By Jen Edwards
A Palm handheld is only useful if it's always close at hand. Sometimes that's not so easy, though. What if you aren't carrying a bag to put it in or don't have any pockets? Two new solutions have recently come to market, and one of them might be right for you. They both allow you to wear your Palm computer (or other handheld device) around your neck.
PalmStrap
The first choice is the PalmStrap. It's available for $14.95 at http://www.palmstrap.com. As you can see in Figure A, the device is composed of a hard plastic sheet sized to fit your handheld with an integrated lanyard and Velcro.
FIGURE A
The PalmStrap can be worn around the neck. (click for larger image)
To attach the PalmStrap to your Palm device, you must first peel off the plastic backing from the Velcro and adhere it to the Palm unit. It must then set for several hours in order to ensure that the Velcro is adequately stuck to the Palm device.
Once that simple installation process is complete, just match up the Velcro on your Palm device with the patch on the PalmStrap itself. As you can see in Figure B, the hold is quite sturdy.
FIGURE B
As you can see, the PalmStrap is up to the challenge. (click for larger image)
I was surprised by how well the PalmStrap held the Palm device. I think the secret is in the long plastic piece that covers most of the back of the unit.
MyCoolClip
However, many people don't like the idea of attaching Velcro to their Palm devices, so I tested another option called MyCoolClip. MyCoolClip is available from http://www.mycoolclip.com for $11.95 (which includes a spare plastic stylus). This innovative device is truly clever, as it provides a method of wearing both your Palm device and a spare stylus holder around your neck. Figure C shows you everything you get with the package.
FIGURE C
MyCoolClip includes a Palm device holder, lanyard, and spare stylus holder. (click for larger image)
Attaching it is something of a challenge, because the fit is quite tight, and it takes a little strength. It fits into those little indentations on the sides of your Palm unit, where a modem might clip on. The trick is to stick one of the points into the slot and then slowly work the other one in on the opposite side. Don't worry too much, the tips are plastic coated to prevent damage to your Palm device. Once you do that, you have a lanyard holder for wearing your Palm device that conveniently flips up when you need to HotSync. It'll also fit in all but the most form-fitting cases as well. Figure D shows an example of MyCoolClip in action.
FIGURE D
MyCoolClip may look strange, but it works very well. (click for larger image)
Either one of these accessories would be a good choice, depending on your particular needs. If you already have Velcro on your Palm device because you use a case that requires it, it may be best to go with the PalmStrap. That way you can simply take your Palm device out of its case and attach the lanyard whenever you'd like to wear it around your neck. The MyCoolClip is, of course, better for those who avoid Velcro like the plague, and its design keeps it conveniently out of the way when you don't want to use it. The choice is up to you!
Jen Edwards is a student and Palm device enthusiast in Dallas, TX. She has written numerous reviews for Geek.com and BrightHand.com and can be reached at jen_edwards@yahoo.com.
