Sharp's new Zaurus SL-5500 makes it seem as though PDAs are getting to the point where I might actually invest in one. The device, which will be available in the U.S. in the first quarter of 2002, features a StrongARM SA-1110 206MHz processor, 64MB of standard memory, an MP3 and MPEG-1 multimedia player, a voice recorder, a high-resolution color screen, QWERTY keyboard, and dual expansion with a Compact Flash and SD/Multimedia card slot. The keyboard is located behind a sliding cover, but the SL-5500 also supports handwriting recognition and an has on-screen keyboard feature giving you three different methods of data entry. Sharp says it is working with Aether, a provider of wireless data products and services, to develop Sharp Mobile Services, which will support the SL-5500's wireless capabilities. The new Zaurus lets you check e-mail and browse the web. If you're a Linux or Java jock, you can also write applications to customize the device. In the software department, the Zaurus SL-5500 includes an address book, calendar, calculator, text editor, to do list, Word and Excel viewing and editing capabilities, and a PC synchronization program for Outlook. The device comes with a docking station that features an integrated USB cable, A/C adapter, and serial port for synchronization. The Zaurus SL-5500 includes a 65,536 color reflective TFT screen with 240 x 320 resolution and has two expansion slots for modems, memory, or digital cameras.