PDA Buyer's Guide

How do I choose a PDA?

Despite all being called PDAs, devices in the handheld computer category cover a very broad range of functionality, from simple devices that are basically electronic organizers, to high-power products that rival the functionality of laptops. And to make matters even more interesting, mobile technology is evolving so quickly that newer, more advanced options are being introduced with amazing frequency.

To decide which device is best for you, there are a number of factors to consider, the outcome of which should help you narrow down the field of candidates for your PDA dollar. As you begin to make choices as to which features are important and which are optional, you will find the selection process becoming increasingly simple.

• Color - People choosing color screens find the clearer display and enhanced readability in low light environments to be the key benefits. Software applications are also starting to take advantage of color - most noticably those programs which utilize images. The noticeable disadvantages of color are decreased battery life, and added size and weight of the device.
• Memory - Sufficient memory is critical, or without it, the number of applications you can add to your device is limited. Generally, PDAs come with 8-64MB of memory (PalmOS based devices On the surface, this seems to be a pretty straightforward usually have 8-16MB; PocketPC based devices usually have 32-64MB). While this may not sound like much compared to the amount of memory on the average desktop, it is important to note that all memory is not equal. For example, a reference work that may need 10MB on a desktop, may function perfectly well using only 1MB on a PDA. As a general rule, PalmOS applications typically use less memory than PocketPC versions of similar products.
  What is much more important than the amount of memory that comes with the device however, is whether or not you can add more. Virtually all devices (with the exception of very low-end models) now accept memory expansion cards. These cards are commonly available in a number of sizes, providing almost unlimited storage capacity for PDAs.
• Operating System - The most important aspect of the operating system is not who makes it (for example PalmOS or PocketPC), 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 many popular applications originally written for the PalmOS now have a PocketPC conuterpart.
  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 favor of Palm OS devices.
• Size - Physical size is an important factor when choosing a PDA, since if the device is too big to carry, it will be of very little use, regardless of how many features it has. Historically PalmOS based devices have tended to be more compact. However, as new generations of devices appear, PDA manufacturers are consistently introducing smaller and sleeker handhelds.
• Battery Life - As has always been the case with portable computing, a device is only good if it has the power to run (otherwise, it is little more then an expensive paperweight). In this regard, simple monochrome PDAs are the hands-down champions, with a freshly charged battery lasting the better part of a month with fairly regular use. Adding functionality such as color screens and wireless connectivity increases the frequency with which devices must be recharged, so it is important to carefully weigh the cost/benefit of feature set versus bettery life when choosing a PDA.
• Data Input - Almost without exception, handheld computers use a stylus for data input. If an integrated keyboard is a must, your options are pretty limited. However, most devices now support 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. For the more adventurous, there are also a number of more esoteric options such as specialized software with screen overlays and one-handed keypads to experiment with.
• 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.
• Expandibility - Much has been made of the expandibilty of the newer PDAs. This is a very important factor as expandibility is what will keep your device from becoming obsolete too quickly. Because expansion slots allow you to add things like memory and accessories, you can increase the functionality of your device over time with out having to replace it. Fortunately, pretty much every manufacturer makes a device with an expansion slot, meaning your choices are no longer limited to just one or two brands. The important factor to consider with respect to expandibility are the cost and selection of expansion modules. Make sure the device you ultimately select has the the choices you are going to require and that the cost of those modules is not going to break your pocketbook.
• Market Share - What percentage of devices being sold are Palm OS verses Pocket PC may not seem particularly relevant to your individual choice, however there are a number of important issues related to market share that may impact you directly. The first is that software developers generally write software to appeal to the largest market. In the case of PDAs, there are many more Palm OS devices then Pocket PC devices meaning developers often write applications for the Palm OS that they do not release for Pocket PC. The second issue is what your colleagues are more likely to be using. Since one of the key benefits of a PDA is being able to share information using infrared beaming, it is important that your device be compatible with that of the person you are going to be sharing data with.
• Price - PDAs generally range anywhere in price from $100 all the way up to $1,000 with physical size, memory and color 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.