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handhelds

These little gizmos are every nowadays. I can hardly go anywhere without seeing a businesswoman pull an Ipaq out of her purse, or a lawyer respond to email on his Blackberry, or a student SMS his roommate.

personal digital assistants (pda)

There are two basic categories of PDA:

  • Pocket PC
    This is a Windows-based device. It looks and acts much like Windows XP, and includes slimmed-down versions of Outlook, Excel, and Word. There are a whole bunch of applications for this type of device.
    For a list of Pocket PC devices, click here.
  • Palm OS
    This is a device that looks much like a Pocket PC, but runs on a different operating system and thus has different functions and applications. Typically, Palm-based devices cost less, but are equally good at doing the basic things: email, contacts, tasks, and schedule.
    For a list of Palm devices, click here.

My recommendation is the Pocket PC, simply because most people find it easier to use, and it is easier to install for the non-technical person. If you use a Mac, you will need to have a Palm-based PDA to sync with your data.

"smart" phones

There are 3 types of "smart" phones available today. A "smart" phone is any phone that has some of the features found in PDAs, but not necessarily all.

  • Pocket PC Phone Edition
    These phones incorporate the Pocket PC with a cell phone providing a highly functional device. If you want one device that does as many things as possible, this is the device for you.
    For a list of Pocket PC phones, click here.
  • Palm OS Phone
    Similarly to the Pocket PC phone, the Palm phone incorporates features from the PDA version, adding additional phone functions as necessary. Palm based-phones tend to be smaller than Pocket PC phones but cost about the same, depending on your wireless provider. These phones are great for those desiring simply email, contacts, calendaring, and task management.
    For a list of Palm OS phones, click here.
  • Blackberry
    The Blackberry is a unique product produced by Research In Motion (RIM). It is primarily targeted at business customers, though in the last year has taken tremendous marketshare in the "smart" phone market by producing phones that appeal to personal users like the 7100t from T-Mobile. Blackberry's strength is in two things: simplicity of design and use, and low-cost. Many wireless providers offer discounts for signing up with them and purchasing a Blackberry.
    For a list of Blackberry phones, click here.
    The 7100 series from Blackberry is currently available from T-Mobile and Cingular.
soup up your handheld

One of the best things about having a Pocket PC or Smartphone is the ability to download new applications to meet your needs. Whether it is a powerpoint viewer, a crossword game, or a Bible program, there are many applications you can download for your device.

One of the best places to download applications for your handheld is Handango.

get a free blackberry

T-Mobile is offering a free 7100t phone with a new 1-year contract after rebate. Purchases must be made online, but it is a fantastic deal! To purchase, click here.