Before, I could never really find a compelling reason to carry a personal digital assistant, or PDA. It didn’t fit in the pocket very well and there was already a cell phone hanging on the belt. Most of the time the PDA would reside on the desk in its cradle.

And the wireless technology, called Bluetooth, that is used to link the PDA with the computer has been around the market for some time with mixed results. In fact, after getting burned enough times and having to run to Teddy for stress relief, we decided to give it a rest.

But Bluetooth wireless technology has continued to acquire supporters and has even set up its own group dedicated to the product.

What has prompted new interest here at Allied is the converging technology. The Audiovox XV6600WOC is a PDA and wireless telephone integrated into one device. It was released by Audiovox in late December. This particular phone is really becoming useful.

So now to the Bluetooth. I wanted to be able to sync with the desk-top work-station as I came into the office without having to place the device in the cradle. After working with it a little bit, all is fine. During this adventure I did notice that not all Bluetooth devices yet like one another. But it is useful to exchange business cards and download your email directly off the PDA and much more.

You can dial any of your Outlook contacts easily by simply choosing contacts and touching the phone number. You do not need to enter the phone number. In addition, you may leave voice messages to yourself (i.e. notes) play music, use the XP media player and more.

If you have been burned by Bluetooth, as I was, and have decidedly refused to go back and begin using it, don’t refuse now. The technology is here and working (for the most part) quite well.

Several new car manufacturers are offering it in their new (mostly upscale) models. Here is a hint, though. If you are planning to add Bluetooth to your current vehicle, then check carefully into ISO adapters. Most American auto radios do not support ISO and therefore what is described as plug-and-play becomes something far different.

Interestingly enough and the reason I chose to write about Bluetooth is this: Recent studies have shown that only about 20 percent of Americans realize what Bluetooth is and while our European neighbors are at about 60 percent.

Bluetooth is interesting, improved and will expand dramatically. I guarantee it.