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Four Questions to Ask Before Buying a PDA

From: PC Mag
EMail: bookwprmz_99@yahoo.com

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Four Questions to Ask Before Buying a PDA

By Jesse Berst, AnchorDesk

November 1, 2000 9:00 PM PT

URL: http://www.concentric.net/~Mwmw/palm/avant.shtml

November already?! It seems like just yesterday we were hoarding supplies in a Y2K-inspired frenzy.

Now it's time to think about holiday purchases. And the hot items this year are handheld devices. These personal digital assistants (PDAs) top wish lists of everyone. International Data Corp. expects the PDA market to grow 55.9% this year -- despite a tight supply.

But before you run off and buy one, let me help you make the right decision. Together with the ZDNet Handheld SuperCenter, I've got four questions so you can figure out what the user will need, which OS to choose, the features available and the brands to trust.

1. WHAT KIND OF USER ARE YOU?

Not all handheld users are the same. Students don't need the same functionality as mobile executives. Think: Who will use this device? Someone planning birthday parties, or someone who will blast MP3s? These are three common user profiles:

Family: keep track of soccer pickups and school plays Student: organize class schedules, play games Corporate: contact addresses, meeting planner If these profiles don't seem right, check out the Handheld Supercenter for more. Click for more.

2. PALM vs. WIN CE When it comes to choosing between Palm OS-based PDA and a Microsoft Windows CE PDA, there is no definitive right or wrong. Both have pluses and minuses.

Palm-based devices dominate the market. Click for more.

Third-party manufacturers such as Sony and HandSpring create Palm OS-based handhelds. And Palm has more than 70,000 third-party developers creating tons of applications for the device. Click for more. With prices ranging from $179 to $399, they might be better for the budget-minded.

But Microsoft's latest Pocket PC is no slouch. Click for more. Devices such as the Compaq iPaq are powerful and robust. And come with color screens and MP3 players built right in. But all that power comes with a steep price tag -- $481 to $561 -- especially since it may have features you don't need.

3. WHAT FEATURES ARE IMPORTANT? No longer just glorified electronic calendars, PDAs have evolved into multi-faceted, all-purpose devices. Here are some of the features to look for on a PDA to determine which ones will come in most handy:

Color display: vs. monochrome. Color looks better, but it's a battery hog.

Expansion slot: to add accessories. The Pocket PC doesn't have one.

Internal modem: to wirelessly connect to the Web, this will cost extra and at this stage in wireless technology -- may not be worth it.

Removable storage slot: to back up and protect data. Voice recording: for quick notes and reminders. Click for more.

4. WHICH BRAND SHOULD YOU BUY? Now that you know the user, the OS choices and the features to look for, which specific PDA should you buy?

ZDNet Reviews has the lowdown on the following devices (and more at their Handheld SuperCenter):

Compaq iPaq Pocket PC got a 9.0 for its cool design, color display and fast processor. Click for more. Palm Vx rated 8.2 and features a slim design and 8 MB of memory. Click for more.

Sony Clie received an 8.0 for its good backlighting and Memory stick slot. Click for more.

HandSpring Visor Deluxe rated an 8.0 for its expandable memory and iMac-like color options. Click for more.

Of course, getting any PDA for the holiday beats getting a lump of coal (and I still have plenty from my Y2K preparations last year).

Which device do you want this holiday? Hit the TalkBack button to make your wish. Or go to my Berst Alert forum, where a discussion is already under way.

Burmese


Last changed: November 04, 2000