PDA Buying Guide

1. Types of PDAs (back to top)

Since the development of faster microprocessors, specifically designed to consume lesser power, and richer TFT-LCD display screens, personal digital assistants (PDAs) have diversified into two primary groups. The first line-up of PDAs was initially developed by PalmSource Inc. based on the proprietary Palm OS. Significantly different and radically new, the PDAs using Palm OS as their core operating system provided basic functionality of a personal information manager (PIM). It featured ease of use characteristic of the Windows operating systems along with basic applications such as: address book, clock, notepad, sync, etc. Palm OS was introduced in 1996.

The second variant was developed based on the Windows CE Operating System developed by Microsoft specifically for PDAs. Called the Windows Mobile operating system, PDAs using this version of the OS had much similarity to the desktop counterpart with support for mobile versions of popular software such as Microsoft Office Suite, numerous browsers, email clients, etc. This range of PDAs was christened as the PocketPC series. Recent versions, named as the Windows Mobile 5. 0 and Windows Mobile 2003, are derived from the original Windows CE operating system.

2. How PDAs Function (back to top)

Basic PDAs function very similarly to a personal computer. They comprise of a processor chip, temporary memory, storage memory and a LCD display; driven by high power batteries. The processor type and speed defines the speed at which applications execute on the PDA. Most PDAs now use at least a processor with a speed of 200 MHz and above. The fastest processor is claimed to be running at 624 MHz.

The temporary memory or simply RAM, usually around 32MB and above is used for loading the operating system and other applications. Generally, the more memory the better, but it will cost! The storage memory differs across models and variants. Some models use flash memory sticks as fixed storage media whereas certain newer models incorporate micro drives for storing user data. While micro drives are fast enough and provide larger storage capacities, they are very fragile and generally cannot withstand rough use. Alternatively, flash memory can sustain regular shocks incurred while daily use at the cost of smaller storage spaces.

The display screen makes up for most of the interactivity in a PDA. Fundamentally, most PDAs are designed to be used and function through a stylus operating on a touch screen. Latest PDAs have seen the introduction of touch screen programming in the operating systems with an added functional keyboard in the main body itself; albeit a very small sized one. The display screen is generally based on LCD or TFT-LCD technology. While both the technologies are equally competent, TFT-LCD promises better visual quality while quoting low power requirements.

The batteries used in a PDA are quite similar to the ones found in most cell phones or MP3 players. A NiMH or Li-Ion battery makes up for loads of power while lasting for an ample duration. Without enough juice to run the PDA, the operating system would normally hang or simply refuse to boot up.

3. Functionality & Design (back to top)

A handheld by definition is simply a miniaturized personal computer. Hence, it should comprise of an operating system and simple productivity softwares such as: Office suites, Internet browsers, mail clients, multimedia presentation softwares, audio/video playback support, etc. Commonly found office suites are the Microsoft Office for Windows Mobile series of operating system and the built-in DataViz Documents to the Go Office suite in PalmOS for Palm PDAs.

Functionally similar to the Windows Mobile series software, the PalmOS suite of applications offer maximum compatibility with Microsoft Office document formats such as the Word document format, PowerPoint presentation file format and Excel spreadsheet format. They support additional formats found in competing office suite software commonly found on desktops such as Corel WordPerfect Office formats, StarOffice and OpenOffice documents.

With the advent of multimedia-rich content, PDAs now double up as personal entertainment devices at times. With embedded digital sound processors and stereo speakers, high-quality audio and/or video playback is now not only available from your PDA, but a much sought-after feature as well. With the introduction of digital cameras in common devices such as cell phones or even the ones doubling up as MP3 players; the latest PDAs incorporate one for the sheer fun and utility factor for a user.

Apart from information management and entertainment, accessing information too has become a standard feature in both types of PDAs. Accessing the Internet, intranet, extranet, using Wi-Fi or various other Wireless protocols have become a necessity for power users. Apart from a customized version of Internet Explorer, Microsoft Outlook Mobile for Windows Mobile and VersaMail for PalmOS software packages are specifically designed to access email from a PDA device. Connectivity options can include a Bluetooth and/or Infrared interface standard. PDAs have evolved to a level where even cellular phone technology has now forayed into the handheld computing segment. Using special software, the PDA touch screen acts as the cell phone keypad for making calls. Even the GPRS and WAP technologies can be used for accessing the Internet through the built-in cell phone module in a PDA.

The touch screen by itself offers multiple uses. For instance, it doubles up as your scratch pad for jotting down information. You can use the stylus to write on to the touch screen as if on a writing pad and the PDA will save the data. Alternatively, it can also be used in place of an easel to do simple editing of graphics on the PDA. Touch screens, while they double up as note pads, are actually built for accepting user input of characters without requiring a keypad. Most PDAs include handwriting recognition software to convert handwriting patterns into legible words and sentences.

Any handheld device by itself supports numerous applications, diverse in functionality. Simple computations requiring a calculator to ones that require complex computing to draw statistical graphs and bars, there's software for every need. Upwards of 20,000 and growing, third-party applications can be installed on the handheld system as per the use.

