Let's Have a Big Hand for the New Handhelds

摘要

Big Tigger really didn't see much reason to have a handheld computer. He used phones, PCS, and a Motorola two-way pager to stay in touch with friends, family, and colleagues at Black Entertainment Television in Washington, D.C., where he hosts the popular Rap City: Tha Bassment music show. A PDA like a Palm or a Pocket PC just didn't cut it, says the 29-year-old entertainer. Palms or iPAQs were fine for investment bankers, but not for music mavens. Not any more. Last summer, Big Tigger first caught sight of the T-Mobile Sidekick. One of a growing breed of handheld computer-phone combos, the slick Sidekick has a screen that rotates to reveal a keyboard for sending e-mail and instant messages. A couple of months later, Big Tigger got the Sidekick ($200 with activation from T-Mobile, plus voice and data service at $35 a month). Now he carries it everywhere, using it to zap quick e-mails and chat on the phone. And when he flashes the little machine, it causes a big stir.