PPC Advantages

• Multimedia
• Features
• Upgradability  
• Resolution / display quality
• Input methods

What to Look For 

• Memory
• Type of screen
• Built-in wireless
• Upgrade slots
• Accessories

It seems like everywhere you go today, you’ll see someone busy tapping away at a PDA (Personal Digital Assistant). Many people call them “Palms” or “Palm-Pilots” but in reality there are many brands and models to choose from. Palm is just one of the many brands. This guide will help you to understand the differences between all the options and help you to choose the model that best suits your needs.

Palm or Pocket PC?

One of the first decisions you’ll be faced with when you start looking at PDAs is whether you want a Palm-based model or a Pocket PC-based model.

The Palm operating system is the one with which most people are familiar. In fact, the PDA’s are regularly referred to as “Palms”. Palm makes many different PDAs, all of which run the Palm operating system. It is much the same as with computers. While different brands may all run Windows, there can be big differences in features from one unit to another.

Pocket PC is Microsoft’s operating system for PDAs. It is based on a version of Windows, called Windows CE. Because it is based on a version of Windows, it will be very familiar to anyone who uses Windows on their computer. While Palm has been around longer and is more widely used, the Pocket PC systems are gaining a lot of ground.

There are a number of differences between the two systems and which will suit you best depends on the kinds of things you will be doing with your PDA.

The Palm OS is known for its simplicity and efficiency. Its memory requirements are lower and it uses less processing power than the Pocket PC.

The Pocket PC, on the other hand, has many of the same features as a computer. Because it is based on a version of Windows, the way it works is very similar to this familiar program. It has “Pocket” versions of a number of Microsoft’s programs, including Internet Explorer, Word, Excel and Outlook. All Pocket PCs will play MP3 music, video clips, audio books, and other multimedia files.

While some higher-end Palm models can do these things, it’s not common to all models.

Another thing to consider when making your choice is what is going to be compatible with any specific programs you might use. Palm-based PDAs have been around longer; many programs have better support for them than they do for Pocket PCs.

For example, if you use ACT! or Maximizer as your contact management software, they have better support for the Palm OS.

If you use Microsoft Outlook, it will work very well with the Pocket PC without the need for additional software required to make it work with the Palm. Many Palms do include this software, however, so don’t let that one point discourage you from Palm.

One factor that will probably surprise you is support for Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, and Powerpoint) documents. You would expect that the Pocket PC would be the most compatible since it includes Pocket versions of many of the programs, made by Microsoft . Strangely enough, however, the Palm OS has better support for working with Office files. There is software available for the Palm OS that will let you create, view and edit Office files and it actually does a better job with more complicated documents than the versions built into the Pocket PC. Some Palm-based PDAs even include this software.

If you are a Macintosh user, you have one further thing to consider. Palm-based PDAs are supported much better on the Mac. There is software available for the Mac to work with the Pocket PC, but it is still not as well supported or easy to use as the Palm.

What to Look For

Colour screens are becoming more and more common with PDAs but if you are looking at the lower-end models, there are still some monochrome versions available.

Memory is another feature that can change significantly from one model to another.

Where the additional memory in the Pocket PC is really necessary is when you start loading music, picture, or video files onto your PDA.

Accessories are another area that can have an impact on your choice. Because the Palm brand has been around for so long, there are lots of accessories available for it. This includes things like carrying cases, folding keyboards, and wireless modems. Other brands of Palm OS models or Pocket PC models may not have as many options available. If you are planning on using a particular accessory with your PDA, make sure it is available for the model you choose.

Memory upgrades are another factor to consider. With the exception of the very basic models, most PDAs have upgrade slots to add more memory. There are many different formats of this memory, however, with varying sizes available.

Something to consider here is if you have another device with removable memory, such as a digital camera, you might want to look at a PDA that will work with your existing memory cards.

Accessories You Might Need

There are many accessories available for the different PDA models.

One of the most important accessories you will need is a protective case. Most models include some kind of screen cover or case, but there are many other options available. You can get hard cases that will protect your PDA in rough environments or leather cases that will double as wallets. There are also different sizes available, depending on what other items you might want to carry along with it. Some cases are designed for a specific model so they add as little bulk as possible while other are more generic.

You can get extra cables or cradles for connecting your PDA to your computer. If you have a computer at work and one at home, for example, this will save you from having to carry a cable or cradle back and forth. You can also get extra power cords or a cable to connect directly to your computer to recharge your batteries.

Because you are writing directly on the screen with most PDAs, screen protectors are important. They will help protect the screen against scratches and other marks. If they get marked up, you just replace them.

You can also get an extra stylus, which is the plastic tipped “pen” that you use to write on the screen. If you lose your stylus, it becomes difficult to use your PDA, so it’s a good idea to always have an extra one on hand.

There are other accessories such as wireless cards or modems that will let you connect to the internet or to your corporate network. These vary depending on the model, so if this is something you are looking for, make sure you choose a model that will be compatible with the system you need to use.

This guide has hopefully given you a better idea of the range of products and features available in PDA’s and what kinds of things you should look for when making a choice. If you would like to compare products, versions and see what is available, you can access our product comparison feature on this website.

Also, we encourage you to visit our stores and speak to the experts in our Computer Department who will be able to assist with any questions this guide didn’t answer and help you to choose the best PDA unit to suit your needs.

What Should You Do Now?

This guide has hopefully given you a better idea of why you might want a PDA, whether you'll be happier with a Palm-based or Pocket PC-based model and what kinds of features to look for when making a choice. If you would like to compare models and see what is available, you can check out the details on our website. Click here to view PDA Product Information.  

If you would like to get a hands-on demonstration of the different models we carry, the Computer Department at your local London Drugs will be able to help you. The experts in our Computer Department can help you with any questions this guide didn't answer and help you to choose the best PDA for your needs.