Mark/Space's Missing Sync for Tapwave ($39.95) enables Zodiac users to synchronize data between the Palm-based gaming handheld and a Macintosh computer running Mac OS X or later via USB or Bluetooth.

While many games designed for the Zodiac only include installers for Windows PC users wrapped in a .zip file, the Missing Sync Game Installer allows Mac users to drag-and-drop these or any .zip file for installation on the Zodiac. It also offers a High Score conduit that enables users to share high scores over the Internet.

With Missing Sync, users can also move music, audio and digital picture files between iPhoto or iTunes on the Mac and either of the handheld's two expansion card slots. It also includes SplashData's SplashPhoto image viewer.

The software lets Zodiac users tie into their Mac's Internet connection to download emails and browse Web pages. It also supports AvantGo synchronization. Additional features include the ability to synchronize calendar events, addresses, memos and to-do items with the Palm Desktop software, plus synchronization of iCal calendar events, to-do items, and Mac OS Address Book contact information after installing iSync and the iSync Palm Conduit. Users can also sync Mac applications with existing third party Palm OS conduits.

Mark/Space & Cobalt

When PalmSource, the manager and keeper of the Palm OS, announced Cobalt, the next version of the Palm operating system, it said there were no plans to support synching to the Macintosh desktop. Mark/Space jumped in right away to announce plans to offer this feature via Missing Sync when Cobalt devices ship, which isn't expected to happen till the summer at the earliest.

TapWave Zodiac

Zodiac is an entertainment orientated handheld that comes in two models, Zodiac 1 for $299 (32MB of internal RAM) and the Zodiac 2 for $399 (128MB of internal RAM). It runs a Tapwave enhanced version of the Palm OS (5.2T).

In terms of controls, the 6.3 ounce, anodized-aluminum Zodiac features a full analog controller (or joystick) with 360 degrees of motion, built-in triggers and action button array for a console-quality gaming experience. For sound, it has built-in stereo speakers and a headphone jack let users listen to MP3s and gaming soundtracks.

Other features include dual expansion slots to add additional memory with SD flash cards. Zodiac also supports multimedia game cards and SDIO peripherals such as the Veo Digital Camera. It supports two forms of local wireless connectivity, IrDA for short-range beaming and Bluetooth for multiplayer wireless gaming within a 30-foot range.

Zodiac has a high-resolution (480 x 320), backlit color display that the company claims is ideal for indoor and outdoor viewing. Zodiac uses two processors, a Motorola i.MX ARM9 processor and the ATI Imageon W4200 graphics accelerator with 8MB of dedicated memory.

The device has a radial navigation system that enables users to launch up to 64 titles or applications with two simple movements of the analog controller. Users can also use the touch-screen to drag and drop applications and customize their view.

The handheld also has an MP3 player and includes Kinoma Producer, which allows users to convert and load videos. With the Kinoma Player, users can watch videos.