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PDAs And Pocket PCs: Finding The Best Deal In Town

There are a lot of handheld, pocket-sized computers to choose from-and each of them more impressive than you think. Pocket PC's and PDA's (Personal Digital Assistants) offer PDA software and freeware that allows you to surf the web, check email, use a word processor or spreadsheet and find a map of your standing location in minutes.

What To Look For

The most important thing to look for when choosing a PDA is its hardware and software; otherwise it's just a fancy looking box. Quality products from big name manufacturers will offer PDA phone features, PDA games, and PDA or GPS/PDA cases, which allow for map functionality. A pocket PC is a type of PDA, which specifically meets Microsoft's technical requirements. Specifically, it must run a version of Windows, either Windows Mobile or Windows Pocket PC 2003. It must also have a touchscreen, directional or touchpad, include hardware application buttons and meet efficient CPU requirements. As long as it has a highly compatible operating system, the Pocket PC will allow you to run pocket PC themes, pocket PC phone features and other pocket PC programs.

PDA And Pocket PC Companies

iPAQ is one of the most successful companies at making handheld devices. The HP iPAQ hw6500 Mobile Messenger series starts at $599.00. The HP iPAQ hx2000 Pocket PC series is priced less, at $349.00 but with fewer features. You still the capacity to upgrade the system later, however The HP iPAQ rx1950 Pocket PC is priced at $299.00 and also has wireless capabilities.

Palm also produces handhelds similarly priced. The Z22 may be a small and inexpensive wonder at $99.00 but it only allows for basic functions like notes, planners and calendars. The T/X model is priced at $299.99 and features wireless technology, which allows you to access the web and check email. The The Tungsten E2 is priced at $199.00 and seems to be a nice compromise between the others; simple but upgradeable and capable of running complex software.

Dell Axim produces high-tech handheld devices that include even more powerful hardware. The Axim X51 model can runs between 416 - 520MHz,and features a 3.5-inch screen with wireless technology and a Windows Mobile operating system. These models are similarly priced from $299.00 to $399.00 depending on the capabilities of the system.

There have been reports of top manufacturers aiming for a handheld, Windows compatible Pocket PC computer in the $100.00-$200.00 range. Thus far however, the best deal in town seems to be about $300.00 for a medium-end PDA system with wireless connectivity.