(Business 2.0) – The hybrid handheld used to be more of a curiosity for gadget freaks than a truly useful device for the business traveler. But that's changing as more powerful chips and more sleekly designed units are hitting stores. The problem now is choosing among the dozens on the market. And that's getting yet more confusing as makers add not only phone capabilities to new models but also cameras, two-way radios, video recorders, music players, and even TV tuners. It all depends on how you'll use it, so we've tried to match the personality to the PDA. --BOB PARKS

The Always-On Executive

Hitachi G1000

Price: $650

Perfect For: Anyone still lugging around a 5-pound laptop.

Virtues: With a 400-MHz Intel XScale processor, it opens any Office document in a blink and can browse the Web at up to 70kbps. It's also the only Pocket PC model with an integrated keyboard.

Drawbacks: It's a little too bulky to fit comfortably in your pocket and, at half a pound, is the heaviest device in the bunch.

Carrier: Sprint

Specs: Microsoft Pocket PC OS; CDMA (good nationwide coverage)

If You're Buying: Pick up an unobtrusive headset such as Logitech's Earbud Retractable ($30). You don't want to be seen with this hot brick pressed to your head.

What's Next: Hitachi is considering a Wi-Fi card that fits into the flash memory card slot.

Samsung i700

Price: $600

Perfect For: The right-brained exec who thinks visually.

Virtues: The tough, superwide 3.5-inch screen makes viewing photos and e-mail attachments a breeze. Decent camera too.

Drawbacks: It's tough to peck out numbers on the onscreen keypad.

Carrier: Verizon Wireless

Specs: Pocket PC OS; CDMA

If You're Buying: Anyone sending more than 50 megabytes of data a month--easy to do with photos and PDF files--saves money with the $80 unlimited Express Network monthly plan.

What's Next: Koreans are already using the new M400, which sports a videocamera, a two-way radio, and a TV tuner. A version is slated to reach the United States next year.

The Globe-Trotter

Siemens SX56

Price: $550

Perfect For: The fashion-conscious executive who spends a lot of time on the other side of the pond.

Virtues: Since it uses the GSM 900-and 1,900-MHz standards, it works in most European and Asian cities. Extra style points for the sleek aluminum case.

Drawbacks: Applications run slowly because of the outdated 206-MHz processor.

Carrier: AT&T Wireless

Specs: Pocket PC OS; GSM/GPRS (coverage spotty outside major U.S. cities)

If You're Buying: T-Mobile's Pocket PC Phone Edition comes in a different color, but it's basically the same phone and sells for $150 less.

What's Next: Watch for Siemens's camcorder-and FM-radio-equipped SX1 this fall.

Handspring Treo 270

Price: $350

Perfect For: The frequent flier who prefers economy class.

Virtues: The Treo can go wherever the Siemens goes, and it integrates calling and computing better than any other hybrid.

Drawbacks: The keyboard's tiny buttons lead to a lot of misdials and typos.

Carriers: AT&T Wireless; T-Mobile

Specs: Palm OS; GSM (GPRS upgradable)

If You're Buying: Prices are dropping fast as the release of its successor nears.

What's Next: The Treo 600 arrives in the fall with a speedier processor, digital camera, improved keyboard, and longer battery life. The early buzz is so great that some analysts say Palm bought Handspring just to get this phone. (Sounds like the 600 may be worth waiting for.)

The E-Mail Addict

BlackBerry 6210

Price: $300 to $400

Perfect For: Someone who simply must zing messages to everyone all the time.

Virtues: Your mobile inbox always matches your e-mail queue back at the office. And it can sync up to your meeting schedule no matter where you are, without computer or cradle.

Drawbacks: The only one of these hybrids that lacks a color screen.

Carriers: AT&T Wireless; Cingular; T-Mobile

Specs: Proprietary RIM OS; GSM/GPRS

If You're Buying: The device and the all-you-can-eat plan are cheaper at T-Mobile.

What's Next: A color-screen BlackBerry 7230 just debuted in Europe.

The Palm Purist

Kyocera 7135

Price: $500

Perfect For: Those fusty types who insist on scribbling with an inkless pen.

Virtues: This device acts more like an old-fashioned Palm than any other hybrid. In fact, it's the only one that still lets you use Graffiti to enter data into your address book and calendar.

Drawbacks: It doesn't handle e-mail well, and the keypad software can't keep up with speedy dialers.

Carriers: Alltel; Verizon Wireless

Specs: Palm OS; CDMA

If You're Buying: This model sucks down juice, so spring for a spare battery.

What's Next: Once the pioneer in hybrids, Kyocera is now playing catch-up with a camera phone/PDA.