1 / 17

Choosing the Right PDA

Choosing the Right PDA. Professional Toolkit Series NSBE – Houston Space Chapter. Why Should I Own a PDA?. World is becoming increasingly wired/wireless PDA gives capabilities not possible with pen and paper alone Information transported in PDA could fill notebooks of paper

theola
Télécharger la présentation

Choosing the Right PDA

An Image/Link below is provided (as is) to download presentation Download Policy: Content on the Website is provided to you AS IS for your information and personal use and may not be sold / licensed / shared on other websites without getting consent from its author. Content is provided to you AS IS for your information and personal use only. Download presentation by click this link. While downloading, if for some reason you are not able to download a presentation, the publisher may have deleted the file from their server. During download, if you can't get a presentation, the file might be deleted by the publisher.

E N D

Presentation Transcript

  1. Choosing the Right PDA Professional Toolkit Series NSBE – Houston Space Chapter

  2. Why Should I Own a PDA? • World is becoming increasingly wired/wireless • PDA gives capabilities not possible with pen and paper alone • Information transported in PDA could fill notebooks of paper • Portable presentation capability • PDA-like technology will eventually enter the lab/field environment – stay ahead of the learning curve

  3. What Can PDAs Do? • Virtually all PDAs: • Calendar • Contact/Address Software • Task/To-Do Lists • Calculator • Memo • Interface to exchange information with laptop or desktop

  4. What Can PDAs Do? • Other Capabilities: • Word Processor • Spreadsheet • Database • Money-management functions • Voice Recorder • MP3 Playback • Picture Viewer • Digital Camera

  5. Peripherals • Virtually unlimited • GPS • Folding keyboards • Interfaces to connect to virtually any desktop peripheral • Beware: may require adapters to connect peripheral – sometimes almost as expensive as the peripheral itself.

  6. PDA Specs • Processor • 16 to 400 MHz • 2 to 64 MB memory • Note: faster processors drain battery faster • Backlight • Standard on monochrome PDAs, universal on color PDAs • Color drains battery faster

  7. PDA Specs • Expansion Slot(s) • Allow removable memory, connections to PC, modems, projector, etc. • Several types • CompactFlash, MultiMedia/Secure Digital, Memory Stick • Make sure your PDA has the expansion slot types you need to connect to the peripherals you want • iPAQ is notorious for requiring an expansion module to accept peripherals

  8. PDA Specs • Connectivity • Wireless: Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, built-in Cell Phone • Wired: • Cell Phone Connectivity Kits – not universally available. Only some cell phones have connectivity kits, and these are only compatible with certain PDAs. Best to choose cell phone based on desired connectivity • Modem – Relatively easy to find 56K modems that can be connected to PDA • Digital Cable, Ethernet, may or may not be forthcoming • Internet access software still emerging

  9. Internet Access • Virtually ALL advertise internet access • Pocket PCs come with Internet Explorer • Most do NOT come with internet connectivity • Additional hardware, software, and/or subscription required • If internet access is desired, check costs CAREFULLY before purchasing anything • Cell phone/PDA models are beginning to emerge

  10. Compatibility • Most PDAs can interface with Windows or Macintosh computers • Check to make sure your PDA is compatible with your operating system • Is 3rd party software or additional hardware required? (can be expensive)

  11. PDA Families • Palm OS (most popular) • Palm and Sony • Pocket PC (Windows based) • Casio, Dell, HP (aka Compaq), Toshiba • Proprietary operating systems • Less popular; hard to find software for these models

  12. Palm vs. Pocket PC

  13. Palm vs. Pocket PC? • Palm • Capable of interfacing with Windows or Macintosh • Generally simpler user interface • Requires extra software to use MS Office files • Generally less expensive • Pocket PC • Windows-like interface (needs 3rd party software to connect to Macintosh) • Version of MS Office pre-loaded (does NOT contain PowerPoint, but many will come with a PowerPoint emulator that displays files)

  14. How to Choose? • Palm • Best for basic organizer functions (date/address books) • More 3rd party software currently in the stores • Pocket PC • Best for exchanging, reading, editing word processing documents, spreadsheets, and other MS Office files • Wider variety of plug-in cards • Both • Well-suited for multimedia

  15. Practical Issues • How will you carry it? • Simpler PDAs are small, fit in pocket easily • PDAs with features, expansion slots, peripherals may need a belt clip or larger case • Screen should be protected • What features do you really need? • Simple organizing functions? Get a Palm • Computer in your pocket? Get a Pocket PC

  16. Consumer Reports Recommendations • If new to PDAs: • Sony CLIE PEG-SJ20 or Palm Zire • If replacing a PALM: • Palm m515 or Palm TungstenT • Power and Multimedia: • Palm Zire 71, Sony CLIE PEG-NX70V, Dell AXIM X5-400MHz • Pocket PC Ratings: • Dell edges out Compaq IPAQ H3955 and is significantly less expensive ($350 vs. $500)

  17. Summary • Do your homework before making a purchase • Decide what capabilities you want • Determine what PDA, cell phone, adapters, peripherals, carrying cases, etc. are required • Verify all of the above exist, and can be conveniently located before buying the PDA • Now you are ready to bargain hunt and enjoy!

More Related