Handhelds buying guideChoosing the right handheld is all about finding the perfect balance of size, weight, performance, features, and cost. From there, a PDA can become an indispensable tool for staying organized, connected, productive, and entertained. This guide steps you through the decision-making process.
Handheld
manufacturers offer dozens of models, each targeting a slightly different user.
Your first step should be to decide which of the following profiles best suits
your wants and your lifestyle. User types: Budget buyer/student | Businessperson | Road warrior | Trendsetter | All-in-one fanatic  Budget
buyer/student  For
students and those on a budget who need a pocket-size device to keep their
address book, their calendar, their to-do list, and their notes organized, as
well as synchronize that information with a PC, a basic handheld will suffice.
By adding software and other accessories later, when their budgets permit, they
can easily enhance their PDA's functionality.
Businessperson  In
order to get the job done, you need a tool that can keep you organized and has
software that works with Microsoft Word and Excel. To accommodate such features,
look for models that have ample memory or expansion slots and a sharp color
screen. Staying connected is also a key factor, so be sure it works with your
company's e-mail.
Road warrior  For
those who get most of their work done on the go, a handheld can stand in for a
full-fledged laptop in many situations. In this category, connectivity, battery
life, and size are key factors. Integrated Wi-Fi or Bluetooth connectivity lets
you check and send e-mail outside of the office, while the right software lets
you edit Word and Excel files. If you plan on typing away a lot of short e-mails
or memos, a PDA with an integrated keyboard will come in handy. Many models are
powered by batteries that are both replaceable and rechargeable, so you can swap
in a fresh cell when needed. You'll also appreciate a device that's truly
pocketable.
Trendsetter  If
you're a trendsetter, you always want the latest and greatest technology. For
handhelds, this means models that let you listen to music, watch videos, play
games, surf the Web, and snap photos. You will get the most out of high-end
handhelds with fast processors, lots of built-in memory, high-resolution color
screens, graphics accelerators, expansion slots, and other bells and whistles.
All-in-one fanatic  If
you prefer to only carry a single gadget, a smart phone that combines the
features of a traditional handheld with those of a cell phone is the right
choice. Striking the balance between size, ease of use, and convenient data
entry is especially important with these devices. You'll find some models that
are more phone-centric and others that are designed for those who can't be
separated from their e-mail.
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