I recently received this e-mail:

I'm interested to getting my very first handheld. I've looked at the m100 and the IIIe and even the IIIx but I can't decide. Which should I buy?

The one that is right for you. There is no clear winner when comparing these; you will have to decide for yourself.

Music Buddha (MuBu) is an online service that, based on your taste, can recommend new music to you. They just released a PQA so you can get recommendations anywhere you are, like the CD store. Its free but you have to sign up to save your profile or use the PQA.

Propelled by Sprint PCS and Verizon Wireless and a powerful technological boost from Bluetooth, the U.S. will in 2001 take the lead in wireless data, predicts Wireless Industry Analyst/Consultant Barney Dewey. He also predicts that, by 2002, Bluetooth will make PDAs the preferred way to connect to the Internet when mobile.

Mr. Dewey's report appears in Andrew Seybold's Outlook, a monthly newsletter on Wireless Data.

OmniSky IPO
Wireless ISP OmniSky (Nasdaq: OMNY) priced its 9.1 million share offering at $12 a share yesterday and it opened today at $16. An 3:00 EDT today it was trading at $20.25.

New Coola Version
The Coola software has been upgraded to be faster and have an auto-upgrade function. They have also redesigned their site to make it easier to find useful coolets. Also, easily save the Olympic TV schedule with Coola.

Palm, Inc. and RealVision announced today plans to release in Europe and Asia a clip-on Web-enabled cellular phone for the V series. The GSM peripheral will include a wireless data and voice connection by snapping onto the serial port as a sled. Data functions include Palm Web-clipping applications and SMS (short message system) messaging. Voice functions include manual phone dialing, dialing directly from Address Book records, call-forwarding, caller-ID and ear piece volume.

It should be available in early 2001 for less than $299 when purchased with a 1-year wireless service plan.

The new @ctivelink Springboard module from Glenayre has to be purchased in a bundle with a specially shielded Visor Deluxe because the @ctivelink emits so much RF a regular Visor would have problems.

The module receives and stores e-mail 24 hours a day, even when removed. Just insert it in the Visor to check the latest messages. It can store up to 500 e-mails and lasts up to 4 weeks on two AAA batteries.

The @ctivelink Wireless Communication Pack is now available for $428.

Updated: New information added at the end of this article on Saturday, September 23.
Last week, some other Palm sites ran a picture of a mystery clip-on device for the Palm V series (with an IBM Workpad in the pictures) with a request for anyone to send in details if they knew the source of the picture. Well, the mystery has been solved. It is a picture of the HATcker, a module that fits onto the top of the V series and, by communicating with the infrared port, lets the Palm connect to a keyboard and do other functions, too. It is currently under development by TAPSPRING, a Taiwan-based company.

Someone has written the first real virus that runs on Palm OS platform. The virus is called Phage. It is a simple direct action virus that infects and damages all applications on a Palm when the infected application is launched.

Phage can spread from one Palm to another if infected files are shared via beaming or installed via a docking station. The virus can be removed by deleting all infected applications with a virus scanner, and restoring applications from backups. The virus does not damage data files. Phage has not been found in the wild and can not be considered a serious threat at this time.

Harderware Case Testers Needed
Harderware is looking for individuals to review its machined aluminum case for the Palm Vx. Please e-mail review@harderware.com if interesed. - John Oberschelp

Palm V Emergency Charger Kit
A hobbyist named Brando Ng Chi Fai is taking pre-orders for a new Palm V Emergency Charger Kit. It is compact and powered via a 9 Volt battery. In 45 minutes it can recharge 85% of the internal battery. Looks like a nice addition to your travel bag. -Robert Zach

iQradio
This 13,000+ commercial/non-commercial radio station directory can help you locate stations that broadcast your favorite music, talk shows, sports teams and network programming your Palm. Palm.Net gave it 5 stars.

OAG Mobile
This PQA provides travelers up-to-the-minute access to flight schedules for worldwide direct and connecting flights and the ability to check automated messages on the status of specific flights. Again, 5 stars from Palm.Net.

According to the The Financial Times, the Virgin Group, a privately-held company with wide-ranging business interests, will introduce its own version of the Palm today. The Financial Times, which delined to name any sources, has reported that the devices will have the Virgin Mobile logo and will be targeted at the youth consumer market.