AlphaSmart announced Dana, a Palm OS-based device designed to be an alternative to the laptop. It combines the affordability of a handheld with the ergonomic benefits of a notebook computer. Dana includes a full-size keyboard and a screen that’s 3.5 times wider than the typical handheld screen. You can type or enter data using the keyboard or by writing with the Dana stylus directly onto the screen. All Palm OS applications are said to be compatible with Dana. With Dana, you can: print directly to your USB or IrDA-enabled printer; add MultiMediaCard or SD (Secure Digital) cards; and exchange files with PC applications like Microsoft Word and Excel.