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Outlook not included
Though many users have Outlook installed on their computers, Casio doesn't package a desktop PIM for sharing data between the BE-300 and your PC. Palm and Handspring devices come with the Palm Desktop PIM for Mac and Windows and a conduit for syncing up to Microsoft Outlook on the PC. The PC Connect synchronization program that comes with the BE-300 will exchange data with only Outlook (Outlook Express won't do). To sync up, you just drop the BE-300 into the included USB cradle.
The BE-300 stores all programs and data in its 16MB of flash ROM and uses the 16MB of RAM only for running programs. Consequently, unlike most PDAs, the BE-300 won't lose your data if the batteries die. But you'll quickly fill that 16MB of flash memory with basic applications and data, so factor in the cost of a CompactFlash card to take advantage of this PDA's multimedia abilities. There is a CompactFlash Type II slot for adding memory cards, modems, digital cameras, and other devices. Casio claims a four-hour battery life with the display on the lowest brightness setting, which isn't too hot compared to the battery life of the Palm IIIc or the Handspring Visor Prism.
