How To Select A Handheld Computer
When it comes to buying a handheld device (PDA's) functionality is the most important criteria. When purchasing a handheld device, my advice to you, is to make your choice based on these four things:
- Is it Easy to use
- Is it Comfortable
- Is it Maintainable
- Is it Data Mobile
Now don't miss-understand me, price and performance are always important criteria when making purchases, however, how it feels to you will out weigh price and performance in the long run.
1. Is It Easy To Use
For a handheld device to be effective it has to allow you to easily perform tasks such as jot down phone numbers or find important information, it should also provide immediate results. When you are under the gun, the responsiveness of your handheld device is what really matters...how quickly can it switch to a new task and display new information.
2. Is It Comfortable
Is the handheld device so small and lightweight that it can slip easily into a pocket or a purse. Can it be carried around all day and not be noticeable. A typical laptop weighs several pounds and must be stored in a briefcase or luggage. By the end of the day carrying a laptop around from meeting to meeting can wear you down. In contrast, even the heaviest handheld device weighs less than 10 ounces and most Palm type devices weigh less than 6 ounces.
3. Is It Maintainable
In order for a handheld device to be carried around all day and readily available, it must be able to go on typical business trips without needing to be re-charged. Unlike a laptop, which has a hard drive, when a handheld device runs out of battery power it may lose all of its data. Most handheld devices can run on standard batteries and consume very little power, which makes them idea for trips.
Since we are on the subject of data and storage let's discuss the memory characteristics of handheld devices. In a standard computer, more memory is a good thing. However, when it comes to handheld devices, memory is a double edge sword. Adding more memory uses more battery power. Adding more memory also increases the weight and adds to the cost. When purchasing a handheld device, it is much more important to look at the amount of useable memory and how efficiently it is being used.
4. Is It Data Mobile
The purpose of having a laptop was so you could become more productive while escaping the confines of the office. This continues to be the case with handheld devices, but to an even greater degree. All but the worst handheld device allows you to get to the data you quickly need at any location. Today's handheld devices have the ability to connect and synchronize with a main computer source by taking advantages of Wireless Services and Smart Phones.