In the life that is becoming more mobile, there is a necessity of using devices that can help people to accomplish their activities. Beside handphones, there is another modern technological device that becomes more popular day by day: Personal Digital Assistant (PDA). It may be known by different names - handheld organizer, Palm Pilot and iPac is an invaluable tool to help you manage your activities.



This handheld device does not function only as agenda but can also be used to perform many other tasks that usually can be done by a personal computer: from serving as meeting schedule alarm and calculator, for writing and reading a book, storing address book, playing video games, SMS, correspondencing with emails, surfing the Internet, enjoying music, to capturing digital image.

PDA has passed through many improvements. Now the monitor can display objects with million colors, the processor can execute processes a lot faster, the memory card can store more data, and many more.

Here is a list that can help you get the right PDA model that will fit your needs:

1. Primary Functions

Ask yourself what is the main purpose of a PDA for you. Do you need to keep track of your schedule better, or to be able to categorize and prioritize your daily tasks? Do you need to show clients some photographs or videos? Do you listen to downloadable audio books or mp3 music, or do a lot of self-development reading?

2. Secondary Functions

Beside the above functions, are there other functions you will need? For you who like travelling, there is PDA with GPS feature. PDA Ipaq 6900 is an example that offers this feature. Consider also whether you will need something like built-in microphone or sound.

3. Physical Size

Think carefully whether you prefer to own a PDA which is small enough to fit into a shirt pocket or small purse, or do you plan to use a book-style cover that can also hold other items? Although smaller size PDA is very popular, some people prefer to use a bigger one.

4. Applications To Run

This will determine a number of factors, including the processing power and memory you will need, and the type of operating system – Windows CE, Palm OS, Pocket PC and Psion. If you want to use Windows Media Player 10, you can choose a PDA Phone Dopod 900 that has 128 MB ROM and 64 MB RAM hardware support.

5. Camera

PDA devices as well as cellular phones are just some of the technological devices that have a digital camera feature. But if you have already had a digital camera and don't have a plan to buy a PDA with this feature, it is better if you notice the type of its expansion card. If you get the one that has an expansion card with the same type as your digital camera, you can transfer digital images from the camera to your new PDA later.

6. Wireless connection

Does the PDA need a wireless connection to the internet or to other equipment, even to your computer? If you are in the business field, this can be very beneficial, especially if you like to check your email throughout the day. Some PDAs have bluetooth and Wi-Fi facilities. Bluetooth presents a great way of exchanging data between two wireless devices. You can enjoy wireless communications with short distances of up to thirty feet. Wi-Fi can reach distances up to some kilometres.

In the end, when deciding the type of PDA to buy, other factors you should notice is of course your budget.

Happy purchasing...