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Choosing the Right PDA

Choosing the Right PDA. Professional Toolkit Series NSBE – Houston Space Chapter. Why Should I Own a PDA?. World is becoming increasingly wired/wireless PDA gives capabilities not possible with pen and paper alone Information transported in PDA could fill notebooks of paper

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Choosing the Right PDA

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  1. Choosing the Right PDA Professional Toolkit Series NSBE – Houston Space Chapter

  2. Why Should I Own a PDA? • World is becoming increasingly wired/wireless • PDA gives capabilities not possible with pen and paper alone • Information transported in PDA could fill notebooks of paper • Portable presentation capability • PDA-like technology will eventually enter the lab/field environment – stay ahead of the learning curve

  3. What Can PDAs Do? • Virtually all PDAs: • Calendar • Contact/Address Software • Task/To-Do Lists • Calculator • Memo • Interface to exchange information with laptop or desktop

  4. What Can PDAs Do? • Other Capabilities: • Word Processor • Spreadsheet • Database • Money-management functions • Voice Recorder • MP3 Playback • Picture Viewer • Digital Camera

  5. Peripherals • Virtually unlimited • GPS • Folding keyboards • Interfaces to connect to virtually any desktop peripheral • Beware: may require adapters to connect peripheral – sometimes almost as expensive as the peripheral itself.

  6. PDA Specs • Processor • 16 to 400 MHz • 2 to 64 MB memory • Note: faster processors drain battery faster • Backlight • Standard on monochrome PDAs, universal on color PDAs • Color drains battery faster

  7. PDA Specs • Expansion Slot(s) • Allow removable memory, connections to PC, modems, projector, etc. • Several types • CompactFlash, MultiMedia/Secure Digital, Memory Stick • Make sure your PDA has the expansion slot types you need to connect to the peripherals you want • iPAQ is notorious for requiring an expansion module to accept peripherals

  8. PDA Specs • Connectivity • Wireless: Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, built-in Cell Phone • Wired: • Cell Phone Connectivity Kits – not universally available. Only some cell phones have connectivity kits, and these are only compatible with certain PDAs. Best to choose cell phone based on desired connectivity • Modem – Relatively easy to find 56K modems that can be connected to PDA • Digital Cable, Ethernet, may or may not be forthcoming • Internet access software still emerging

  9. Internet Access • Virtually ALL advertise internet access • Pocket PCs come with Internet Explorer • Most do NOT come with internet connectivity • Additional hardware, software, and/or subscription required • If internet access is desired, check costs CAREFULLY before purchasing anything • Cell phone/PDA models are beginning to emerge

  10. Compatibility • Most PDAs can interface with Windows or Macintosh computers • Check to make sure your PDA is compatible with your operating system • Is 3rd party software or additional hardware required? (can be expensive)

  11. PDA Families • Palm OS (most popular) • Palm and Sony • Pocket PC (Windows based) • Casio, Dell, HP (aka Compaq), Toshiba • Proprietary operating systems • Less popular; hard to find software for these models

  12. Palm vs. Pocket PC

  13. Palm vs. Pocket PC? • Palm • Capable of interfacing with Windows or Macintosh • Generally simpler user interface • Requires extra software to use MS Office files • Generally less expensive • Pocket PC • Windows-like interface (needs 3rd party software to connect to Macintosh) • Version of MS Office pre-loaded (does NOT contain PowerPoint, but many will come with a PowerPoint emulator that displays files)

  14. How to Choose? • Palm • Best for basic organizer functions (date/address books) • More 3rd party software currently in the stores • Pocket PC • Best for exchanging, reading, editing word processing documents, spreadsheets, and other MS Office files • Wider variety of plug-in cards • Both • Well-suited for multimedia

  15. Practical Issues • How will you carry it? • Simpler PDAs are small, fit in pocket easily • PDAs with features, expansion slots, peripherals may need a belt clip or larger case • Screen should be protected • What features do you really need? • Simple organizing functions? Get a Palm • Computer in your pocket? Get a Pocket PC

  16. Consumer Reports Recommendations • If new to PDAs: • Sony CLIE PEG-SJ20 or Palm Zire • If replacing a PALM: • Palm m515 or Palm TungstenT • Power and Multimedia: • Palm Zire 71, Sony CLIE PEG-NX70V, Dell AXIM X5-400MHz • Pocket PC Ratings: • Dell edges out Compaq IPAQ H3955 and is significantly less expensive ($350 vs. $500)

  17. Summary • Do your homework before making a purchase • Decide what capabilities you want • Determine what PDA, cell phone, adapters, peripherals, carrying cases, etc. are required • Verify all of the above exist, and can be conveniently located before buying the PDA • Now you are ready to bargain hunt and enjoy!

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