| In a busy world where work, home, and | | | | memory is also suggested. Keep in mind that |
| recreation aren't always separate, having an | | | | some software demands even more memory |
| assistant to track appointments and important | | | | and therefore must also be taken into |
| dates, make the internet available, and allow users | | | | consideration. Use of Compact Flash and Secure |
| to access and complete their work wherever | | | | Digital (SD) are the most common memory |
| they may be is invaluable. To meet this need, a | | | | formats. |
| Personal Digital Assistant (PDA) is most often the | | | | - Functionality |
| best and most affordable answer. | | | | How will the PDA be used on a routine basis? Will |
| For those who are first time PDA buyers, the | | | | the user make phone calls with it, access the |
| options can be overwhelming. Although there are | | | | internet, play games, use it to play MP3 music or |
| certainly a large number of features available, | | | | games, use it as a camera or voice recorder, or |
| having a brief list of some of the primary | | | | work with spread sheets, MS office documents, |
| characteristics to consider can make the decision | | | | etc.? PDAs can do all of these things and much |
| making process much easier. | | | | more. Buyers also need to remember that with |
| - Size | | | | more demands for processing, more processing |
| Which size works best varies by individual. The | | | | power is needed. |
| smaller the better for some while others prefer | | | | - Wireless connection |
| larger as they feel it is easier to handle and | | | | Is Bluetooth, infrared, or WiFI preferred? |
| operate. To assure satisfaction with a PDA | | | | Of course, buyers also want to be sure their new |
| purchase it is wise to put hands on and use the | | | | PDA will connect to their computer so that work, |
| device before buying. For those who take | | | | calendars, and other information can be |
| advantages of the savings that can be found in | | | | communicated among work or home PCs and the |
| shopping online, a pre-purchase excursion to a | | | | PDA. A disorganized assistant that can't |
| brick and mortar store can give them the | | | | communicate is of little value. |
| face-to-face time they need with a variety of | | | | - Visibility |
| devices. | | | | While many shoppers think to try out the key |
| - Data entry method | | | | pad and controls, many fail to really look at the |
| Keyboard entry is the old standby, touch screens | | | | display. It is important to note the visibility of the |
| are newer and generally use a stylus pen, and | | | | screen; which is influenced by a number of things |
| some have handwriting recognition. Again, if you | | | | including screen size, resolution, and brightness. |
| haven't used a particular method of entry it is | | | | When possible it is best to view the PDA screen |
| best to give it a trial run before making a decision | | | | in various lighting conditions. |
| to assure that using the PDA will become almost | | | | Certainly, a PDA can be a very useful and time |
| second nature. These devices are made to make | | | | saving tool. Determining which functions the |
| life more simple or efficient not frustrating and | | | | individual user will need and putting hands on the |
| slow. | | | | device before buying can be the two most critical |
| - Get enough memory | | | | steps in assuring that a shopper makes a wise |
| 32 MB of internal RAM is a recommended | | | | purchase. |
| minimum and having the ability to expand | | | | |