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Growing Pains: Upgrading Your PDA Or Pocket PC

Why buy a handheld computer for $300.00 if you know it's going to be obsolete next year?  Technology is constantly improving.  Some companies speculate that a $100.00-$200.00 Pocket PC meeting Microsoft standards could be available within the next couple of years.  (Currently most products are priced $300.00 to $400.00 for a high-end handheld device with wireless capability) 

It's How You Use It

However, just because a newer model is released doesn't mean that your handheld PDA or Pocket PC has to be replaced.  First of all, what is a handheld computer ideally used for?  Obviously if a person has a consistent need for complex software and powerful hardware, he or she would buy a laptop computer.  Laptop computers are quickly advancing in technology and are now almost as efficient as a regular PC.  The ideal use for a handheld pocket computer is in an imperative situation.  You must check your email; you have to write a quick report or spreadsheet so that you can transfer it to another computer.  Or, the handheld device could be used for entertainment when there's nothing better to do-that is, quick entertainment.  You're not going to want to buy a library of DVD games or movies for a system that has a three-inch screen.  Therefore, when choosing a PDA or Pocket PC, remember it's just a temporary fix.

Enough Might Be Enough

Therefore, standard technical characteristics are usually all you will need.  With 416 mhz you can watch movies on the go or listen to music.  With 192 megs of memory, you can run a word processor and check your email.  You can even browse the web at such modest speeds and sizes.  If your handheld computer can run the Windows Mobile or Windows Pocket PC 2003 operating system, then realistically speaking, it may be all you need.  A lot of PDA software is often considered freeware and can be downloaded free of charge.  PDA phone features and PDA games are also completely manageable on a handheld personal digital assistant with regular technical specifications.  Pocket PC's, that is PDA's that meet Microsoft standards and include a Windows OS, also manage pocket PC programs, pocket PC phone wireless technology and various pocket PC games and themes with minimal CPU and memory requirements.

The Future To Come

The good news is that while PDAs and Pocket PC's will continue to be improved in design, many pocket computers are upgradeable in terms of downloadable software and even adding additional hardware.  You can add more memory, headsets, a mouse and a full keyboard with Bluetooth technology. 

So in any event, relax!  Either save your money for tomorrow's PDA, upgrade your Pocket PC to the specifics you need, or be content with your current handheld computer as an emergency resource when you're away from the home.