Operating System drives choice between handheld computers. (Palm VS. Windows CE).

ATLANTA -- The two main choices of handheld computer operating systems each have tradeoffs for physicians, according to experts.

Computers that use the Palm operating system--which runs PalmPilot, Handspring Visor, and similar handheld devices--tend to be relatively inexpensive and easy to use. The operating system is like "a finely tailored tuxedo--a lot of effort has been put into it, but its scope is limited," Dr. Jeffrey Tokazewski explained during the annual meeting of the American Academy of Family Physicians.

He likened the other option, the Windows CE operating system, to "a multioccasion jogging suit." Windows CE can perform a broad range of functions but is more complicated to use and more expensive.

Palm-based handheld computers start at about $130; the least expensive Window CE systems are in the $400-$500 range, said Dr. K. Meg Morrison, associate director of family practice residency at Mount Carmel Health System, Columbus, Ohio.

To guide your choice between the two platforms, consider what you will be doing with your handheld computer and how much memory that will require. About 10 times more medical software is available for the Palm operating system, according to Dr. Morrison, but that disparity is expected to lessen with Microsoft's formidable backing of the Windows CE system.

Memory can be a limitation of the Palm operating system. Add-on memory cards can help, but "some programs won't run off the expansion cards," cautioned Dr. Tokazewski of Marlton, N.J. Expanded memory is useful for storing ...