GPS (Global Positioning System) can pinpoint any location on earth to a very high degree of accuracy. It's mostly used in a commercial sense to create maps with driving directions from anywhere to anywhere in the country. The Garmin Nuvi 350 is an example of such a GPS device. Finding accommodation, food outlets, gas stations, and more is very easy with this device because it contains maps and points of interest.



The PDA can be described as a tiny personal computer that fits into your pocket. The RIM Blackberry is a perfect example of a PDA that's developed into a cell phone as well, with its advanced audio capabilities. The prolific use of Blackberries by famous celebrities contributed in part to the huge and growing popularity across the nation.

GPS has been added to PDAs to further increase their functionality. For finding maps and direction you can just turn on your PDA. One of the first devices to include GPS is the Garmin iQue300. Its GPS system was a Garmin and its PDA Operating System was that of Palm OS 5. An added feature of this device was that you could call up contact information through voice commands.

However, the debate rages on as to which is better? Are a GPS and PDA as two separate gadgets a wiser choice or should one opt for a converged device?

You will find pros and cons either way. Two separate devices will definitely work out to be more expensive. Also, while hiking or pursuing any activity outside the car, a bulky GPS will be more of a problem than a help (unless you buy a GPS suited for the outdoors, which in turn will be more expensive). In such situations you will be best suited with a GPS PDA phone. On the other hand, a converged unit may be more distracting for the user especially if he is using the phone and the GPS at the same time. A PDA also have a tiny screen, which could make reading the map quite cumbersome.

All in all, it depends on your needs. If you are technophobic and want to keep using your PDA as a minicomputer and a phone; separate units are better for you. If you want to save some money and don't mind a little inconvenience, the combined device would be a better choice.