Hand-held computers such as the Apple Newton MessagePad, HP 200LX, Psion 3a, and Franklin DBS-2 are now powerful enough to be useful to family physicians in their care of patients. Each fits in a laboratory coat pocket, weighs a pound or less, costs less than $700, turns on instantly, and has excellent battery life. A wide variety of software, including computerized medical records, medical calculators, and medical references, is available.