Reports On Pdas

n store thousands of phone numbers,included in a Pocket PC integrates well with the
appointments, tasks, and notes. All models canWindows computer environment. You need to
exchange, or synchronize, information with apurchase third-party software to use a Mac. And
full-sized computer. To do this, you connect theyou’ll need Microsoft Office programs such
PDA to your computer via a cradle or cable. Foras Word, Excel, and Outlook on your computer to
models that run on rechargeable batteries, theexchange data with a PDA. Pocket PCs have a
cradle doubles as a charger. Infrared, Bluetooth,color display and rechargeable lithium-ion batteries.
and WiFi let you synchronize your PDA with aUnlike most Palm OS-based PDAs, replacing the
computer without the use of wires or a cradle.battery of most Pocket PCs is usually
Most PDAs can be made to work with bothstraightforward. Price range: $200 to $700.
Windows and Macintosh computers, but PDAsIMPORTANT FEATURES
with the Pocket PC operating system usuallyWhichever operating system your PDA uses, you
require third-party software for Macs. PDAs withmay need to install programs in your computer to
Wi-Fi (wireless) capability can access the Internet.enable the PDA to synchronize with it. This
Those without can as well with the addition of asoftware lets you swap data with leading PIM
separately purchased modem. Some PDAs canprograms such as Lotus Organizer or Microsoft
record your voice, play videos, display digitalOutlook.
photos, or hold maps, city guides, or a novel.All PDAs have the tools for basic tasks: a calendar
WHAT'S AVAILABLEto keep track of your appointments, contact
Most PDAs on the market are the familiaraddress software for addresses and phone
tablet-with-stylus types that feature a squarishnumbers, tasks/to-do lists for reminders and
display screen, a design pioneered by Palm Inc.keeping track of errands, and a calculator. A
(now called PalmOne). Today the main choices arenotes/memo function lets you make quick notes
models that use the Palm operating systemto yourself. Other capabilities include
(OS)--mostly PalmOne--and PocketPC devicesword-processing, spreadsheet, and e-mail
from companies such as Dell, Hewlett-Packard,functions. A voice recorder, which uses a built-in
and Toshiba. The latter use a stripped-downmicrophone and speaker, works like a tape
version of Microsoft Windows. A few PDAs use arecorder. MP3 playback lets you listen to
proprietary operating system. Kyocera, Nokia,digital-music files stored in that format, and a
Samsung, and Sony Ericsson offer units thatpicture viewer lets you look at digital photos. A
combine a cell phone and a PDA.few models also include a built-in digital camera
Palm OS systems. Equipped with software to linkand keyboard.
with Windows and (for PalmOne-brand units)A PDA’s processor is the system’s
Macintosh computers, PalmOne units and theirbrain. In general, the higher the processing speed
clones have a simple user interface. You use aof this chip, the faster the PDA will execute
stylus to enter data on the units by tapping antasks--and the more expensive the PDA will be.
onscreen keyboard or writing in a shorthandBut higher-speed processors may require more
known as Graffiti. Or you can download databattery power and thus deplete batteries more
from your computer. Most Palm OS-based PDAsquickly. Processing speeds are 16 to 400
can synchronize with a variety of desktop e-mailmegahertz (MHz), and models typically have 8 to
programs, such as Outlook Express and Eudora.64 megabytes (MB) of user memory. Even the
(PalmOne models with VersaMail software aresmallest amount in that range should be more
good at handling e-mails with attachments.) And allthan enough for most people.
include a basic personal-information-managementNearly every PDA offers an expansion slot for
(PIM) application. Palm OS units are easy to use,some form of removable memory card:
although navigation between different programs isCompactFlash, MultiMediaCard (slots also accept
cumbersome because of the operatingSecureDigital cards), or Memory Stick. Models with
system’s “single-tasking” nature.two expansion slots can accommodate a
Most models make it difficult or impossible toperipheral device, such as a Wi-Fi wireless
replace the battery yourself. And beyond thenetworking card, as well as removable memory.
warranty period, you can’t be sure theIf you plan to transfer photos from a digital
manufacturer will do it for you.camera to your PDA, make sure the two devices
Most Palm OS models have expansion slots thatuse the same type of card.
let you add memory or attach separatelySome PDAs offer wireless connectivity. Models
purchased accessories. All Palm OS-based PDAswith a capability known as Bluetooth can connect
can be enhanced by adding third-party softwarewirelessly over short distances to a properly
applications--the more free memory that a modelequipped computer or peripheral such as a printer
comes with, the more software it canor modem. Models with Wi-Fi can connect over
accommodate. There is a large body of Palmmedium distances to a Wi-Fi-enabled home
OS-compatible freeware, shareware, andnetwork or to the Internet at “hotspots” in
commercial software available for download atcertain airports, coffee shops, and hotels. A PDA
such sites as Many Palm models come withcombined with a cell phone can make voice calls
“Documents to Go:” word-processing andor directly connect to the Internet via a wireless
spreadsheet software similar to that used inInternet service provider. It’s possible for a
Pocket PCs but more versatile. Price range: aboutsingle PDA to have more than one of these three
$100 to $800.types of wireless connectivity.
PalmOne’s top-of-the-line-model, theHOW TO CHOOSE
Tungsten T5, combines a PalmOS-based PDAConsider your ties to a computer. Pocket PCs
with many of the best features of the PocketPCprovide a Windows-like interface that allows
operating system. When it’s connected tosimple PC-to-PDA file transfer with drag-and-drop
a Windows PC, you can drag and drop files to thecapability. They’re also better than Palm
T5’s built-in “flash drive,” even on PCsOS models for setting up a Wi-Fi (wireless) e-mail
that don’t have Palm’s desktopconnection. Most have replaceable batteries, along
software installed.with accessible flash memory to which you can
Pocket PC systems. These resemble Palmback up data.
OS-based models but are more like miniaturePalm OS models run a wider range of third-party
computers. They have a processor with extrasoftware applications than do Pocket PCs. For the
horsepower and come with familiar applicationsbasics, they’re still easier to use.
such as a word processor and a spreadsheet.While all PDAs can sync with Macintoshes, only
Included is a scaled-down version of InternetPalmOne models do so out of the box. Sony units
Explorer, plus voice-recording and perhaps someneed software such as The Missing Sync
financial functions. The included e-mail program(available at That program and PocketMac ( work
handles Word and Excel attachments easily. Alsofor Pocket PCs. Both are priced under $50.
standard is an application that plays MP3 musicSmall size vs. extra features. As a rule, a model
files, as well as Microsoft Reader, an eBookwith a larger display or physical keyboard
application.won’t be the lightest or smallest.
As you might expect, all the application software