Handheld computers--also called palmtops or Personal Digital Assistants (PDAs)--are a small but rapidly growing factor in the drive to integrate technology into the curriculum. School leaders as well as teachers are also embracing them as convenient, portable tools to streamline management duties.

According to the results of an independent study of 86 pilot projects involving handheld computers, teachers readily accept the devices.

Ninety-six percent of the teachers surveyed reported that they believe the devices are an effective instructional tool, and 93 percent agreed that "having a classroom set of handheld devices will have a positive effect on my teaching practice." Seventy-three percent agreed that handhelds "are more easily used in the flow of classroom activity than desktop computers."

Handhelds are not likely to displace more powerful laptop and desktop computers anytime soon, but the quantity of education software now being written for handhelds coupled with the relatively low price of such devices make it likely you'll soon be called on to purchase handhelds for faculty and administrators, if you haven't been already.

So here's a quick overview of some of the key points to consider:

These devices got their start in the business sector as electronic replacements for the personal organizers. Most still come equipped with contact directories, calendars, notepads, calculators, and meeting-reminder functions, although the functionalities of these devices have expanded far beyond those basic office applications.

Handhelds are usually designed to work with your desktop or laptop computer. First, you connect the two devices with a serial or USB (universal serial bus) cable. Then you use the handheld's included software to manage tasks on your desktop machine or laptop and to synchronize tasks with the handheld.

As with all purchasing preparation, the process of selecting a handheld begins by identifying the needs of the users. Are they seeking merely a basic electronic pocket organizer with personal information management (PIM) functions? Will they need to coordinate information with others connected through a network? Will they need to download eMail and other information via the internet? Will they use their handhelds to jot down notes during meetings? Will they use the devices to watch video or read electronic texts or present those materials to students?

Knowing what tasks the handhelds will be used for will help you decide what chassis style, display type, memory, operating system, handwriting software, power source, and other features you're likely to need.

One thing to decide early is what body type is best suited for the devices you'll buy. Handheld dimensions range from the size of a credit card to that of a small notebook computer. The number of features and the computing power tend to increase with the size.