Synchronize Your Holiday Planning

Forget the sticky notes and to-do lists posted all over the fridge and thrown into pockets and purses on your way out the door. More people are turning to handheld devices or PDAs to remember things for them. A PDA is a great place to keep all the little (and big) things in your life together. Many say the best part is that it does most of the work for you. All you have to do is fill in the blanks. Suddenly it's smooth sailing with everything in one place.

A PDA can make a perfect stocking stuffer. For example, the Palm Z22 at $89 and just around three ounces is one of the smallest, lightest color organizers available. It weighs less than many traditional paper planners and holds years of appointments, thousands of addresses, to-do lists, and a Note Pad. No need to worry if you forget to charge the battery and it runs out; all the information is safe-nothing is lost.

Do you remember a time when you forgot to buy a gift or send a card to a friend or relative? With a PDA, your holiday to-do list, schedule and contacts can travel with you. Just organize your contacts using the handheld and create a category for those who receive holiday cards.

For the avid entertainer, a Palm Z22 organizer can keep track of guest lists, RSVPs and cocktail recipes. The included SplashShopper application has ready-made lists. Just select the items you need to pick up at the store.

Eight tips to ease into the New Year with a PDA:

• Set alarms for daily events and appointments.

• Use the calendar to block off holiday preparation time.

• Keep color-coded schedules for your entire family's holiday parties and events.

• Entertain the kids with games or eBooks while on the road.

• Show off holiday photos.

• Stay committed to the weight- loss resolution using Carb Counter.

• Use your contacts to make a list of holiday and thank you cards to send out.

• Start the New Year on the right foot-make the decision to get organized.