Alphasmart figures that if you think Palm handheld computers are too small and laptops are too big, then a device in between is a good idea.

So the company created the Dana, a device with all the trappings of a Palm--including synchronizing capabilities--but with a full-sized, laptop-like keyboard. All told, it's not much thicker than a pizza and it's just as portable, like lunch.

The keyboard is a smart addition, especially since it has a nice word processing program for diligent note takers.

And they've included "Wi-Fi" connectivity, the evolution of wireless Internet access, so Dana lets you fetch email and surf the web when you are in range of a Wi-Fi equipped airport lounge or coffee shop or your wireless basement? Nice.

That said, you'll have to have some familiarity with wireless networks and be unafraid of tech support channels as working Dana's Wi-Fi feature can be a challenge. But it's halfway there for those willing to fiddle a bit.

The web experience is fast--but that web graphics are turned off by default, with images on web pages showing up as empty blocks. You have to use the preferences to turn web image viewing on, which makes the aforementioned web experience a little slower. (Also, it doesn’t appear to support plug-ins that offer interactive animation.)

For the most part, Dana is a handy email access and word processing device--with web access if you need it in a pinch. You can also install any of the zillions of Palm compatible programs on it, from calorie counters to Space Invaders.

Plus, the network connection offers one other super-useful feature: It allows you to sync your data on Dana with the data on your home networked computer over the wireless network. A remarkable feat, that.