a tightly integrated palmtop computer system and personal computer system is disclosed . the palmtop computer system and personal computer system synchronize with each other to share information . the synchronization software recognizes different synchronization environments including : synchronizing multiple palmtop computer systems with a single personal computer system ; synchronizing a single palmtop computer system with multiple personal computer systems ; synchronizing a palmtop computer system with a remote personal computer system across a network using a local personal computer system ; and remotely synchronizing with a personal computer system across a telephone line . the synchronization software handles each different synchronization environment appropriately with minimal user interaction .