One of the features I've admired about Palm OS devices is how easy it is to beam your business card to another user. Well, I can now say that process is just as easy on a PocketPC. Although the functionality isn't built in to the device, we found a quick utility to solve our problem.

Apart from the typical functions of a PDA, one item I rely on my Pocket PC for is beaming my contact information. Like many people, I tend to play several roles but don't print business cards for all of them. Fortunately, a utility from Two Peaks Software allows me to send one of two contact cards or a file from the Today screen. I can do this in 2 taps and I don't even need the stylus.

The utility called BizBeam adds a row of 5 icons to your Today screen. The first two icons represent contact cards. I find the addition of a second icon greatly enhances the utility. The contact records don't have to be yours as you could beam the contact card for a co-worker, support desk or spouse.

The third icon is equally useful as it represents a file you can beam to another PDA. The icon will change based on the type of document such as an Excel spreadsheet, Word document and so on. In our case, we use this file link to our newsletter description. You might find it handy for directions, product information, membership lists and so forth.

The company offers a free 5 day trial for BizBeam which at first you may think too short. However, after doing the quick install and seeing how fast you can beam information, I think you'll agree the utility is worth $4.95. And yes, you're not limited to beaming to just Pocket PCs. We were able to beam information to a Palm OS device without any trouble.

• URL: http://www.twopeaks.com/site/products/BizBeam/
• Trial: Free 5-Day trial
• Cost: $4.95