PDA and Handheld Buying Guide

The Personal Data Assistant (PDA) has gained rapid acceptance among college students and executives on the go due to its ability to pack a large number of different data requirements into a palm-sized device. . The PDA is designed to make your busy life easier by providing responsive connections to all the information you need, keeping it close at hand when you need it, and transporting it to other systems. Once “organized” with your PDA, you will have all your contact phone numbers, collect your emails, process your business orders, display your photos, and relax in your mp3 library. Many PDAs also act as digital recorders and have Windows-based support for word processing and spreadsheet financial calculations.

PDA At the simpler end of the market, a PDA can help you manage your daily to-do lists, keep track of your journal, and record your notes. But it is important that people new to using a PDA understand that it is a tool that is most beneficial to an already organized mind: it will not actually do the organization for you. But if you find that you need to view and manage documents on the go, keep track of your appointments, and have instant access to your name and address book, then the basic functions of a PDA will likely improve your productivity. And of course, the added benefits of listening to your mp3s, watching short video clips, reading e-books, and being able to rehearse and review your presentations can only help.

PDAs with Windows Pocket PC operating system and gutsy memory are compatible with your normal Windows and office environments. Screen size and image resolution can be critical if you intend to use the device to read books and manage text-heavy documents. While PDA sales have declined steadily over the past two years, losing out to smartphone technology, major manufacturers have advanced the usability of PDA devices with faster processors, increases in memory and multimedia capacity. In many situations, smartphones have been able to replace many functions of the PDA, combining data management with mobile phone technology. But if you want to work with spreadsheets and web pages on your PDA, smartphones are at a disadvantage because screen sizes and data storage capacity are smaller and sometimes costly, but avoid the need. to carry two devices.

What to look for

There is a portable PDA device that fits virtually all budgets and needs. You need to consider how much data you want to carry with you and how connected you want to be. Obviously, more memory, a faster processor, and a larger screen attract higher price tags. You can compare makes, models and prices by searching Myshopping.com.au using the following specifications to guide you.

An inexpensive entry-level unit can offer a 16 MHz processor speed, 8 MB of memory, and a 2.5-inch (diagonal) display. At the high end, you can get a 4 GB micro hard drive, WiFi and Bluetooth connectivity, 400 MHz processor, 256 MB memory, with expansion slots, 4-inch (diagonal) LCD screen with 65,000 colors and resolution of 640 x 480 screen, GPS functionality, MP3 player, digital camera and instant messaging. In the middle of the range you will find devices with 64 MB of memory, a 200 MHz processor, 3-inch screen and a built-in microphone or audio input connector. Please note that all of these specifications and functionality are continually changing, and devices are updated with new features in very short periods of time.

In addition to processor speed, memory, and screen size, some of the critical specs you can use to compare costs and brands include:

Data entry: While some models have a built-in full QWERTY keyboard, you may want to consider adding a full-size folding external keyboard. Entering a lot of text with the small built-in keyboards or using handwriting software can be frustrating.

Audio input: A built-in microphone or microphone jack is required to record voice memos and meeting notes and store audio files.

Music Playback: Playing MP3 audio files may sometimes require additional software.

GPS: While there are a number of handheld devices specially designed for industrial applications, the GPS capability of your PDA may not be suitable for difficult outdoor activities.

Communication: Look for built-in Bluetooth 1.1 and a built-in 802.11b Wi-Fi adapter

Smartphone – Combines the functions of a mobile phone with a data management device in a single unit. Phone capacity requires separately purchased service contract

Audio output: a headphone jack is essential for listening to your audio files

Dock / Charger: This device allows easy connection and syncing with your PC while simultaneously recharging the battery. Consider purchasing an additional office crib for added convenience. Some PDAs include a special cable or cradle that provides an interface to your desktop computer to synchronize data.

Battery Life – Each device will have its own battery life characteristics. The duration of recharging the battery also depends on the data you are processing. You can use the manufacturer’s specifications as a guide for comparing makes and models, but these specifications are laboratory measurements and may not reflect actual use.

Bluetooth – This wireless technology allows you to exchange data with other portable devices or any other Bluetooth-enabled device, such as a cell phone, fax machine, personal computer, laptop, headset, or printer. The Bluetooth function will allow you to add an external keyboard.

Digital camera: PDA cameras typically capture low-resolution images (around 1.2 megapixels), which are perfect for emailing, but not ideal for printing.

GPS – The Global Positioning System allows you to navigate from any point on or near the surface of the earth.

Music / Audio: MP3 playback quality will depend on the bit rate of the audio file and the quality of the built-in speaker. Audio quality is usually best when played through quality headphones.

PDA Screen – PDA screen sizes are measured in inches diagonally and are available from 2.6 inches to 5 inches in the very high range. Larger and brighter displays require more power to operate, therefore increasing battery consumption.

Processor speed: refers to the speed at which a PDA coordinates its internal functions. Processor speeds are measured in MHz (megahertz) and range from 4 MHz to 624 MHz. Although these specifications can change rapidly as technology develops, a processor speed of at least 16 MHz is recommended for general functions. from day to day.

Video Capture – Video playback often requires an additional expansion card and third-party software download, and increased memory capacity.

Web browser – Used with a Wi-Fi connection, it allows you to browse the Internet as you would from a desktop computer.

Wi-Fi: Integrated 802.11b WLAN (wireless local area network) that allows you to connect to the Internet at any access point. Enabling Wi-Fi features tends to drain your battery life quickly.

In summary

You may want to consider whether you are a newbie (that is, new to PDA technology), an entrepreneur, or a technophile, and search based on your level of understanding of the technology involved. As a newbie, you will be looking for a basic unit, as a technophile you will be looking for all the bells and whistles. An entrepreneur will seek the most adaptable capabilities. The following might help.

Choose from functionalities. Consider what you need for mp3 players, video players, or web browsing. Doubling the functionality of your PDA can reduce the need to carry another device to enjoy the benefits offered.

How much internet access do you need? Bluetooth connectivity can give you mobile phone-enabled internet access, Wife can give you access from access points, and a simple wired connection to your desktop computer can allow you to read your emails on the road.

Go for maximum memory for the money. Memory determines how much data your PDA can process and store, and its ability to handle applications. Memory can be increased in many devices using expansion slots and flash memory cards.

Search Myshopping.com.au to compare models and brands, suppliers and prices.