Palm computers
are better geared for users looking mainly to store
personal information like calendars or contact
lists. Instead of a keyboard, palm units use a
pen-like stylus with handwriting recognition
software and a touch screen for data input.
Alternately, an onscreen keyboard can be used where
you tap each letter with the stylus. Their pocket
calculator size and light weight make them easy to
hold in one hand and very portable.
On the other hand, if you plan on doing a lot of
word processing and internet
surfing, you'll need the extra computing power of a
handheld. These computers
have a clamshell design with a keyboard and usually
have a larger screen which is touch sensitive. Some
handhelds can be as small as palm units, others the
size of a typical paperback. Professional models are
as large as a hardcover book.
Most PDAs are monochrome models, but colour is
becoming increasingly popular. Some colour screens
can display thousands of colours. Of course, you'll
pay more for a colour screen, and it will drain the
device's batteries faster. Don't get a colour screen
if you plan on using your PDA outdoors because the
screen will wash-out in direct sunlight. It's also
advisable to get a screen with a backlight which
makes it easier to read under a variety of lighting
conditions including the dark.
A screen's resolution is measured by the number
of pixels horizontally and vertically (ie. 640x480).
The greater the resolution the sharper the image.
Obviously, resolutions on PDAs are limited by the
compactness of the screens. On palm units, screens
are roughly 4 inches across the diagonal with
resolutions up to 240x320. Typical handhelds have
larger screens around 6.5 inches diagonally,
supporting 640x240 resolution. If you want a
handheld with even better image quality, Pro models
can support resolutions of 640x480 and 800x600 with
screens around 10 inches in size.
Memory
PDAs employ memory to store the operating system,
standard applications and additional programs.
Memory is also used for working space and data
storage. More memory is usually better because it
increases processing speed. However, it's difficult
to compare storage capacity between models with
different operating systems. One model with 8 MB of
RAM could store more data than another 8 MB model
with a different operating system. Most PDAs already
have sufficient memory for typical use.
If you want more storage space, you might want to
opt for an expandable PDA, which lets you use memory
expansion cards when needed. Expandable PDAs are
also useful if you want to enhance your experience
with a Games,
Road Atlas or some other type of card.
Ergonomics
PDAs come in a wide spectrum of sizes and weights,
from credit
card size to the dimensions of a hardcover book.
Size directly influences the portability of your
PDA. A palm device should fit into a shirt or pants
pocket while a handheld will fit in a coat pocket or
briefcase. Handhelds weigh between 200-1500 grams
depending on screen and keyboard size, whereas palm
units are lighter around 100-250 g.
When deciding on a PDA, hands-on feel is
important. For example, a heftier palm device could
strain the grip of someone with small hands.
Alternately, someone with large hands might get
frustrated with the tiny keys on a particular
handheld keyboard. If you're a left-hander, be
warned that all palm devices are subtly designed for
right handers. Features like scroll bars, launch
buttons and stylus holders might be in the wrong
place for you.
Operating System
There are a number of different operating systems
(OS) used for PDAs, but the two main players are
Palm OS from Palm Inc. and Pocket PC from Microsoft,
who both license their systems to third party
manufacturers. Another PDA operating system, which
is popular in Europe for wireless devices, is
Symbian.
Pocket PC
Microsoft's own PDA OS, called Pocket PC, has been
given a significant facelift since the days of
Windows CE. Pocket PC 2002 has been updated with a
ton of new features like: Pocket Internet
Explorer, a new Windows Media Player, network
access, MSN Messenger, Infrared Communication,
Connection Manager, enhanced Pocket Outlook, updated
Pocket Word & Excel and even a new look based
off the Windows XP desktop.
Pocket PC is found in PDAs manufactured by Casio,
Compaq, Hewlett-Packard, Symbol, and Toshiba.
Palm OS
This is the operating system used in all Palm
models, the Handspring Visor and the Sony Clie.
Among PDA users, Palm OS has a reputation for
simplicity, speed and easy customization via third
party software and shareware programs called
"hacks". Palm OS is compatible with
Windows, Mac, OS/2, Unix and Linux, given the right
software.
Palm OS 4.0, the latest version, features
enhanced security that has a password protected
automatic lock, and allows you to encrypt data to
keep it safe from intruders. New silent alarms have
been implemented supporting vibration mode or
flashing LEDs, in case you are in a meeting and
don't want to cause a disturbance when you get an
alert. The Palm OS also allows you to download more
than 10,000 shareware programs ranging from games,
applications, and utilities to productivity
applications.
Personal
Digital Assistants (PDAs) are replacing daytimers
and organizers for people on the go who need to look
up and record contacts, appointments and other
information. The capabilities of the latest PDAs and
handheld computers
have been extended to include web access, email,
phone and games.
Even though the PDA market is only a few years old,
there are a lot of choices. With some consideration
of your needs, you'll soon have the right PDA in the
palm of your hand.