How to buy ... a PDA

Input (keyboard or stylus): The handwriting-recognition capabilities on Palms and Windows Mobile devices have improved over the years, and all PDAs that support handwriting recognition come with a virtual hunt-and-peck software-based keyboard. Some models with integrated thumb keyboards still support these traditional touch-screen input methods. However, Palm's popular Palm-based Treos (cell phone hybrids with integrated keyboards) do not support handwriting recognition even though they have touch screens. Many users who want to use a PDA in place of a notebook have turned to one of several third-party add-on keyboards.

Screen type: Bright colour screens have become the norm even for low-end PDAs, and screen resolution has become a differentiating factor: While Windows Mobile displays once laid claim to the highest-resolution colour screens (QVGA, or quarter VGA, screens with 320-by-240-pixel resolution) --some Palm OS-powered PDAs now offer 320-by-320- or even 320-by-480-pixel resolution (compared with 160-by-160-pixel resolution on older or less expensive models).

Not all colour screens are created equal: The screens on cheaper models generally aren't as crisp and sharp as those on more expensive units. That's why it's a good idea to check out the model you're considering in person before you buy.

Battery power: Modern PDAs include built-in batteries that you recharge by either placing the PDA in a docking cradle or hooking it up to a combination syncing/recharging cable. The battery life depends largely on the size and brightness of the screen, the applications you run, and whether you're using Wi-Fi (a big battery-life drain). Battery life can be anything from a couple of hours to 10 hours.

Cameras: Many current PDAs include built-in cameras similar to those found in camera phones. PDA cameras let you take a quick snapshot of something (or someone) in moderately bright light. Resolution ranges from VGA (640 by 480 pixels) to a growing number of 1- and even 2-megapixel models. But don't expect beautiful, Annie Leibowitz-quality photos with a PDA camera. In some cases, you'll be lucky if you can so much as make out what you've snapped, even if the device includes an LED flash to illuminate the scene. But in a crunch, a PDA camera can be a useful feature.

GPS: With GPS-driven car navigation systems gaining in popularity, a couple of vendors (most notably Garmin International) have created PDAs with integrated GPS receivers and bundled navigation software, which provides voice-based turn-by-turn directions and maps. However, you can't yet get both integrated GPS and integrated Wi-Fi in the same unit. If you want both, you might consider getting a third-party GPS receiver with bundled software. You can typically connect these receivers to the PDA through the CompactFlash or SD Card slot, or via Bluetooth.

RIM's BlackBerry: Research In Motion's BlackBerry devices use BlackBerry Enterprise Server to synchronize email and calendar items with major enterprise-collaboration environments such as Microsoft Exchange (Outlook) and Lotus Domino (Notes). BlackBerrys can wirelessly send and receive email, and a growing number of the models also double as cell phones. Push email is the Blackberry's killer app in that you do not have to go online to receive your email, it arrives automatically.

Unlike Palm and Windows Mobile devices, Blackberry PDAs use thumb keyboards and jog-wheel navigation.

Whatever your choice, try to kick the tires before you buy. Check to see how well you can read the screen with the backlight off--or outside on a sunny day. If the unit has a keyboard, try it out for size. Make sure the buttons are reasonably comfortable and solid.

If you're looking for a cell phone and a PDA, you should consider a hybrid PDA/phone so that you don't end up lugging around two separate devices. If you tend to be on the road a lot and need to check your email regularly, you might also consider models that offer Internet access-- through a built-in cell phone modem, a Bluetooth connection to a cell phone, or built-in 802.11b or 802.11g Wi-Fi.

The Specs Explained

You don't have to spend a fortune to obtain a useful PDA, especially if you're mostly interested in keeping track of your schedule, having your address book handy, and perhaps playing a few simple games. Lots of inexpensive personal organizers can handle those tasks. You'll pay more if you want a nicer screen, more on-board memory, or more advanced functions such as wireless connectivity. Those traits are most useful if you plan to use your PDA for entertainment as well as for work--playing more-sophisticated games, displaying video clips or snapshots, or playing MP3s.

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PDA Shopping Tips

Shopping tips for buying a basic organizer:

Choose your OS. If you simply need to maintain an up-to-date appointment calendar, contact list, and to-do list when you are away from your PC, your best bet is to stick with a low-end Palm OS device such as the Palm Z22. It will also handle other applications (which can come in handy), but its easy-to-use data synchronization stands out. This model costs only $229.

Consider spending a little extra for additional memory or an expansion slot. That way you'll have room to grow when you want to add new software or store more photos or MP3s.

Extend your PDA's capabilities with third-party software. Thousands of applications have been written for Palm PDAs and are available for downloading at sites like PalmGear.com. One of the most popular titles, DataViz's Documents to Go, allows you to edit Word and Excel documents and view PowerPoint files on your Palm-based PDA. Overall, you'll find much more third-party software written for the Palm OS than for Pocket PC devices, though FreewarePPC.com has a good selection of free apps for Windows Mobile handhelds.

Shopping tips for buying a PDA with advanced features:

Choose your OS. Because of their familial relationship with Windows, Windows Mobile-based devices have been gathering enterprise support more quickly than Palm-based devices. But newer Palm OS-based devices such as the Treo 650 are catching up, since they have integrated cell phones, the ability to play digital audio and video, and the ability to display digital photographs. (If the Treo hardware appeals to you, be sure to look at theTreo W700. This is the first-ever Palm device to run Windows Mobile). In the end, as long as your corporate IT department isn't calling the shots, your choice of operating system will come down to your preference, so try out both platforms at a local electronics store and see which works best for you. In general Palm-based PDAs are easier to use, while Windows Mobile PDAs interface better with Microsoft Office desktop apps and come in a wider selection of models.

Get a storage card. CompactFlash and SD cards allow you to store music or video that you can listen to or watch on your PDA. CompactFlash cards are cheaper than SD models, but are also physically larger.

Keep connectivity in mind. PDAs with built-in Wi-Fi, an integrated cell phone, and/or Bluetooth will help you get more done with fewer wires. If you plan on managing email or consulting the Web while on the road, check the connectivity options closely.

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