Exhibit 5.1
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                [LETTERHEAD OF WILSON SONSINI GOODRICH & ROSATI]

                                 October 2, 2002

Extended Systems Incorporated
5777 North Meeker Avenue
Boise, Idaho  83713

RE:         REGISTRATION STATEMENT ON FORM S-8

Ladies and Gentlemen:

            We have examined the Registration Statement on Form S-8 to be filed
by you with the Securities and Exchange Commission on or about October 2, 2002
(the "REGISTRATION STATEMENT") in connection with the registration under the
Securities Act of 1933, as amended, of 497,891 shares of your Common Stock,
$0.001 par value per share (the "SHARES"), consisting of 416,880 Shares issuable
pursuant to the 1998 Stock Plan and 81,011 Shares issuable pursuant to the
Extended Systems Incorporated 2001 Approved Share Option Scheme (together with
the 1998 Stock Plan, the "PLANS"). As your legal counsel, we have examined the
proceedings taken in connection with the reservation of the Shares to be issued
under the Plans.

            It is our opinion that the Shares, when issued and sold in the
manner referred to in the Plans and pursuant to the agreements that accompany
the Plans, will be legally and validly issued, fully paid and nonassessable.

            We consent to the use of this opinion as an exhibit to the
Registration Statement and further consent to the use of our name wherever
appearing in the Registration Statement, including any Prospectus constituting a
part thereof, and any amendments thereto.

                                Very truly yours,

                                            WILSON SONSINI GOODRICH & ROSATI
                                            Professional Corporation

                                            /s/ Wilson Sonsini Goodrich & Rosati
                                            Professional Corporation