The makers of Palm and Pocket PC
hand-held devices, which include Sony Corp. and Handspring
Inc. - Visor, (both of which use the Palm operating system) are
banking on the desire for downloadable software. Meanwhile, Casio's
hand-held and those of Hewlett-Packard and Compaq use the Microsoft
Corp. operating system, which means they're slightly more
user-friendly, especially for PC users who are used to navigating
around in Windows.
Most PDAs have the symbol recognition system and pen for writing
notes. They will also have a screen that shows a keyboard and one can
punch one's way through the alphabet instead of fussing with the
system's letter symbols. For those people, the devices also
offer a keyboard that appears on the screen. Users tap the
letters with a pen-like device to compose their message. Typing
versus tapping is largely a matter of personal preference. Like
anything else, it probably just takes time to learn the new script
but, for those accustomed to typing, it can be frustrating.
They also feature expandable options that include all manner of
software, but these expansions require you to buy additional parts.
The big push has been on convergence: Either give the phone PDA
capabilities; or give the PDA an antenna so it can receive
calls. Convergence isn't there yet, but it is coming.
What is a Blackberry?
It is advertised as the best wireless device on the market for
sending and receiving e-mail. The big plus is that it redirects
e-mail. In other words, you can retrieve your e-mail from the Blackberry
or your desktop. You pay a monthly fee of approximately $50 for
service to your Blackberry but it's online all the time, and it has a
rechargeable battery that lasts up to 10 days.
OK - Given me the short version of features.
With Palm devices, you open up the world to freeware,
shareware and stuff you can buy. With Pocket PCs, you have Windows,
you get MP3, and colour screens and multimedia. With the
Blackberry device, you don't have other applications you can download
to it.
It all comes down to this: How long is the list of features you
need and what are you willing to pay for?
So what's best?
It's hard to say. The best idea is to research each product
yourself and decide what's best for you. For a good overview, you
might want to find a knowledgeable salesperson, at a store that sells
all brands. Staples, for example, carries everything but the
Blackberry. All companies also have extensive Web sites with complete
product and price listings. Here is a great site to start your
research: PDA Buzz.
I use the Visor Prism and just love it. I have the camera
module that is not only functional but a great conversation piece.
If you go with Palm or Visor, I do suggest not getting the lower end
product that may not expand to meet your future needs. It will
cost you a little more but you won't regret it. Being able to
beam your business card may seem like a gimmick now, but it will be
standard in the future.
