Last year brought a wealth of changes to the personal digital assistant (PDA). There was the introduction of new models, different styles, color screens, and wireless Web-enabled devices. These advancements brought countless new PDA software titles. Although the bulk of these seem more entertaining than useful, some, such as the ones below, can enhance your PDA as a business tool.

Metro
Metro, by Patrice Bernard, is freeware for PDAs with the Palm operating system (Palm OS). It's a big help for traveling professionals who resort to public transportation. This program provides detailed information including the best route, the number of connections you'll need to make, and how much time it will take. The software contains information for public transportation routes in 140 cities. There are extra perks, such as marked tourist attractions on your route. A big plus is you can save memory by installing information on only the cities you know you'll travel in.

Backupbuddy
Blue Nomad's Backupbuddy is a must-have if you are going to be installing applications on your PDA. You are already accustomed to performing a HotSync, which safely backs up all the data you've created in the built-in software that came installed on your PDA. The downside to HotSync is there's a chance it won't pick up data created in applications you've installed yourself. When installed on your computer, Backupbuddy will catch all data on your PDA when you HotSync, so if you do have a data loss you can be sure all the information on your PDA is restored. You can try this shareware with the Palm OS, and if you decide you like it, it's $29.95. Backupbuddy can be downloaded directly from Blue Nomad's site (www.bluenomad.com).

Peacemaker
Conduits Technologies' Peacemaker allows Windows CE users to finally mingle with Palm OS users. Although the two operating systems aren't compatible, Peacemaker tackles this obstacle by making it possible to exchange information by "beaming" (using infrared technology). You'll be glad you have this when you want to swap your electronic business card or a memo with someone who has a device with the Palm OS (and the majority of PDA owners do). This $14.95 software is only for Windows CE users. It can be downloaded from the Peacemaker site (www.conduits.com).

IMbot
IMbot (Internet Messaging robot) is a text-to-voice messaging service that will send a message you type on your PDA to a telephone. This is a great tool when you're on the road and would like an alternative to e-mail. The basic service is free-the catch being your recipient will have to listen to a short advertisement before hearing your message. The service gives you options including setting a specific date and time for the message to be sent. If you have a wireless PDA with the Palm OS, you can register for free at the IMBOT.com, Inc. Web site (www.imbot.com).