In the early Eighties, "portable" computers weighed 25 pounds. In the nineties, some laptop computers weighed less than 5 pounds. But for the ultimate in portability, you need a handheld computer or Personal Digital Assistant (PDA) you can slip in a pocket. Sure you give up a big screen, but there is nothing like it for keeping your important information always close at hand. In fact, PDAs are best thought of as a partner for your computer, rather than a replacement.

Palm TX Handheld

Rating:

(3.5)

Priced from: $384.99 $199.99

Palm Tungsten E2 Handheld

Rating:

(3.5)

Priced from: $277.19 $177.77

HP iPAQ 111 Classic Handheld (FA979AA#ABA) (110 Series)

Rating:

(4.0)

Priced from: $408.79
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Sony PRS-505/LC Blue Digital Book Reader

Rating:

(4.0)

Priced from: $299.99 $272.99

Nokia N810 Portable Internet Tablet

Rating:

(4.0)

Priced from: $479.99 $354.99

Organizers

Organizers of the early Eighties seemed like great ideas, but they were usually very limited in almost every way. They had little memory so you couldn't keep many entries, the screens were limited to only a few lines, so they were difficult to read, they were completely inflexible so you could not customize the information or its presentation in any way, and they stood alone from your computer.

PDAs

Today's PDAs have left those old organizers long behind. They all have great features such as:

• Memory - They now have plenty of memory for as many entries as you like, with full information about each person, organization, or calendar entry.
• Screens - Screens are much larger, brighter and in color, making them easy to read.
• Customization - The various programs such as the address book and calendar are customizable so you can store and present your information in a way that works best for you. Instead of one continuous address book, for instance, you can create several categories such as friends, business, restaurants, and stores to help organize your information and keep it easily accessible.
• Synchronize - Now it is easy to move information back and forth between your handheld and your computer. In fact, the easiest way to enter large amounts of information is to first enter it into your computer taking full advantage of your keyboard and large monitor. Then connect your PDA to your computer and synchronize one with the other, usually by pressing one button. All the information will quickly flow right in. In fact, you may not have to enter the information at all, since you may already have an address book on your computer. Likely there is a way to export that information directly to your PDA. Synchronization is also useful if you upgrade to a new model. If you have stayed within the same operating system, then just do a final synchronization from your old handheld to your computer, and then from your computer to your new handheld.

How to Choose

Every PDA today will have an address book, calendar, and to-do list, with sufficient memory for many entries to help keep you organized. So how do you make a decision as to which one is best for you? Read on to learn the differences among the different PDAs along with recommendations for some great choices.

Operating System

In 1996, the Palm Pilot was launched. It was the first successful hand-held computer. Prior to that, previous attempts by a variety of companies were too large, too expensive, too difficult to synchronize with a computer and/or had hand writing recognition software that did not work well. The people behind the Palm Pilot recognized all of those deficiencies and focused on developing a product that addressed each one. Part of that development effort included developing the Palm Operating System (Palm OS), which is one of the two major alternatives available today.

Microsoft, upon seeing the success of the Palm Pilot, endeavored to create their own portable operating system. Initially called Windows CE, and then Pocket PC, Microsoft's portable OS is now called Mobile 2003. Since 2003 is over, you can count on that name changing again soon.

The major advantages of the Palm OS lie in the fact that it was not created by Microsoft. Therefore, it has broader compatibility, being useable both with Apple and Windows computers, as well as with a greater range of non-Microsoft software applications. On the other hand, if you are a dedicated Microsoft customer, primarily using Word, Excel and Outlook, you will find the Mobile 2003 versions to be very similar. However, they have been competing so long, that what was once a deficiency in one or the other has likely been addressed in a more recent version, or by third-party software. Thus the differences are far less than they used to be.

Special Features

• Photos - With today's great displays and convergence of electronic gadgets, some PDAs now can also be used as cameras. Even if it doesn't have a camera, it likely can store and display some of your favorite pictures.
• Wireless - Using either infrared, Bluetooth or WiFi some models will let you connect to your computer or home network wirelessly to make the flow of information even easier.
• EMail - Again, because of the wireless capability, some models allow you to send and receive email while on the road.
• Games - PDAs can make fun game machines. There is a wide variety of games available from many sources.
• Music - Some PDAs can be used to play music files such as MP3s.
• Phones - In another example of convergence of electronics gadgets, you will find many phones with features of PDAs and some PDAs that can be used as a phone.
• Expansion - Many PDAs can be expanded with additional cards that slide into slots. These cards can increase the built in memory so more storage is provided for photos or music. In some cases, they will use the same memory cards as you may have for your digital camera.