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Laptop Vs. PDA Vs. Ultra Mobile PC - How To Decide?

There is a great deal of money in this world.  The only problem is you don't have a lot of it.  Therefore, choosing carefully between the latest portable computer products is a weighty decision.  Each of these devices has desirable features and yet, similar prices, give or take a hundred dollars.  How do you know which is the best deal and which one will be the best investment for the money?  Let's consider each item one at a time.

A Laptop Computer

Laptop computers are personal PCs-they just happen to be battery powered.  Laptops, unlike Ultra Mobile laptops or other Ultra Mobiles, are nearly as high end as a personal or professional computer.  Though laptops are more difficult to carry than smaller PCs, for a decent prize you can buy a fast and efficient computer capable of performing virtually any function.  Laptops can be expensive, however, usually priced at over $1000.00 and don't have the luxury features of ultra mobile systems.

A Multimedia Game Console

While you may have heard that the Nintendo DS and Sony PSP have multimedia features and wireless technology to exploit, they are very limited when compared to even a simple low-end personal computer.  Scratch a game console-unless you just love Mario.

Pocket PC And PDAs

Though the design is impressive, Pocket PCs lack the power and overall functionality of Ultra Mobile PCs.  Pocket PCs and PDAs (usually affiliated with Palm products) are what you might consider emergency personal computers.  You can watch movies, play MP3s, open word processors and spreadsheets, an deven utilize the Internet.  Pocket PCs also are not widely compatible with commercial applications; software has to be written exclusively for Windows Mobile or PALM OS.  On the plus side though, Pocket PCs are much more moderately priced than laptops or Ultra Mobiles, usually from $299.00 to $599.00.

Ultra Mobile Notebook

Before you conclude that Ultra Mobile PCs are the recommended choice and start fishing out your credit card, first be aware of the overall picture.  Yes it is the best you can do in terms of hardware and compatibility.  It is a personal computer much like a laptop, with Windows XP compatibility, and soon to be installed, Windows Vista.  But Vista or not, all of the current UMPCs from Samsung, Asus and Founder are expected to cost upwards of $1000.00-the same price as a laptop.  Only problem is, an Ultra Mobile system while much more luxurious, is not as powerful a system as even a low-end laptop. 

The Final Verdict

The project "Microsoft Origami", that is the UMPC, is still in its infant stages.  In the coming years, technology and the market is expected to change drastically.  Prices of the Ultra Mobile, and subsequently Pocket PCs, are predicted to drop.  The Ultra Mobile PCs need some time to grow.  Therefore, it's best to either purchase a laptop or Pocket PC if you want to spend less than $400.00 and you want your new toy now.  If patience is your virtue, then the UMPC is a gadget to keep your eye on.