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Important features PDAs
Whichever operating system your PDA uses, you might need to install programs in your computer to enable the PDA to synchronize with it. This software lets you swap data with leading PIM programs such as Lotus Organizer or Microsoft Outlook.
All PDAs have the tools for basic tasks: a calendar to keep track of your appointments, contact/address software for addresses and phone numbers, tasks/to-do lists for reminders and keeping track of errands, and a calculator. A notes/memo function lets you make quick notes to yourself. Other capabilities include word-processing, spreadsheet, and e-mail functions. A voice recorder, which uses a built-in microphone and speaker, works like a tape recorder. MP3 playback lets you listen to digital-music files stored in that format, and a picture viewer lets you look at digital photos. A few models also include a built-in digital camera and keyboard.
A PDA’s processor is the system’s brain. In general, the higher the processing speed of this chip, the faster the PDA will execute tasks--and the more expensive it will be. But higher-speed processors may require more battery power and thus deplete batteries more quickly. Processing speeds are 200 to 624 megahertz (MHz), and models typically have 16 to 256 megabytes (MB) of user memory. Even the smallest amount in that range should be more than enough for most people.
Nearly every PDA offers an expansion slot for some form of removable memory card: CompactFlash, MultiMedia card (slots also accept SecureDigital cards), or Memory Stick. Models with two expansion slots can accommodate a peripheral device, such as a Wi-Fi wireless networking card and removable memory. If you plan to transfer photos from a digital camera to your PDA, make sure the two devices use the same type of card.
Some PDAs offer wireless connectivity. Models with a capability known as Bluetooth can connect wirelessly over short distances to a properly equipped computer or peripheral such as a printer or modem. Models with Wi-Fi can connect over medium distances to a Wi-Fi-enabled home network or to the Internet at “hot spots” in certain airports, coffee shops, and hotels. A PDA combined with a cell phone can make voice calls or directly connect to the Internet via a wireless Internet service provider. It’s possible for a single PDA to have more than one of these types of wireless connectivity.
See our latest Ratings of PDAs and related information (available to subscribers).
Whichever operating system your PDA uses, you might need to install programs in your computer to enable the PDA to synchronize with it. This software lets you swap data with leading PIM programs such as Lotus Organizer or Microsoft Outlook.
All PDAs have the tools for basic tasks: a calendar to keep track of your appointments, contact/address software for addresses and phone numbers, tasks/to-do lists for reminders and keeping track of errands, and a calculator. A notes/memo function lets you make quick notes to yourself. Other capabilities include word-processing, spreadsheet, and e-mail functions. A voice recorder, which uses a built-in microphone and speaker, works like a tape recorder. MP3 playback lets you listen to digital-music files stored in that format, and a picture viewer lets you look at digital photos. A few models also include a built-in digital camera and keyboard.
A PDA’s processor is the system’s brain. In general, the higher the processing speed of this chip, the faster the PDA will execute tasks--and the more expensive it will be. But higher-speed processors may require more battery power and thus deplete batteries more quickly. Processing speeds are 200 to 624 megahertz (MHz), and models typically have 16 to 256 megabytes (MB) of user memory. Even the smallest amount in that range should be more than enough for most people.
Nearly every PDA offers an expansion slot for some form of removable memory card: CompactFlash, MultiMedia card (slots also accept SecureDigital cards), or Memory Stick. Models with two expansion slots can accommodate a peripheral device, such as a Wi-Fi wireless networking card and removable memory. If you plan to transfer photos from a digital camera to your PDA, make sure the two devices use the same type of card.
Some PDAs offer wireless connectivity. Models with a capability known as Bluetooth can connect wirelessly over short distances to a properly equipped computer or peripheral such as a printer or modem. Models with Wi-Fi can connect over medium distances to a Wi-Fi-enabled home network or to the Internet at “hot spots” in certain airports, coffee shops, and hotels. A PDA combined with a cell phone can make voice calls or directly connect to the Internet via a wireless Internet service provider. It’s possible for a single PDA to have more than one of these types of wireless connectivity.
See our latest Ratings of PDAs and related information (available to subscribers).
