How Do I Choose a PDA?

Handheld computers (PDA's) cover a vast range of ability designed for the uncomplicated user who just needs to keep track of his calender and contacts, all the way through to high-end devices which are virtually mini laptops designed for the advanced, or business user. Add to this interesting mix the fact that integrating mobile phone technology has broadened the capabilities exponentially, how are you supposed to decide which PDA is right for you..?

There are, however, several things to consider when first eyeing up your friends PDA with lustful eyes and deciding to indulge yourself in this sexy technology. Firstly, decide whether budget or features are your most important criteria. This allows you to begin the decision making process with the correct focus, which will result in the purchase that is best for you and one which you're less likely to regret.

Also useful is to make a list of all the features currently available in all the makes and models, and then work your way down this list choosing which features you really need, and which you would like. No cheating here ok. Be firm with yourself and then once you've decided what you need, and what you want have a look at the various makes and models to find which one best suits your needs.

Once done, check to see if it falls within your budget. If it does you can then treat yourself to adding some features that you want. Review this new list and see what models you come up with. Again, check the price and compare that with your budget. Repeat this process as often as you need to.

Alternatively, just buy the best damn thing on the market and show it to all your friends, and bask in the glow of envy emanating from everyone. And just hope no-one asks you how all the features work...

Below you'll find a list of the things you should be looking at when making judgements and comparisons between the different PDA's out there.

• Colour - Key things to note... Colour screens make for easier readability in low light conditions but they decrease battery life and increase the physical size of the device.

• Memory - Pocket PC devices generally come with more memory that their Palm OS counterparts (32MB is usual for Pocket PC devices compared to 8MB for most Palm OS devices).  Remember that documents require less memory to open and edit in a PDA than on a laptop so don't compare PDA memory to laptop / desktop memory. A question worth asking is whether you can upgrade the memory of the PDA you're looking at. Extra memory usually comes in the form of CompactFlash cards like the ones used with digital cameras.

• Operating system - The most important aspect of the operating system is not who makes it, but what kinds of software have been written to run on it (which is discussed next). If you are used to using Windows on a desktop, you may find the Pocket PC interface a bit more familiar as it uses similar features. However, it is not as efficient as the Palm OS meaning it takes more processing power to run. This means either faster processors are required, which generally cost more and use more battery, or response times are slower when you use the device.

• Software- The real power of handheld devices comes from the software applications you are able to add to them (just as is the case with desktop and laptop computers). In terms of sheer numbers, the depth of choices for the Palm OS is unmatched. With over 7,500 programs available, there is very little that you cannot do on a Palm PDA. The software library for Pocket PC is slowly improving and one advantage is that, because the operating system is written by the same company that powers most desktops, synchronization between the two and some of the more popular applications (such as Microsoft Word and Excel) can be easier. A key factor in your decision should be which devices have the software that you are going to need. The core programs (databases, document readers, drug guides, etc.) are generally available on both platforms, however, as you start to look for more specialized applications (a specific calculator for example) the advantage definitely falls in favour of Palm OS devices.

• Battery life - Monochrome PDA's walk all over the rest when it comes to battery life with a battery life of close to 30 days with fairly regular use whilst colour screen PDA's pay for their colour by only lasting days, or even hours, with similar usage. Most higher end PDA's and all colour devices have rechargeable batteries that help alleviate this issue. Just make sure you recharge your PDA on a regular basis. With non-rechargeable batteries you just put new ones in and away you go. Just ensure you have some spare ones with you.

• Speed - PDA's with the Palm OS are very fast since the Operating System is simpler than that of the Pocket PC and therefore doesn't require as many resources to perform the same functions. Pocket PC devices on the other hand tend to be a little more sluggish as the processing required to produce full-colour, graphic intensive images is high. Speed has been improved with their latest models though.
   
• Data input - Handheld computers generally use a stylus for data input. There are only limited choices for an integrated keyboard. However, both Palm OS and Pocket PC devices have detachable keyboards which can be used for data entry. These add-ons generally cost between $50-$100 and can dramatically increase the speed of data entry. Handwriting software is also available.

• Functionality - Out of the box you will find that Pocket PC devices have the broadest functionality. For example, voice recording capability, MP3 players and video players are pretty standard on most Pocket PC units. This should play only a minimal role in your decision making however, as for the most part, extra attachments (these run the gamut from wireless modems, to digital cameras to GPS transceivers) are quite common for Palm OS devices and allow you to add exactly the features you find most desirable.

• Screen size - PDAs generally come with two basic screen sizes depending on whether you are interested in a handheld PDA or a palmtop PDA. Handheld PDAs (Pocket PC, Palm, Handspring, etc.) have screens in the range of 2.5 x 3 inches. Palmtop PDAs on the other hand have larger screens, with dimensions starting at 2.5 x 6 inches up to 10 inch screens (a typical laptop screen averages around 12 inches). If the larger screen is a deciding factor, your choices are going to be limited to a small selection of devices. It is also very important to note that most manufacturers have stopped making palmtop sized devices due to the lack of demand so future product support and software choices could be severely limited.

• Expandability - Virtually every manufacturer now makes their PDA's with an expansion slot which means you have a much wider range of choice when it comes to adding accessories and / or memory. Make sure the PDA you choose has the additional modules that you may require and also keep an eye on the price of the extra's since this could mount up.

• Price - PDAs generally range anywhere in price from $100 all the way up to $1,000 with physical size, memory and colour being the most influential factors in pricing. Devices based on the Palm OS tend to be at the low to mid range of this spectrum with Pocket PC devices at the middle to higher end (this is primarily due to the extra memory and added functions that come standard on a Pocket PC). If you are comfortable spending between $250 and $500, you will find a good selection of PDAs using each of the three operating systems.