Gentoo linux to be exact. Have you tried it (any distro)?
I have tried Red Hat Linux a couple of times and used it at University. I will probably give Linux another go in the summer. I was thinking SuSe, but I have heard good things about Gentoo. Would you recommend it? I know a fair bit of the theory and technically how it works, but I have very little practical experience.
That seems like a more effective (and cheaper, for now) way, yes.
The only Palm with integrated WiFi seems to be Tungsten C, but that keyboard must be awful . Otherwise it looks like there is no WiFi expansion card out currently, or at least not drivers. They should be here soon though.
Wi-Fi is pretty much a must for me at the moment which is a pretty big mark against Palm but I have heard very good things about the Palm OS. Those that have used it - love it.
Haven't really used it with windows, as I only got it this autumn, but it should sync nicely with Outlook at least. The only program I've found in linux that syncs well with it, for the calendar part at least, is Evolution, an outlook work-alike. Adress book works with a few others as well. It doesn't sync mail though , or maybe I've just not looked around enough.
I have heard good things about Evolution. Personally I hate Outlook (though I haven't used it for a while it may have got better ), though I may have to consider going back to Outlook if that is the only option :.
Excalibur
Aviendha's Englishman