How to Choose a Personal Digital Assistant
Tired of lugging around an address book, a calendar, a pad of paper, a photo album, your journal, a game machine, the newspaper, and a calculator? With today's handhelds--sometimes called personal digital assistants (PDAs) or pocket computers--you can consolidate them all into one handy device. All your information is readily available and searchable. And prices for PDAs have dropped out of the geeks-only realm into that of everyday folks.


Steps:
1. Think about how you might use a handheld. What would you like to do on it? (If you're not sure what PDAs can do, read up on them in specialty magazines or on the Web.)

2. Look at your computer. What operating system (Windows or Macintosh) does it have, and what sort of connectors (USB 1.1, USB 2.0, FireWire) does it have? Make sure that any handheld you consider is compatible with your computer. You don't need a computer to use a handheld, but it helps. Your computer can back up the information on your handheld (this is called "synchronization"), give you another way to enter information, and act as a bridge between your handheld and the Internet.

3. Compare the two leading handheld operating systems: Palm OS and Pocket PC. They serve the same basic functions (calendar, address book, notebook, calculator), but they differ in features and approach. Try out a few models in the store.

4. Focus on screen display; quality is vital. Is text on the screen easy to read in a variety of settings? If you'll be viewing photographs, look at color screens. Utilitarian black-and-white screens might be acceptable for text-based tasks.

5. Pick up the handheld and get a feel for its weight, sturdiness and comfort.

6. Learn how you'll enter text on your handheld. If the handwriting-recognition method isn't comfortable for you (it takes some practice), look for a model with a built-in thumb-operated keyboard. Add-on keyboards are available but have drawbacks.

7. Look at the battery type. Rechargeable handhelds usually need recharging every week or two, while those with disposable batteries need replacements monthly. (Your mileage may vary.)

8. Get as much memory as you can afford, especially if you plan to load lots of pictures, games or documents from your computer.

9. Look for handhelds with slots for expanding memory and adding functions. Popular add-ons include MP3 players, Global Positioning System (GPS) receivers, modems and wireless network adapters (Wi-Fi).


Overall Tips:
You don't need a Microsoft-based Pocket PC just because you run Windows on your computer. Palm OS devices are reportedly better at handling Word and Excel documents.

Avoid cheap address book-only devices. Palm OS and Pocket PC handhelds are generally much more useful, for not much more money.


Overall Warnings:
If you are upgrading from an older Palm OS device to a new handheld with Palm OS 5, make sure the programs you use are enhanced for, or at least compatible with, the new operating system.


What to look for:
Compatibility with your computer
USB or FireWire connectors
Palm OS or Pocket PC
Screen display
Weight, sturdiness, overall feel
Text-entry method
Battery type
Memory
Expansion slots


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