Choosing the Right PDA for You You have decided your busy schedule can benefit from the facility of a PDA, but which PDA? By which maker?

Introduction When choosing a PDA to purchase, you should consider the following –Uses –Applications –Operating System –Input Methods –Connections –Features

Uses Calendar, address book, notes Reference materials Mobile functions

Applications Do you need Word, Excel,or Outlook? Do you need to run a special application?

Operating System PDAs can be narrowed down easily to two categories based on the operating system (OS) they use. The differences between these operating systems (also called platforms) are significant Palm OS® Windows Pocket PC

Palm OS® Developed specifically for a palm-sized computer, Considered very user-friendly for those who want all the essentials at the click of a button

Windows Pocket PC Developed to be used in a variety of products as a scaled down version of Microsoft Windows®. Devices may be palm-sized or handheld computers and usually have color displays –Include compact versions of Word, Excel and Outlook.

Input Methods Many PDAs use a penlike stylus to enter information. Tap on an on-screen keyboard or enter data by writing on the screen, which may require learning a special alphabet. Some PDAs have built-in keyboards. External keyboards are available as accessories for many smaller PDAs.

Features Memory Display Battery Size Expansion and connections –modem, ethernet, additional memory

Memory PDAs typically have 2 MB to 32 MB of built-in memory. –2 MB useful minimum for Palm OS devices. –8 MB required for anything more than basic address and calendar –32 MB minimum for Windows CE OS devices –Small storage cards can be inserted into some PDAs.

Screen Displays Monochrome or gray-scale displays vs color displays –2 to 16 grays; 256 to 64,000 colors Active matrix displays generally are easier to see, more responsive and can be viewed at larger angles than passive matrix displays, but use more power.

Batteries Battery options –permanent or swappable rechargeable batteries –replaceable alkaline batteries Battery life –Typical use time between recharging or changing batteries 3 hrs to 1 month –Time it takes for recharging

Size and Weight Today's PDAs range from the size and thickness of 10 business cards, weighing 1.4 ounces, to the size of a paperback book weighing significantly more. Complementary hardware -- for example, modems, cradles, and battery chargers -- add to the overall size and weight of PDAs.

Connections Synching with PC –Serial, USB, IR External connectivity –Ethernet, wireless LAN, IrDA, cell phone?

Expansion Some PDAs can be upgraded, with new OS software. You also may be able to add memory or removable storage to a PDA, or connect it to an external monitor, a network, or a modem. Printers and external keyboards can be added to many PDAs as well.

Cost PDAs range from less than $100 to over $600. Generally, the higher-priced PDAs provide more features and functions than the lower-priced models.

Summary Once you have an idea of the size/weight, input methods, features, uses and applications then you can prioritize them based on your personal usage patterns and tastes. Then you are ready to compare your needs with the different devices that are available.

Palm OS Windows CE Popular Devices Palm –IIIc, Vx, m500 Handspring –Visor, Prism TRG –TRGpro, HandEra IBM –WorkPad Sony HP –Jornada 545 Casio –Cassiopeia Compaq –iPAQ H3650 CNET.com currently lists over 80 devices