PDA

[martha]

You folks are incredible and seem to know everything, so I thought maybe you would have opinions on PDA's. What's a good choice for the average user -- not the highest end or the lowest. Primarily for use as an agenda and phone book, but perhaps other uses too.

thanks for any opinions.
martha

[Wise Young]

Martha,

I use a Palm i705 which is more expensive and probably has more features that you would want. It communicates via radio to receive email from all my accounts and I sometimes use the web application to come to this site but it is too slow for routine use. I use it as my primary phonebook, calendar, and for notes. It is monocolor but I prefer monocolor because it means a much longer battery life (I typically charge it about once every week or two). There are Palms with color screens but their battery life is limited. http://www.palm.com/us/

In general, there are three kinds of PDAs. One is based on the Palm OS, the other is based on a PC operating system, and the third is based on the RIM operating system on Blackberry.

While I like the Palm system of graffiti writing to enter data, people with limited hand movements may not be able to use it and may prefer a keyboard based system. It is possible to buy a foldable keyboard for the palm. A number of cell phones have palm PDA's built in.

The PC-based systems were pretty bad at the beginning but they are very good now and many of the higher end PC-based PDA's have many of the features of a full-scale PC computer including presentation and other capabilities.

I have many friends who swear by the BlackBerry system http://www.blackberry.com/products/new_handhelds/index.shtml?CPID=ILC-h6210 which works with T-mobile cell phones to provide perhaps the best portable email system of the PDAs. It also has a good calendar and phone system. It has a tiny keyboard. The email and internet connectivity works over the t-mobile cell phone network in 100 countries.

Please note that the cost of wireless access is high. People pay up to $50/month for unlimited wireless access.

Wise.

[This message was edited by Wise Young on 07-25-03 at 05:30 AM.]

[PN]

PDAs on the Cheap
TechTV Labs goes hunting for bargain-basement PDAs under $200.
By Hahn Choi

One of the questions I'm asked most often around the office is, "I'm looking for a PDA, which one should I get?" My response is always, "How much do you want to spend?" I'm fortunate enough to try PDAs that are way above my own budget and my co-workers are quick to bring me back to reality. It seems $200 is the sweet spot. Most people are looking to use a PDA just to keep their contacts and schedules organized. Today I'm bringing my best bets in this price range to "Call for Help." ·

Sony CLIE PEG-SJ22 HandheldThe SJ22 shares the familiar design of the SJ20 and its stubby design. This color version includes Sony's high-resolution (320 x 320) display. The screen is among the best in Palm OS-based PDAs. The SJ22 also boasts 16MB of memory, a plus for adding applications down the road. Of course, with Sony comes a Memory Stick slot for additional expansion. The SJ22 is a great value at $200, unless you're a Mac user. (Sony doesn't support Mac.) If color isn't that important to you, then the SJ20 is a reasonable $150. Company: SonyPhone: 1.877.865.7669Price: $200 Available: Now Buy this product at Amazon.com

Palm i705The Palm i705 debuted more than a year ago for $449, but now you can find it for $200. You won't get a color display, but the i705 does offer wireless data capabilities for email, some slow Web surfing, and instant messaging on the go. You'll need Palm.net service to use the wireless, which starts at $20 a month. If you're looking to try out the world of wireless data, the i705 is a more affordable place to start. If you decide the service isn't for you, then the i705 can be used without it just like any other Palm OS-based PDA.Read the full review Company: PalmPhone: 1.800.881.7256Price: $200 plus service starting at $20/month Available: Now·

Dell Axim X5The Axim X5 is currently the most affordable Pocket PC-based PDA I could find. It's not the slickest-looking design I've ever seen, (it's rather bulky compared to other Pocket PCs,) but you get a great feature set including the latest processor, dual expansion (Secure Digital and Compact Flash), and a removable battery at an amazing price. Dell updates its pricing so frequently, it's tough to pin down. On May 16, the Basic version of the Axim X5 was listed at $180 (regularly $200). Now that price is tough to beat for a Pocket PC PDA.Read the full review Company: DellPhone: 1.800.915.3355Price: $200 Available: Now Buy this product at Amazon.com

TechTV (http://www.techtv.com/callforhelp/products/story/0,24330,3430736,00.html)

[-scott-]

FWIW, I have a Handspring that I used throughout college. At c6/7, I didn't have a problem w/ graffiti. The styli are a bit small, so I used a larger one... but I liked the PDA overall.

[KLD]

I didn't get a choice on my PDA, which was bought for us by my employer, but I have a Palm IIIC which I have been happy with for basic functions. 3 years ago these were less than $200, and I am sure they are cheaper now.

I keep my calendar and contacts (phone, address, notes, etc.) which are easily synched with my desktop PC on it. I also keep my "to do" lists on it, and have downloaded several programs including a couple of games to keep me occupied while I wait for a meeting or movie to start. I also have SplashPhoto which allows me to put a few digital photos on it, and an international clock and stop-watch feature. Although it is primarily designed for graffiti input, I often use the on-screen keyboard option when I am in a hurry.

There are a lot of programs you can download from the internet including everything from diabetic glucose control diaries to drug resource manuals.

I find the stylus that comes with Palms very difficult to use...it gives my hand a cramp very quickly. I have been very happy with a Dr. Grip combination pen, pencil and stylus that I keep with my Palm in a leather case.