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