An organized person used to have a calendar, an address book, a notebook and probably several file folders of various things filling up their briefcase or handbag. Today, they have the same stuff (and more), but it's more likely sitting in a pocket or clipped to a belt. The electronics revolution has once more altered the home and business landscape by replacing huge amounts of paper with the PDA.
The personal digital assistant has become so useful that many can't imagine life without their pocket computers. This PDA buying guide will walk you through the basics of the technology to help you choose the best personal digital assistant for your needs.
Like all computers, PDAs have an operating system (OS); in fact, like MAC and PC, they have two major competitors, most often known as Palm OS and Pocket PC. Pocket PC is related to the Microsoft PC OS. Palm OS was created by Sony for the original Palm pocket computer, though the company has since left the PDA market to others. Third party suppliers have created a load of software applications as well as numerous other pocket PC accessories for both systems. Remember to check the compatibility, so that you always get stuff that fits.
Having all the latest handheld computer bells and whistles sounds really cool, but do you actually want to spend money for a pocket PC with features you'll never use? The most prominent features are:
Contacts & appointments: The most popular PDA feature is the address book and calendar. If that's all you need, buy a basic model handheld PC. These also usually have alarm clock, calculator and notebook functions.
Data entry: The way information is entered onto a PDA varies by model:
Office Applications: Word processing, database and media software packages are also available that are compatible with PC and MAC software packages.
Web connection: Opens up the world via the web, including everything you can do from home. Of course, you'll need an internet service subscription.
Choose which personal digital assistant features fit your needs, then decide which PDA has what you want and then come to Overstock.com and get that handheld at a great price. What could be simpler?
PDA Memory Cards
Batteries
Depending on the model and how it's used, a set of batteries will last several hours to several months. PDAs typically use alkaline batteries (AAA is most common) or rechargeables (lithium, nickel-cadmium, nickel-metal hydride). Many pocket computers have a small backup battery, so if the PDA batteries lose all power, you'll have up to 30 minutes to switch them out. If not, when the power level goes to zero all data may be lost, so performing a backup onto a desktop is very important. In addition, many PDAs feature AC or auto adapters to lengthen battery life.
PDA Cables
A pocket PC cable can take the place of PDA chargers and PDA docking cradles or connect PDA to PDA.
PDA Cases
Whether it's a classy leather PDA case or a hard-sided plastic or metal PDA carrying case, simple or fancy, PDAs need protection and they always look better when wrapped in a stylish PDA cover. (And they always feel better when purchased at a great Overstock.com discount!)
PDA Chargers
Almost every model or series has their own charger--you have to reload sometime. It's no harm to have several pocket PC chargers--a PDA charger can be integrated with a synchronizing PDA cradle or it can stand alone. They can be small for travel, or barrel shaped PDA chargers for the car's cigarette lighter.
PDA cradles
Special software and a docking cradle is required to allow data transfers between PDAs and other computers. Also called a synchronization port, a docking cradle allows the handheld and desktop or laptop to share data; they are especially good for creating a backup of the PDA database in case of loss, damage or other problems. A compact model is great for the well-traveled user. Docking cradles that attach the PDA to the home or office computer via USB are sometimes called USB docking stations.
Telephone
Combine a PDA and a cell phone and you get a smart phone. These require an additional cell provider plan, but smart phones differ from cell phones in one important aspect: They can use any PDA phone software package, not just the OEM-installed software. WAP Technology is the standard for providing handheld computers and other devices with secure access to the internet. PDA phones, by the way, can also serve as video phones.
Camera
It may be only a 1.3MP video phone, but it does capture both digital photos and video.
Like all modern consumer electronics, a pocket computer has few moving parts to break, so it can provide years of service if not abused. Dust, heat, humidity and impact damage are primary causes of failure. Don't drop your handheld PC; keep it in a padded PDA case when traveling or in storage.
Dust it off now and then. Blow clean your handheld computer openings (memory card slot, battery compartment, etc.) with canned air--never your humid breath.
When traveling in your car, mount handheld computers so they are out of direct sunlight. Even on cool days, a car interior can get dangerously hot and excessive exposure to the sun's radiation can damage the PDA CPU.
Other features
Entertainment: Depending on installed software, your PDA handheld may playback audio and video files such as MP3.
Global Positioning System: A handheld computer, even a PDA phone, may not help you in an emergency if you don't know where you are. A GPS add-on can be valuable; it can also be fun!
Will my data be safe if my PDA is stolen?
No consumer electronics are entirely safe in the hands of a thief. Having the PDA data backed up on your home or business computer prevents data loss. Installing security programs to your PDA handheld will probably keep the casual pickpocket from getting into your data. One new security feature is the biometric fingerprint reader. While still not widespread in the pocket computer market, expect it to become a standard feature in the next few years. As an alternative, install a self-destruct mode. (Sorry, this is one of the few things you can't get at Overstock.com. We had to draw the line somewhere.)
Can I load games on my PDA?
Of course, all computers were designed as an excuse to play games at work. (Don't tell the boss; he has some wild notions about connectivity, productivity and higher profits.) Now, your computer games can go wherever you take your handheld computer!
Why buy just one?
Home and small office electronics increase almost daily in available features such as increased speed or memory. If you have owned your current computers, telephones, printers or other electronics for three or four years, it is definitely time to see what's new out there. After all, you're going to save money at Overstock.com, so why not save even more with a whole new home or office electronics set-up?
Still shooting film?
Oh, that's so 20th Century! You probably have friends and relatives all over the country, and they probably have PDAs, so go digital, and send those pictures of you and the kids, the job, the vacation, the whatever, without the added expense of developing film and having it converted to digital files or sending prints via 'snail mail.' Imagine the simplicity--shoot, upload, email (via your PDA, of course). (If you also buy photo software, that will be shoot, upload, edit, email (via your PDA, of course)--imagine pix without red-eye!) With digital cameras, you can do it one shot at a time or 200 shots at a time. Film is limited to 24 or 36 shots--the number of frames on the roll. While you're in the video department, consider this: With camcorders and a little specialized software, you can create home movies that the teenage George Lucas could only dream about (of course, his dream came true).
Relax!
All this new technology lets you work smarter, but you are also probably working harder. When you get home, you deserve to relax. So, visit the Overstock.com television or stereo departments and start planning that new home theater.