Are you considering the purchase of your very first PDA? If so, what
should you look for? How much should you spend? What features should you
get?
Before making the final decision to purchase a PDA, have you thoroughly
researched what they can do, and if you really need one or are you just
intrigued by having a new gadget like your friends? Let’s start with
this question. One of the first and still major uses for a PDA is an
appointment book or calendar. If you are currently using an appointment
book like a Franklin Planner, the PDA can certainly replace this. One
advantage of a PDA over an appointment book is that changes don’t
require constant erasing and re-writing. A PDA is usually backed up on
your PC, so there is always a back-up.
A new PDA does not have to be purchased every year like a Franklin
Planner, so in the long run it will be cheaper. This plus the previous
mentioned advantages may be enough to make the switch. Of course there
are many other features and uses for a PDA besides an appointment book,
among which are:
• Address book
• Calculator
• Internet Access
• Notes and document management
• Games
• GPS
Given that you are ready to go forward with the purchase, your choice of
a PDA model will depend on what you need it for—what you want it to
do. Following are some of the important considerations:
Memory – If you plan to use your PDA for storing large documents and
other reference works, then you’ll need the corresponding amount of
memory. Also check to see if the memory can be expanded. You’ll need
to consider the other software that you might want to run on your PDA.
Size – All the features do you no good if you don’t bother to bring
the PDA with you due to its bulky size.
Input Options – If you plan on using the PDA to take notes with, a
compact external keyboard is essential. The built in stylus input is
designed for small amounts of data only.
Battery Life – Again, dictated by your specific needs.
Finding the best place to purchase your PDA can be done easily with
online shopping portals. Ebay of course always has offers. One thing to
consider for a PDA is a buyers protection plan that is offered by many
local retailers. Normally these end up costing more than they are worth,
but just one drop of your PDA onto a hard surface can destroy it. If you
are buying a high end PDA and will be running around with it daily, a
buyers protection plan may be worthwhile.
About The Author
Neal Brown is a computer instructor. His PDA website at http://www.hot-pda.info
has more resources on PDAs.
