WITI - Fast Track - TechTrack

Fast Track | TechTrack

Accessorize the brand-new you

By Kate McLucas

ow that you're ready to launch "You 2.0," it's time to accessorize. In the fashion world, accessories demonstrate that you're detail-oriented, organized, and aware of trends. In the fast-paced technology world, it's equally important to show that you're up on the latest and greatest. Here's a short list of items to help You 2.0 stand out in a crowd.

Palm VII personal digital assistant (PDA). 3Com's Palm VII -- currently limited to the New York metropolitan area, but going national this fall -- brings wireless capabilities to the popular Palm product line. You'll be able to check e-mail and receive bursts of information from the Web designed specifically for conducting business on the go, such as up-to-the-minute stock information and technology news. (See our review of the Palm VII. For more about the product line, see www.palm.com.) If you want to boost your Palm's functionality, try the GoType lightweight, no-battery keyboard from www.landware.com, which connects to your Palm device to speed data entry.

Bluetooth wireless technology. An emerging networking standard, Bluetooth is now supported by more than 700 companies, including heavy hitters Intel, IBM, Toshiba, Ericsson, and Nokia. It allows portable computing and telecommunications devices to connect and communicate via short-range radio technology. Bluetooth's radio waves can penetrate solid objects, so you can synch your PDA with the laptop in your briefcase, for example. Plus, it provides a wireless connection to your LAN. Expect products that interoperate with the standard to be released in the next year. For more on Bluetooth, see www.bluetooth.com.

Global phone. Ericsson's R290 6-ounce global cellular phone, available by early 2000, will keep you connected in 120 countries on five continents via satellite technology. With its conference-call feature, you can hold virtual meetings from almost anywhere in the world. It has a built-in modem for data and fax communication, and you can have both a work and personal telephone number on a single phone, easing expense accounting. See www.ericsson.com for more information.

Beepwear watch/pager. Why wear both a watch and a pager when you can combine them with Beepwear, developed by Motorola and Timex? The device stores as many as 150 names and phone numbers and has eight different alarms you can set. You can download schedules from your computer to Beepwear, and it receives e-mail and news, sports, and weather updates. And even if you're not paying attention, it does: Beepwear automatically sets itself to the correct time when you cross time zones. See www.beepwear.com for more information.

Free Web-based calendaring and scheduling. If you're a contractor, a consultant, or even a company employee, it's important not to be constrained by network-based calendar and scheduling software. During the past year, Web-based calendar services have made a splash -- even letting you schedule meetings with attendees over the Web. Meeting attendees can provide alternative times and check your availability. Check out www.anyday.com, www.timedance.com, or www.when.com.

Although technology can make your life easier and enhance your image, don't let a power outage, an equipment failure, or a lost or stolen laptop render you helpless. Back up your important phone numbers, both on hard copies and electronically. If you're giving an important presentation, don't count on PowerPoint alone. Be prepared to go solo, with just your wits to steer you to success.