PDA Buying Guide

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Author: Computing Guide

PDA is a wireless and mobile device that is replacing organizers to facilitate easy storage and recovery of information related to appointment schedules and important contacts. The database can be accessed anytime and anywhere you go.

Types of PDAs

You find two types of PDAs namely, the ‘Palm Pilot type’ and the ‘Handheld type’ that give endless wireless networking to help you better.
The use of keyboard differentiates the two.

Palm PDA does not require a keyboard.
It can be operated using a pen like device with handwriting recognition software and a touch screen to type in information.
The screen size measures 4 inches diagonally with 240 by 320 resolution.
An onscreen keyboard is another medium to input details using the pen like device. It is light to handle and is small sized that makes it conveniently conveyable.
People who are keen to store relevant calendar dates and contact lists will prefer palm PDA, for example, O2 XDA Atom PDA and Palm 1047ML PDA.

Handheld PDA is a better select for frequent Internet browsing and word documentation purposes. It has a sensitive touch screen that is wider than palm PDA screen.
The screen size is 6.5 inches with 640 by 240 resolution. Sizes vary from small to as much as a paperback and even similar to a hardbound textbook.
I-Mate Jasjar PDA and Dopod 838Pro_PDA_Gppv_29--8283>838Pro PDA are handheld models with keyboard option.

Key features in PDAs

You can look for the following features while buying a PDA.

LCD Screens

Liquid Crystal Displays have replaced the monochronous screens as the latter provides only black and white shades for screens. Color screens have umpteen colors and require a lot more battery power.
It is advisable to use a color screen with backlight to attune to the lighting conditions at night. There is a possibility of damage when put under direct sunlight.
HP IPAQ HW6515E PDA and Palm 1047ML PDA have color screens. HP iPAQ RX4240 PDA has wide screen.

Memory

The storage space is sufficient to accommodate operating systems, standard applications and also for word processing. More memory will enhance processing speed. There are expandable PDAs where extra memory cards can save games and road maps.
Calendar dates and contact information can be stored in 16MB memory. Additional software installation would require 32MB and for audiovisual files 64MB memory is preferred.

Operating Systems

PDAs use many operating systems. The most commonly used ones are Palm OS from Palm Inc. and Pocket PC from Microsoft.
Palm OS provides high speed, easy customization programs and many shareware software for games and other applications.
Pocket PC has a variety of features like pocket Internet explorer, MSN Messenger, infrared communication, connection manager, updated Pocket Word & Excel and the upgraded version of Windows XP desktop.
T-Mobile Sidekick helps in Internet surfing, phone chatting and comes with calendaring and phone book options.
T-Mobile Sidekick Color version and T-Mobile Sidekick versions does not support speakerphone or memory expansion slot.
The former has a colour screen with 32MB memory and the second has monochrome screen and 16MB memory.
T-Mobile Sidekick II comes with speakerphone, built-in flash camera and 32MB memory.
RIM Blackberry supports bluetooth mechanism and consists of a browser, a keyboard, a speakerphone and an organizer.
You can check your personal as well as corporate mails a suitable server.
For example, Palm TungstenT PDA, Palm Z22 PDA, O2 XDA Stealth PDA and Mitac MIO168 Plus PDA.

Batteries

Regular alkaline batteries and rechargeable batteries suit PDAs.
AA or AAA batteries and even proprietary batteries may be a good choice.
The batteries may be made from Nickel Cadmium (NiCad), Nickel-Metal Hydride (NiMH) or Lithium-ion (Li-ion). Rechargeable and proprietary batteries usually provide lifetime guarantee and does not need replacement.

Audio alerts

Most PDAs have built-in speakers while others have internal microphones to record notes or for limited voice recognition.
The audio alerts are meant specifically for multimedia software.

Web & email access

If your PDA has a modem then Internet access is available.
You can avail access to shareware browser facilities like cookies, content downloads and bookmarks. For email access, the appropriate modem connection will help you send and receive emails and even online chatting for handheld PDAs.

Handwriting Recognition

This software is mainly for palm PDAs and has an inbuilt program to enable operation. Pocket PC device has a program named Transcriber and Palm OS has Graffiti.
These writing programs make you familiar with the standard penstrokes and character formation styles according to your writing style.
Some programs like CalliGrapher or PenReader are very easy to learn as you can just write anywhere on the screen without having penstrokes and the content automatically gets converted to text format.
O2 XDA Atom PDA has pen stroke option.

Multipurpose utilities

You can store databases, spreadsheets and financial details in PDAs. Fun and recreation purposes comprise of games, travel maps and crossword puzzles.
A PDA device is a reliable source to retrieve reference materials for business and travel purposes.

Accessories

With the correct wireless modem, you will need a protective touch screen for your PDA.
It can have leather or metal cover.
Small keyboards for palm PDAs, AC adapters if required, handwriting pens and digital cameras are few others that are to be seen while using PDA.

PDAs are catching the market because of the extensive functional benefits.
Whether you wish to read and edit your documents, have unlimited mobile access to the Internet or corporate connection or enjoy some games offline, you can go for the apt model.

A careful co-relation of the points above with what you are looking for in your Personal Digital Assistant will help you make the right pick at Getprice!