I am using Knoppix on Debian Linux 2.4.22 on a Toshiba 2410 laptop, with a pcmcia 56k zoom voice fax modem, I would like to purchase and connect a handheld PC "data organizer" directly to the laptop, plus I would like to be able to "dial into" the internet, and dial into the laptop using the handheld, from a remote location to upload\download files.

I would like to know if there are tried and tested methods to do this, and advice on the better pocket pc's available to do this, along with advice for the availability of software and ease of setup.

Thanks to all.

Check this site:
http://www.linuxdevices.com/articles/AT8728350077.html
Sharp has a lot of Linux based PDAs. I would say go with them. I am planning to get a Linux based PDA myself this summer, and so far I am looking to Sharp.