Work, work, work!!
by Gary Woods

My new constant companion is my iPaq PocketPC. This little handheld device has a 400 mHz processor, 64 Meg of RAM and a 256 Meg Secure Digital memory card. The coolest part is that it makes it look like I'm working constantly. I stare intently at the screen making incredibly involved, life changing decisions! Or so it appears...

Lately I've been staring intently at Age of Empires. The goal is to evolve a Stone Age tribe (sounds like a band I worked with) into a great civilization over a 10,000 year time span. The game isn't quite as cool as it is on the PC, but the graphics are clear and colorful, and controls are surprisingly intuitive. Age of Empires is $29.95 from Mobile Digital Media http://www.gomdm.com

Another game I came across is called Insaniquarium. With this game you're given a few little guppies to start with, but you must continually buy new fish and the food they need to keep the game going. You have to protect the fish against nasty aliens by tapping furiously at your screen. Insaniquarium is $14.95 from Astraware Ltd http://www.astraware.com

But, I think the coolest game I've seen lately is Links PocketPC. This version of the game lets you play as Sergio Garcia at a variety of real-world courses including Chateau Whistler. Soon you'll be able to add other players and courses with forth coming expansions packs. Links PocketPC lists for $29.99 from Handmark http://www.handmark.com.

If you have any suggestions or questions for me please drop me a note at garyandlaury@santabarbaraproperties.com or see my column on the Internet at http://www.santabarbaraproperties.com or call me at (805) 729-0910