I really apologize for not posting this sooner. Anyone with a PDA (Palm or Pocket PC) should go to
http://tinyurl.com/ddw59 and download a freeware program called METRO. It is a fabulous guide to public transport systems throughout the world including Amsterdam's tram, bus and metro system. Once you download the software, you can then download whatever cities you choose. It's not easy to describe but let's say you want to go from Leidseplein to Albert Cuypstraat. You use pull down menus to get to your starting and ending spot (every stop in the system as well as most tourist attractions are in the menu). You click on the run icon and you get a list of the the fastest route, and the route that involves the fewest transfers. it will list each stop along the route and the approximate time of the journey. If you click on another icon it will provide a list of every tram, metro and bus line. Click on the line and each stop is listed. It's also time sensitve. If you seek a route after the trams have shut down it will only return the night buses (if you're coming from another time zone, make sure to reset the clock on the PDA). I've used it in London, Paris, Rome, Amsterdam, New York and Chicago and it's flawless. It's updated frequently and if you sign up for their mailing list, you get an e-mail whenever there's an update. It's all free (not even any ads) and it's brilliant.
