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PDA Buying Guide
Personal Digital Assistants (PDAs) have been around since 1996 when Palm introduced the Palm Pilot. PDAs took the paper to-do lists and bulky address books into the digital age, storing all your most-needed information in one, portable place. Today’s PDAs are truly mobile computers. With a PDA you can stay connected to the Web, fetch email, as well as perform the functions of your cell phone, MP3 player, digital camera and GPS (Global Positioning System). With so many options available, shopping for a PDA can be overwhelming. Pronto’s PDA Buying Guide can help you narrow down the choices and select the PDA that best suits your lifestyle and needs (see also Smart Phone Buying Guide).
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the five
What are the five key points I need to look at?
PDA or Smartphone?
If you can do without the cell phone component, traditional PDAs cost less. PDAs are more compact than smartphones, come with larger screen sizes and feature higher quality displays.
Web Enabled
Not all PDAs are Web enabled. If you plan to use email, you’ll need a Web-enabled PDA. If you are using the PDA for tasks, calendars, contacts, you can do without this feature.
Operating System
Your operating system (OS) will be either a Palm OS or Windows Mobile OS. If you use a Mac, Palm OS will work out of the box, while 3rd party software is needed to run Windows Mobile (sometimes included). If you are a Windows-based PC user, both operating systems are compatible.
Memory, Speed and Battery Power
The more features and functionality your PDA has, the more memory, speed and battery power it’s going to need. Basic users will want 32 MB of RAM, while heavy application use requires 64MB or more. Look for battery life of 4 hours or more. External batteries can be purchased for emergencies. Buy the most memory, speed, battery life you can afford—you’ll be glad you did.
Keyboards
The choice comes down to tactile vs. touch. A touch screen uses “touching” to run the PDA. This can be accomplished with a pen like device called a stylus. A tactile keyboard is a miniature version of a PC keyboard and your fingers operate it. Tapping with a stylus or your thumbs? Your call, just be sure to understand difference before you buy.
pronto pick
What product do we recommend?
We like the Palm TX Handheld (est. $299) since it comes with built-in Wi-Fi and Bluetooth technology for Web browsing and email. Although it uses Palm’s operating system, not Windows, it comes with Documents to Go® so you can easily access and edit Word and Excel compatible files. It allows you check or edit your calendar, listen to music or search the Internet from anywhere.
experts say
Mobile Tech Review - “There are more shareware programs of all flavors for the Palm than one could possibly ever sample in a lifetime, and many shareware/download sites devoted wholly to all that great software. Check out Palmgear.com and Handango.com for starters!” Source: Mobile Tech Review
The Palm Info Center - “The Palm Z22 PDA is intended for people who want a basic PDA or are new to the mobile technology world. For those, the Z22 has all they need and even more – for example, my mother would be more than happy with the machine.” Source: The Palm Info Center
CNET - “As PDAs increasingly morph into mobile phones and vice versa, the HP iPaq hx2790 PDA stands out by ignoring this technological cross-pollination. By sticking to the basics, it generally does a good job of mixing just enough entertainment potential with its business abilities to satisfy road warriors.” Source: CNET
Newsfactor.com - “Price-sensitive buyers looking for a compact and lightweight wireless device that provides Internet access will find that the Palm TX PDA fits the bill rather nicely.” Source: Newsfactor.com
hot buzz
What's the latest in the world of PDAs?
The convenience of a PDA means that you can download almost anything in minutes. The company Unbound Medicine developed “The 5-Minute Pediatric Consult” which provides answers to hundreds of medial questions for curious parents. Search features include a glossary and the option look up symptoms, treatments and or drug names. Unbound Medicine knows that busy parents don’t always have time to call the doctor so they provide updates delivered right to a PDA. Simply synchronize your PDA as usual and the updated information will be at your finger tips. Source: Unbound Medicine
Wallet Impact
What can I expect in my price range?
| Price | Description | Good Pick (see all PDAs) |
| $ | PDAs in the $100 or less price range provide big bright screens and basic functionality like storing contact information, managing calendars, tracking task lists. Models in this range do not have Internet access, so the downside is no email or online functionality Good Pick: Palm Z22 |
Compare prices at 74 stores $41 - $149 |
| $$ | Mid priced models fall into the $150-$400 range, offering basic functionality PLUS wireless in connectivity via Wi-Fi and Bluetooth. You’ll not only get email capability but often the ability to work on Microsoft Office documents, using third party applications. Good Pick: Palm Tungsten E2 Handheld | |
| $$$ | Top of the line PDAs exceed $400. Expect premium processing power, big screen, long battery life, a host of applications (including the latest version of Windows PDA software, Windows Mobile 5.0), and state-of-the-art security and support for video and connectivity, such as USB 2.0 Good Pick: HP iPaq hx 2790 |
Compare prices at 54 stores $250 - $631 |
shop talk
What are the terms and definitions I need to know about?
Bluetooth
Bluetooth is a wireless standard that allows devices in close proximity to connect to each other and exchange information. You will need a Bluetooth enabled PDA if you want to connect your PDA to other Bluetooth enabled devices like phones, printers, and keyboards.
Wi-Fi or wireless
Wi-Fi is a wireless standard that allows a device to connect to the Internet. A Wi-Fi enabled PDA can send and retrieve emails and also browse the Web without being physically wired to a PC or laptop.
Smartphone
Smartphones arePDAs thatare Bluetooth or Wi-Fi enabled and also combine the features of a cell phone, eliminating the need to carry two pieces of equipment.
Expansion Slot or External Card Slot
This is where the removable memory card is stored in a PDA. Most PDAs have External Card Slots for storing music, videos and photos and in some cases they also let you add Wi-Fi adapters. Types of removable Memory Cards include: SD Card, CompactFlash, Multimedia Cards and Memory Sticks.
guide tools
Research Central
We've compiled this group of information links to help you further your research