If you've been scribbling phone numbers on the back of your hand or carrying around a clunky day planner desperately trying to keep track of your appointments, then a PDA (Personal Data Assistant) is the perfect solution for you. You'll be able to carry around a nice sized photo library and even play solitaire while waiting in line at the post office. Soon, you'll wonder how you ever managed without one!
Although PDAs are designed to help make your life easier they can still be somewhat intimidating. This guide will help you decide which PDA is right for you. But before we go into detail though, you'll need to think about what type of user you are. We've broken down this section into three categories to help you find the right device for you.
New to PDAs
Even the simplest PDA on the market today can help you manage your to-do lists, keep track of your busy schedule and jot down memos. When buying your first PDA, it's always a good idea to keep your investment to a minimum. Maybe you don't really need to be that organized.
Here are some of the minimum requirements you should look for when shopping for your first PDA:
Processor speed - 16 MHz and up
Memory - 8MB installed
Screen size - 2.5" Diagonal Screen Size
Battery Life - 12 hours
Price - You can find a basic PDA for under $200
Business, Professional or Entrepreneur
You've probably seen your coworker with a PDA and asked yourself the question, "Do I need one of those?" Well, if you want to view and manage documents, keep track of your appointments and always have full access to your name and address book, then the answer is "Yes!" Your PDA can also be used for fun things like listening to music, watching short video clips and reading electronic books. You can even rehearse your power presentations using your PDA!
For maximum compatibility with your office applications, look for a PDA with the Windows Pocket PC operating system and lots of installed memory. If you will be reading books and managing text-heavy documents, screen size and resolution will be your primary concerns. If you're a Mac user, you may need additional software in order to synchronize your PDA with your desktop applications.
Here are a few of the basic requirements business professionals should look for a PDA:
Processor speed - 200 MHz and up
Memory - 64MB installed and up, go for more memory if you'll be storing a lot of documents
Screen size - 3" Diagonal Screen Size, consider the larger 4" screen if you'll be doing lots of reading
Battery Life - 12 hours
Data input - Entering lots of text with the small built-in keyboard or using the handwriting software can be a frustrating task. Consider investing in a portable full size keyboard - it will save you time (and sanity) in the long run.
Audio input - A built-in microphone or microphone jack is great for capturing voice memos or recording important meeting notes
Price - You can find a great PDA for $200 - $500 to meet all your business professional requirements
Technophile
Want the latest and coolest toy? If you prefer to be on the cutting edge of technology you'll want a PDA that does it all: Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, SmartPhone, MP3 player, instant messaging, digital camera all with a super fast processor, giant LCD screen and lots of memory! You can even have your PDA function as a GPS receiver, assuring that you'll always know where you are anywhere in the world.
Processor speed - 400 MHz and up
Memory - 256 MB installed and up, look for a unit with a memory expansion slot which will allow for future memory upgrades
Screen size - 4" Diagonal Screen Size. Look for a bright, sharp color VGA screen (640 x 480 pixels) which is especially nice for photos
Battery Life - 7 hrs. Each PDA will consume battery life differently based on the applications it is running and the size and brightness of the screen. The Palm brand PDAs have rechargeable but not replaceable batteries - if the battery fails, the unit must be replaced or upgraded.
Music playback - MP3 audio file playback sometimes requires an additional software download
GPS - When using your PDA for GPS purposes, keep in mind that the device may not be designed for rugged outdoor activities. Your PDA screen will most likely be made of glass and the unit itself may not be waterproof.
Keyboard/Input device - Some models have a full QWERTY keyboard built-in. If you'll be typing or text-messaging at length you may want to consider adding a fold-up full-size external keyboard
Communication - Look for integrated Bluetooth 1.1 and a built-in 802.11b Wi-Fi adapter
Smartphone - Phone capability requires a separately purchased service contract
Audio Output - A headphone jack is essential for listening to your audio files
Cradle - Some manufacturers are no longer including a cradle with their PDAs. Many PDAs come with either a cable or a cradle allowing you to interface with your desktop computer to synchronize data.
Price - You can find a screaming fast PDA with all the bells and whistles for over $300
Important Terms
Battery life - Some PDAs operate using standard AAA batteries while others run on rechargeable battery packs. If you choose a PDA with a rechargeable battery, check to see if it is also replaceable. If the battery goes bad and cannot be replaced, the unit will have to be replaced which may result in loss of data. Each PDA will consume battery life differently based on the applications it is running and the size and brightness of the screen.
Bluetooth - This wireless technology lets you to exchange data with other handheld devices or any other Bluetooth enabled device such as a cell phone, fax machine, personal computer, laptop computer, headset or printer. The Bluetooth feature will allow you to add an external keyboard.
Cradle/Charger - This device allows for easy connection and synchronization with your PCs while simultaneously recharging your battery. Consider buying an additional cradle for the office for maximum convenience.
Digital camera - PDA cameras usually capture low resolution images (around 1.2 megapixels) which are perfect for emailing but not for printing.
GPS - Global positioning system allows you to navigate from any point on or near the surface of the earth.
Input device - In addition to the handwriting software capabilities you may want to consider adding a full size portable keyboard which will connect to your PDA either by USB or Bluetooth.
Music/Audio - The MP3 playback quality will depend on the bit rate of the audio file and the quality of the built-in speaker. The audio quality is often better when played back through a quality headset.
PDA Screen - PDA screen sizes are measured in inches and are available from 2.6 inches up to 5 inches on the very high-end. Larger, brighter screens require more power to operate therefore expect battery consumption to increase with the screen size of your PDA.
Processor speed refers to the speed in which a PDA coordinates its internal functions. Processor speeds are measured in MHz (megahertz) and range between 4 MHz and 624 MHz. For general contact management and appointment setting functions it is recommended to have a processor speed of at least 16 MHz.
Smartphone - Combines the functions of a cellular phone with a "smart" information management device all within a single unit.
Video capture - Video playback often requires an additional expansion card and a third party software download.
Voice memo recording - Allows you to record meetings or verbal notes as it creates and stores audio files using either a built-in or external microphone.
Web Browser - Used with a Wi-Fi connection, lets you browse the internet as you would from a desktop computer.
Wi-Fi - Integrated 802.11b WLAN (wireless local area network), enables you to connect to the internet in any "hot spot." Enabling the Wi-Fi features tends to consume battery life quickly.