4. Purchasing Criteria (back to top)

Whether talking Handhelds or PDAs, owning one requires careful prognosis of the specific use of the device. A person should objectively consider the following features in a PDA while looking for their new unit:

• Operating System (back to top)

The kind of operating system deployed in the handheld defines the kind of functionality offered by the device. For example, for a Windows Mobile operating system based PocketPC, native support for Microsoft Office documents is built-in with numerous additional features. For a PalmOS based PDA, altogether different set of PIM features makes an appearance.

 

• Processor Speed and the Sub-System (back to top)

Depending on the operating system, different kinds of processors running at different speeds will be available. For instance, PDAs based on Windows Mobile 5. 0 may be available featuring processors running at different speeds with the entry level models operating at 150 MHz. The processor speed and type will determine how much time you spend waiting for your work to be done on the handheld or rather how many hours you can squeeze out of the resident battery power. Higher the processor's speed, the more battery power it will consume. Though, modern PDAs are sufficiently energy efficient to last throughout the day.

 

• Onboard Memory (RAM) and Storage Capacity (back to top)

A PDA should have enough temporary memory (RAM) to quickly and easily load the necessary application. Lack of RAM unfortunately results in deploying virtual memory, finally resulting in battery drainage. The minimum standards should be: 32MB or 64MB of RAM as basic requirements. Any quantity upwards of the figure and the PDA should respond quickly and smoothly. Similarly, storage capacity should provide enough room for installing additional applications as well as saving files created using them. PDAs using flash memory such as: CompactFlash (CF), MultiMediaCard (MMC), and Secure Digital cards as non-volatile storage devices should include a minimal of 1GB storage space. Additional cards may be purchased as per requirements of the user or task. For micro hard drive based PDAs, 4GB or 5GB drives are considered respectable enough to meet minimal requirements. As micro drives are not easily replaceable or changeable as compared to flash memory data sticks, higher capacity drives should be preferred.

 

• Display Screen (back to top)

The LCD screen though fast being phased out, still makes an appearance in major PDA models. If possible, a TFT-LCD screen should be selected over an LCD screen due to the excellent clarity, resolution, and color details provided at low power consumption. Entry level PDAs sport a screen measuring 320 x 240 pixels, succeeded by 640 x 480 pixels in high-end models. Though a bigger screen translates to better viewing and larger screen area for input, for models using a touch screen, no compromise should be made regarding number of colors displayed and the actual visual quality. A minimum of 262,000 colors should be expected followed by 65,536 colors. Any figure lower and the PDA would seem like a handheld gaming console.

 

• Connectivity Interfaces (back to top)

No use owning a PDA that cannot connect to your PC and synchronize all your data, right? A vast majority of PDAs sport the USB interface for connecting to the PC. USB provides fast and convenient interface to transfer data to and from the PC. Daily schedules, contacts, emails, etc. can be copied to the PDA depending on the task. Additional interfaces such as Bluetooth, Infrared and Wireless protocols, such as Wi-Fi, make it easier for the user to connect to wireless networks or wireless Internet hotspots.

 

• Extras (back to top)

Extras such as built-in keypads, scroll buttons, quick access keys, digital cameras, speakers, connectivity ports, etc. count towards the usability of the PDA. The software keypad in PDAs, using touch screen interface, is quite easy to use but tends to be under or over-sensitive to human touch. Hardware keypads on the other hand respond to basic human touch, though are very clumsy to use. Scroll buttons and quick access keys or shortcuts reduce the time taken to access a particular application or function. Multiple speakers or stereo speakers help in reproducing clear sound for personal entertainment. Additional connectivity ports such as USB and ports to connect third-party keypads make life easy while on the move. PDAs able to connect to the PC using cradles, count bonus points due to the multiple utility provided. A cradle or dock can backup or transfer data between the PC and the PDA, while simultaneously recharging the battery pack. Additional functionality such as support for GPS navigation system helps for those on the move. A software based GPS system may connect to the Internet and actively help the user locate the desired location.

 

5. Making the Decision (back to top)

Based on the intended use of your personal information manager device - a PDA or a Handheld, consider various options and feature sets show cased by numerous PDAs and Handhelds, fulfilling those requirements, at a comparison shopping site such as www.smarter.com.

While a PDA can be used for various purposes such as: personal information management, Internet access, office productivity, etc., it is a device that requires careful consideration with respect to the actual use by an individual. For basic PIM functionality, a PDA or handheld with smaller screen and memory capacity could be the right choice. For users requiring multimedia functionality or advanced productivity through Office Suites while on the move, a high resolution, high color display screen with loads of memory and storage space makes more sense. Battery power should also be taken into account as well. In the long run, less battery power translates to reduced functionality and productivity.

Buying a good PDA requires investment of a reasonable amount of time in researching and evaluating the various contenders. The trick is to strike the perfect balance between price and functionality and the best way to begin is to find out exactly what your needs are. Hopefully, you now have more information to help make your purchasing decision more informed, now go find a great PDA!