PDA...

The Personal Data Assistant (PDA) has won rapid acceptance among university students and executives who are constantly on the move because of its ability to package a lot of different data requirements into a palm sized device. The PDA is designed to make a busy life easier by providing sensible connections to all the information you need.

 

Now, the line between personal computer and personal digital assistant is blurred thanks to the advanced capabilities of these useful little devices.

The right model...

There are plenty of makes and models to choose from in the PDA market, and finding the right model to suit an individual’s needs can be a hard work.

Buying a PDA as with most computer related products can sometimes be quite confusing if not sometimes very frustrating. WinBuyer can help you with that decision. Here I`ve put together some PDA buying tips that should get you going in the right direction.

Cost: the prices on PDAs vary widely depending on what you want. Keep in mind that a PDA basically is an organizational tool. But you can do much more with them as well, like access the internet, play games, e-books and even pictures to name a few. So depending on what you want your PDA for you need to plan on what you are going to do with it. Then plan on what price you can afford. Remember more money doesn`t always mean a better PDA.

Size: Another key aspect when referencing size as it applies to PDAs is the screen size. Large screens, with higher resolutions, will allow the user to operate more comfortable like the Hewlett Packard iPAQ 214 (640x480) screen while Hewlett Packard iPAQ hx2190 (240x320) screen.

The overall size may vary from model to model, but in general the length and width of a PDA will be in the range of a 3” x 5” index card. These values may vary slightly, and a difference of a few fractions of an inch may be important to a user with specific space constraints. But, the difference of more than ¾” in height may be a big deal when trying to fit into a briefcase pocket, or even a shirt pocket. The weight may be directly related to size, and is perhaps another relevant area worth considering.

The difference between one model and another may be due to the variety and quantity of extra features included, and in general, an individual’s requirements for functionality may influence the overall weight.

Keyboard: PDA size and its keyboard are very important factors in choosing a PDA. A PDA keyboard that has keys designed too close together or are small and difficult to use can be very aggravating and no one likes to be aggravated. Now, this is especially true for those that have problems with fine motor skills or have a repetitive motion injury which could make using a tiny Handheld PDA near impossible to use. So, thoroughly examine the usability of a PDA`s keyboard before you make your decision. But you can add a Wireless Keyboard pda, it is a full-size, complete compact keyboard which connects to your handheld.(Palm (3169WW) Keyboard, Hitachi (91460) Keyboard, Targus PAKB010U Keyboard)

 

Connectivity: then it`s highly recommended that you invest in a PDA that offers wireless internet access. After all the whole idea in enjoying the use of your PDA is the portability that this product provides and using cell phone dial up, even though it is more secure, is no less costly than wireless access. (Hewlett Packard iPAQ 214 Pocket PC, Hewlett Packard iPAQ hx2190 Pocket PC)Being able to connect a PDA to a computer or other device may be essential for utilizing all of the features to their full potential. Most now make connectivity to a PC via USB the base form of transferring data to the device, but there are a few wireless protocols that may be available on a PDA to make it even more convenient.

 

Infrared is a short range protocol that can allow a PDA to exchange data with another PDA, as well as with a compatible laptop or desktop computer. Many PDAs feature an infrared port, but not all computers do. The communications on this protocol are relatively slow, but may be useful for transferring basic data or synchronizing with a PC.

 

Bluetooth is a protocol that operates on the 2.4 GHz radio band that provides greater range than infrared, but the speeds still aren’t that great. Bluetooth can be used for transferring data from computers, but it can also allow other devices to connect to a PDA. For example, a Bluetooth-enabled PDA linked to a Bluetooth enabled cell phone may be able to access the Internet using the phone as a sort of wireless modem. (Hewlett Packard iPAQ 214 Enterprise Pocket PC)

 

Memory: If your intentions are to carry quite a few files or images on your PDA, you may want to consider buying a PDA with a larger size installed memory even though you can purchase an expanded memory card. PDAs are small, handheld devices, and there memories are a bit limited. But in the long run it is cheaper to get a PDA with sufficient installed memory card for PDA and expand later if you need to than to buy one with less and buy an additional expanded memory card.

 

Most of these devices now include slots that will accept some sort of flash memory to increase their capacity. Typical formats supported by PDAs include: MMC, Compact Flash, SD memory cards, or Memory Stick.

 

A PDA such as the HP iPaq rz1715 offers an SD/MMC slot for expandability.

In addition to choosing the proper format of flash memory for your PDA, it may also be necessary to consider the capacity of the card chosen. Although you may be able to purchase a 2GB flash memory card, for example, that does not mean every PDA will be able to access it.

 

In addition to allowing additional storage space, expansion slots can be used for other devices, as well. GPS receivers are popular accessories for PDAs, and can be found with different interfaces to match the slots available on a PDA. Leadtek is one manufacturer offering both Compact Flash and Secure Digital based GPS receivers. Another innovation, from companies such as SanDisk, is combination memory and WiFi cards. However, be sure to check compatibility with your current PDA as some PDAs have problems “using” the extra features.

 

Features & Accessories: It isn’t enough for PDAs to keep track of serious business items like appointments and contact information any more. They need to be able to multi-task, and most are now able to help their owners work and play. Many of these features may be considered nice extras by some, but others may insist on their availability when choosing a PDA

 

Many PDAs can now surf the Internet, stream movies, or play video games thanks to the higher resolution color screens (Hewlett Packard iPAQ 214 Pocket PC, Hewlett Packard iPAQ hx2190 Pocket PC). Most now include a stereo sound processor for listening to MP3s or other audio sources, as well as being able to double as a digital voice recorder.

 

Many PDAs also offer a wide array of extra add-on accessories to add ease of use and maybe a touch of flash PDA. For example, most manufacturers offer such things as spare batteries like the Belkin for Dell Axim X3, Expansys for Sony Clie T Series), extra styluses (Palm (3237WW) for Z22), and upgraded leather cases (Proporta (4114) Tungsten T3, Expansys (5060063763545) for XDA, Other cool items may be a foldable keyboard that can be plugged into the PDA for easier typing, automobile charger PDA so that you can charge your PDA while driving (Treo 650 Pda Car Charger)and even international power adaptors to use your PDA in different countries Like cellphones, some PDAs even come with removable covers so that you can totally customize how your PDA looks.

With all of the options available, PDAs are far more versatile than they ever used to be. Finding a device with the flexibility to be useful for both business and pleasure doesn’t have to be a daunting task if a few key considerations are identified early in the process. A good balance of performance, size, and capabilities should be easily achieved, while still respecting a reasonable budget.