Before You Buy a PDA

Palm and Windows-based Pocket PC are the most commonly used OS available for PDAs/Handhelds. There are others, but there is less 3rd-party software available for them. Before deciding to buy a Palm or Windows-based Pocket PC PDA/Handheld, investigate the types of applications needed and availability of programs. Remember that Windows-based Pocket PC PDA/Handhelds will only sync with Windows-based machines. Most Palm PDAs/Handhelds sync with Mac & PC but check this specification first.

Without a bright and well lit screen using your PDA/Handheld will only become an aggravation. You need to be able to see and read the information you have stored without straining your eyes. It may seem frivolous to have a PDA/Handheld with a colour screen but in the long run you’ll appreciate how easy it is to use. Watch for PDAs/Handhelds such as the PalmOne Tungsten T3 which uses a sliding screen, this screen can be used either horizontally or vertically to view information.

Buying a PDA/Handheld with the maximum RAM possible will make it much easier to run applications and access your data. Upgrading RAM later can be more costly and difficult to do for a PDA/Handheld. The minimum RAM you should get is 32MB but 64MB is preferred to run applications and use networking efficiently with a PDA/Handheld.

Built in expansion memory slots enable you to use CompactFlash, Secure Digital or memory sticks to increase the amount of data you save with your PDA/Handheld. These memory add-ons can also be accessed by your laptop or desktop later. No matter what type of data you need, you can never have too much memory, especially in a PDA/Handheld.

Networking is probably the most important add-on you should consider for your PDA/Handheld. You will need to determine if Bluetooh or Wi-Fi best suits your needs. Bluetooth will allow you to sync your PDA/Handheld with your laptop or desktop computer and Wi-Fi enables you to connect your PDA/Handheld to the internet, office network and home office network. PDA/Handhelds that offer both methods of networking are best suited for mobile users needs.

Think about what type of tasks and functions you expect to perform with your PDA/Handheld. Do you only need one that keeps track of contacts, appointments and lets you check e-mail or do you intend to use your PDA/Handheld for working on documents? If you plan to use your PDA/Handheld as a laptop replacement, buy a PDA/Handheld that is already network capable and has maximum RAM.