Well, I'd swear mine didn't come with Outlook, but it wouldn't be the first time I was wrong!

I don't take too many business trips, but the Ipaq replaced carting an 8 lb. portable. Other than that I mostly use it as a streaming walkman and when on trips for GPS/Navigation. It also makes a decent .mp3 player on the plane (not WMPlayer tho - what a turd that is). I don't use it daily either. If I wanted just a datebook, I think Palms are the way to go - $100 for a Zire and you're set.

In the end I can't say it was particularly cheaper than a portable. $600 (new), $150 for PCMCIA jacket $100 for 802.11b card, $300 for PCMCIA 2GB HD, $100 for Targus keyboard. On the plus side, they don't make you turn it on at the airport.

Early versions of Activesync were abominable, but it's pretty solid now, IMHO.

-Zeke