has recently introduced two new ones for the m500 series, a USB HotSync/Charge Cable and an Aluminum Hard Case. Long-time reviewer Robert Zach brings us this review of both.

TDK Systems is going to demonstrate at Comdex next week a clip-on Bluetooth module that uses Palm's Universal Connector. The company also makes a version for the Palm V series. The BlueM will allow wireless HotSyncing and let the handheld connect to Bluetooth enabled PCs and mobile phones. It will be available in stores in the U.S. around the end of this month for $200. It is already available in Europe.

In confirmation of last week's rumor, Palm will be offering an upgrade to OS 4.1 on November 15. Registered users have been receiving an email offering the $40 upgrade at a $10 discount if ordered before the release. It appears at this point that Palm is not intending to post the upgrade online. Instead, customers are being offered free shipping for what is probably a CD. Pre-ordered upgrades will ship on Nov. 15. There will be an upgrade for most current models, though not all.

According to a Palm spokesperson, the upgrade to OS 4.1 will be free to current users of Palm OS 4.0 though Palm hasn't officially announced this.

RhinoSkin has introduced four new cases designed specifically for the Handspring Visor Edge. These are Titanium and Aluminum Sliders and Molded Hardcases, similar to the ones just released for the m500 series. The Aluminum Molded Slider and Aluminum Molded Hardcase for the Edge cost $50. The Titanium versions of these two will retail for $100.

Cirque has released a version of its PDA Pocket Keyboard for the Visor Edge. This is the only attachable keyboard for the Edge. -Ed

In the November issue of the Palm Tipsheet, Jake Jacobs contributes some real gems to the Handy Palm Tips & Tricks collection. The Tipsheet Interview is with José Julio Ruiz, a Spanish Palm handheld user and director of the Spanish website PiensaEnPalm.com. -Mike Rohde

One of the big advantages of a handheld is large amounts of information can be carried around in a small device. This is especially convenient when travelling. Two apps designed to get travelers the information they need have recently been updated: the 2002 Zagat Restaurant Guide and the Weissmann Travel Reports.

Fossil has introduced the Wrist PDA, a watch that can communicate with a Palm OS handheld and store addresses, to-dos, memos, and appointments. The watch's built-in applications provide read-only capability and can store up to 190 KB of information. It can send and receive business card info and store twenty business cards. It will be available in early 2002 at stores and online for $145.

It's possible Palm is close to coming up with a fix for the long-standing USB problems that have affected many m505's. Palm's Customer Service people are giving out contradictory information about what the company is doing about this issue. It is not clear at this point whether this will be a replacement for the USB cradle or for the entire m505. Or if the company is close to doing anything about it besides replacing individual units.

Update: A possible fix for this problem is available here.

Think Outside has updated the driver for the Stowaway folding keyboard to include a cursor control. It's available only as a Windows EXE. -Dieter

Infinity Softworks has released powerOne Finance 3.0 and powerOne Graph v3.0. -Mark Rehley

While many people prefer the convenience of rechargeable batteries, most low-end models use AAAs. Guest reviewer Brooke A. Wheeler brings us this look at the Charge-N-Go, which offers a convenient rechargeable option for the Palm III and VII series. The company is still working on versions for the Visor and m100 series.

According to a report from Gartner Dataquest, Palm and the Palm OS easily maintained its lead over its rivals in units sold last quarter. In a move reminiscent of Palm's pre-announcement of the m500 series, buyers waiting for Pocket PC 2002 cut that OS's already weak share of the market almost in half.

Palm Inc. had 29.7% of worldwide PDA sales with 745 thousand units sold during the third quarter of 2001. That's a slight drop from its 31.7% in Q2. In the U.S., Palm had 38%, down from 40%