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PDA Shopping Tips

Shopping tips for buying a basic organizer:

Choose your OS: If you simply need to maintain an up-to-date appointment calendar, contact list, and to-do list when you are away from your PC, your best bet is to stick with a low-end Palm OS device such as the Palm Z22. It will also handle other applications (which can come in handy), but its easy-to-use data synchronization stands out. This model costs only $99.

Consider spending a little extra for additional memory or an expansion slot: That way you'll have room to grow when you want to add new software or store more photos or MP3s.

Extend your PDA's capabilities with third-party software: Thousands of applications have been written for Palm PDAs and are available for downloading at sites like PalmGear.com. One of the most popular titles, DataViz's Documents to Go, allows you to edit Word and Excel documents and view PowerPoint files on your Palm-based PDA. Overall, you'll find much more third-party software written for the Palm OS than for Pocket PC devices, though FreewarePPC.com has a good selection of free apps for Windows Mobile handhelds.

Shopping tips for buying a PDA with advanced features:

Choose your OS: Because of their familial relationship with Windows, Windows Mobile-based devices have been gathering enterprise support more quickly than Palm-based devices. But newer Palm OS-based devices such as the Treo 650 are catching up, since they have integrated cell phones, the ability to play digital audio and video, and the ability to display digital photographs. (If the Treo hardware appeals to you, be sure to look at Verizon's Treo 700. This is the first-ever Palm device to run Windows Mobile). In the end, as long as your corporate IT department isn't calling the shots, your choice of operating system will come down to your preference, so try out both platforms at a local electronics store and see which works best for you. In general Palm-based PDAs are easier to use, while Windows Mobile PDAs interface better with Microsoft Office desktop apps and come in a wider selection of models.

Get a storage card: CompactFlash and SD cards allow you to store music or video that you can listen to or watch on your PDA. CompactFlash cards are cheaper than SD models, but are also physically larger.

Keep connectivity in mind: PDAs with built-in Wi-Fi, an integrated cell phone, and/or Bluetooth will help you get more done with fewer wires. If you plan on managing e-mail or consulting the Web while on the road, check the connectivity options closely.