WordSmith 2.0

Company: Blue Nomad, 4 Hyde Street, Redwood City, CA 94062; Phone: [phone]; Fax: [phone]; E-mail: [email protected]; Web: http://www.bluenomad.com/.

Price: $30-single copy price. A free demo is available online.

Audience: Users of Palm or compatible hand-held devices.

Format: Word processing software available only as an online download. No disc versions available.

System Requirements: Use of this program requires a Palm or compatible hand-held device running Palm OS 3.0 or greater, including the Palm III-- VII, m100 series, and m500 series; Sony Che; HandEra/TRG devices; and all Handspring devices.

Also required is HotSync Version 3.0 and a desktop computer. The software will operate with Windows 95 with Internet Explorer 4.0, Windows 98/2000/ NT4 with Service Pack 4 or better, a PowerPC Macintosh running Mac OS 9.0 or better, or RedHat Linux/Intel 6.0 or better.

In addition, the desktop system must have a word processor capable of reading and writing Rich Text Format ("RTF") files, such as Microsoft Word 97 or better, Microsoft Works, WordPerfect, AbiWord, or WordPad. For Linux systems, programs such as AbiWord or Star Office are required.

Description: WordSmith is basically a word processor that overcomes some of the unique problems presented by Palm-compatible hand-held devices. The program includes a Doc reader (electronic books included) and enhanced memo pad.

Reviewer Comments:

Installation: I used WordSmith on a new Dell 975 MHz desktop computer and a Palm m105 handheld and assume the faster desktop helped speed up the process. After downloading the program, installation was simply a matter of double-clicking the WordSmith set-up program on the computer desktop and following directions.

The program...