10 mistakes to avoid when buying PDAs
By CNET staff
10/03/2004
URL: http://asia.cnet.com/reviews/mobilephones/0,39050603,39171427,00.htm
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Don't buy too much PDA. Today's handhelds, especially those running Microsoft's Pocket PC OS, can get pretty complex. Feature-rich PDAs are great for power users, but legions of folks have no interest in wireless Internet access or built-in cameras. For US$100 to US$200, plenty of entry-level and older models handle basic date book, contact list, and notepad functions perfectly well.
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Don't forget to consult the geek. On the other hand, the resident geek on your list surely knows exactly what electronics he or she wants. If you get the gadget freak a bargain Palm Zire 21 PDA rather than a high-end Samsung i500 smart phone, you'd better keep the receipt--it'll definitely be returned. Unless you feel comfortable (that is, geeky) enough to power shop for the latest gear, go ahead and spoil the surprise by feeling out his or her preferences.
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Don't buy a Windows-only handheld for a Mac user. Handhelds don't work in a vacuum; they're designed to be wedded to a user's PC (or PCs). While PDA support for current Windows operating systems is never a problem, shopping for Mac users limits your choices. Palm handhelds tend to offer the best cross-platform support; they're equally at home on Windows and Mac OS X.
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Avoid choosing the wrong operating system (Palm vs. Pocket PC). Mac compatibility isn't the only variable when choosing the OS of a gift handheld. While Palm has made impressive strides in adding serious computing power and business-friendly software to its recent handhelds, hard-core enterprise and IT users will probably want the Pocket PC's Microsoft-centric e-mail and VPN software. Conversely, even low-end Pocket PCs are crammed with enough software and options to intimidate the savviest users. Those who prefer simplicity will gravitate toward Palm's streamlined, easy-to-use interface.
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Don't think a PDA's built-in camera can replace a dedicated digicam. Many of Sony's high-end CLIE models and the Palm Zire 71 have built-in digital cameras. It's cool to be able to snap a few photos while checking your schedule, but don't expect the shots to be worthy of Annie Leibowitz. Like cell phone cameras, the ones built into current PDA models are limited to low-resolution snapshots, intended for easy e-mailing, not lifelong keepsakes. You'll want a dedicated digital camera for serious photography.
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Never ignore battery stats. Practically all current handhelds include rechargeable batteries. That's certainly an improvement over spending a fortune on an endless stream of disposable AAAs, but not all rechargeable batteries are created equal. Shop around for units powered by lithium-ion batteries with as high a milli-Amp-hours (mAh) rating as possible, preferably above 1,000. Moreover, opt for a handheld with a replaceable battery, which allows the user to swap out an underpowered or malfunctioning cell.
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Don't forget the accessories. Most handhelds come with enough side orders to get a user up and running, but few include all the niceties needed for the best experience. Extra travel cables, sync cradles, carrying cases, backup batteries, and--most importantly--memory cards help round out the gift. Just make sure that the accessories match the product; for example, an SD memory card will work in most Palm and Pocket PC devices but not in Sony CLIEs.
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Don't neglect expandability options. Make sure the handheld you choose has the option to expand with the user's needs. While CompactFlash cards once offered the most versatility, the industry is moving on to smaller SDIO slots, which allow the use of interactive peripherals such as wireless cards and cameras in addition to standard memory cards. Either one will insure that your giftee can upgrade a handheld rather than being forced to replace it.
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Never underestimate the impact of an upgrade. Your gift recipient seems perfectly happy with the trusty Palm V or Handspring Visor. Can a new model be all that much better? The answer is an emphatic yes. For US$200, you can get a PDA, such as the Palm Tungsten E or the HP iPaq H1935, with a rich color screen, multimedia capabilities, and several times the processing power and memory of the older, slower, monochrome handhelds most people still carry.
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Don't skimp on that extra US$50. Everybody seems to be pinching pennies these days, but saving a few extra bucks on a handheld may be a losing proposition in the long run. Price points have compressed over the past year, and the difference between a low-end and a midrange model may be as little as US$50. Check the reviews and ratings of the step-up model before committing to a purchase. A bit more cash may get you a whole lot more handheld.
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