I want to get a PDA .. anybody got any ideas about which one??

Answer 1

That depends.

If you are good with computers get a Pocket PC. Because if you don't know, then you could crash it.

Palm PDAs are easy to learn and use.

Both PDAs have software that is compatible to MS Office; however, Palm comes with Documents to Go that has more features and than Pocket PC.

There are more software for Palm OS than with Pocket PC.

The prices are cheaper with the Palm than with the Pocket PC.

I've had PDAs and palmtop computers since 1995, I prefer Palm over Pocket PCs because overall usage there are little to no problems (compared to all the Pocket PCs and other brands that I have had).

I currently have a Palm TX, which cost about $299. It has WiFi, Bluetooth, a built in speaker, audio out/headphone jack and SD/MMC expansion card slot.

It's compatible with my laptop (which has Bluetooth) and my Motorola Razor.

I buy music from Real.com and audiobooks from Audible.com, and listen to them while on plane or airplane (alot).

Answer 2

Ree J.

The first thing that you need to do is to make a list of what you want the PDA to do. Palm OS are my favored but I have been using a Pocket PC for a while and now a Treo because it works with my corporate environment better.

As an owner of about 10 PDAs & HP/Cs both Palm OS and Windows CE based, I think you will find that Palm OS makes a better OS of a hand held device.

If you have a need to tightly integrate with a WinTel corporate environment then a Pocket PC may serve you better.

There is not much difference between the different versions Windows mobile except the "add ons" that each different manufacturer adds to the device.

HP's Ipaqs are grossly overpriced! I have 2 iPaqs and 2 Jornadas and the only real difference is the speed of the processor ( doesn't really matter much) .

Go to a store and spend some time playing with the different interfaces between Palm and PPC to see which ones you like.

Then look for the features that you want. Everybody needs something different. For example, I don't really like having a camera ( Phone or Pocket PC) because I would rather use a small digital cam for better quality...but you might! You may want it to double as a MP3 player....I would rather use my iPod...

If you have a need for WiFi or Blue Tooth, take that into consideration also.

Then look for the PPC that has the features that you want. Built in Keyboards are always nice.

Now, if you have determined that a good mid-level PDA will work for you, try looking on eBay or for a used one. Often you will get extra software that the previous owner purchased.

If you want a warranty, then you can buy new but do not be upset when the value of your machine drops after a few months.

I also recommend at least getting a device with a MMC/SD-IO slot so that you can upgrade your memory.

Recommended Palm devices :
Tungsten E2
Zire 71 <- no longer produced but can find on eBay Nice Machine
Palm TX <- pricey at 299 but it has WiFi and Blue Tooth

Recommended PPC devices
You will need to shop aroud for these. The playing field has narrowed a bit. I am a iPaq fan but they are very much overpriced.

I am sure that you have some friend that will let you check thiers out.

Don't spend a lot of money and Good Luck!

M.C.

Answer 3

I have a Dell Axim X50V. It has a large VGA (640x480) screen, while other pda's have a QVGA (320x240) screen. My X50V runs Windows Mobile 2003 Second Edition. I can run native Word, Excel, read pdf's, play music and movies. I can connect to the internet via wi-fi or bluetooth (to my bluetooth enable phone), and more.

Check the comparison charts at the various pda sights, i.e. Dell, HP, Jornada, Palm.

Make a list of what you want in a pda and choose between the ones that give you the most bang for your buck.

Good luck!

Answer 4

I would recommend either the Palm Tungsten T/X or the Palm LifeDrive for your needs.

Palm Tungsten T/X (retails for $299)
http://www.palm.com/us/products/handhelds/tx/

Palm LifeDrive (retails for $399)
http://www.palm.com/us/products/mobilemanagers/lifedrive/

Both handhelds offers built-in WiFi and Bluetooth, SD card slot for expansion, great set of software that will allow you to open, create, and edit Word, Excel, and PowerPoint files, and a gorgeous large screen.

The only difference is that the LifeDrive also inclueds a built-in voice recorder, and has a 4GB hard drive to store many files, including photos, documents, videos, and even your DVDs (with special software).

While there are no true handhelds that are laptop replacements, and handhelds will be much slower than laptops, the T/X or LifeDrive get close to such a replacement.

I would also recommend buying a wireless keyboard, if you plan to do a lot of typing.

The best thing would be for you to go to a local electronics retailer and see the handhelds for yourself.

Answer 5

Hi,
Go to Cheapest Prices Search Engine and read the reviews.

Lisa

Answer 6

I prefer HP or Compaq, just because they use Windows platform software, which makes internet connectivity and web site access easier.

If that is not a concern for you, then any of them should work if you're just going to use it as an organizer or MP3 player.

Answer 7

ok,baby!!

you need to look into the blackberry...?phone/pda combo...

I want one ...they are cool!