Basic functions of a PDA
A PDA is used today to manage contacts, schedule appointments, and send email and instant messages. A personal digital assistant (PDA) can help you stay organized and in touch. Here are some helpful buying guides for choosing the perfect PDA and getting the handheld of your dreams.
- Find your PDA needs
- Select an appropriate PDA operating system
- Choose the memory requirements of your PDA
- Estimated PDA screen and battery option
- PDA Features Analysis
All the newest and greatest features may sound great to you, but what do you really want to do with your PDA? Before you decide to buy one, determine what you need from a portable device.
calendar and contacts
If you simply want to maintain a list of business and personal contacts and keep your calendar tidy, you don’t need a high-end PDA. A Palm or Pocket PC with limited memory and a monochrome screen will work.
internet and email
Some of the most common functions that you can perform with the help of a PDA include sending and receiving email, browsing websites, organizing your calendar and contacts with a superior Palm or Pocket PC. You can also communicate with other devices away from your computer with Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, or an IrDA (infrared) port. Make sure the PDAs you’re looking for support the features you need most. You will need to subscribe to the service before using the email and Internet features.
Please note that cell phone, data transfer (instant messaging and picture messages), and email/Internet rates differ depending on your service provider, the amount of time you spend using a service, and the data you send and receive each month. If you like cell phone service, you can pay a monthly cell phone service fee, as well as a monthly Internet/email usage fee.
Phone calls
A group of PDA/cell phone combo devices including the Palm Treo, T-Mobile Sidekick, and RIM Blackberry allow you to make calls, surf the Internet, send instant messages, email, and perform basic calendar and contact management. Be sure to subscribe to cell phone service before using cell phone features and Internet service before using Internet features.