How to evaluate PDA's

How to evaluate PDA'S? Are you looking at the PDA's with the latest and greatest features in mind, or are you looking for the quality and abilities that a specific PDA has. This is where you can start to evaluate what each PDA has to offer.

As you are considering making this type of purchase, it is important to know what it is you are looking for. The PDA is not a cheap piece of electronics. It is rather pricey and actually very valuable if purchased correctly.

Look at what you need or want the PDA for.

- Will you be using the PDA for contacts and calendaring? Do you like to keep a list of our business and personal contacts? Do you want to keep your schedule straight so that you can be on time for the appointments you have? You would not need a top of the line PDA for these things. Rather a limited memory palm or PDA would work well for these functions.
- Will you need to be getting on the Internet and check your emails through your PDA? Will you wan to also organize your contacts, and schedule with the same PDA. Make sure that the PDA you look at then will support the features you need. This would include the Internet options in addition to a calendar and contacts options.
- Do you want to make phone calls with all these other features? There are a few PDA'S that will offer the options for phone services along with the Internet, contact lists, calendars and more. If you check into the Palm Treo, RIM Blackberry, or Tmobiles sidekick, you will likely find what you are looking for.

As you are looking at what you will need, keep in mind that even though a PDA may offer these optional services, there are likely additional costs involved through the providers of the services.

When you are looking to choose between a PDA'S and other Pocket PCs, you will find that the main decision that you will have to make is whether you want the PDA or PC. The reason is that many of them are very similar in many ways. The manufacturers are offering similar styles, qualities and even the plans for services.

If you believe you will be using the keyboard options often, look into the styles that have the slightly larger keyboard. If you are looking at the visual features, then look into the larger higher quality screens. This will be all up to you, when you are reviewing the different options you will have.

These PDA'S use operating systems that much like a computer. Therefore you will want to check into what options are available with the operating systems on those computers. Will it meet the needs you have for downloads, adapters and other options used for these types of PDA'S?

You an even find the PDA'S with video or digital camera capabilities. If this is something you are big into, then it will be important to check into the video quality and sound quality of the PDA.

Service providers will have manufacturers that they work with. This will be the final area you will need to review in order to match the provider with the manufacturer. Different manufacturers and service providers also offer different packages for the use of the PDA'S they offer.

When you are doing your shopping, start out with a basic list, and then fine the PDA and service that will best meet your needs. This is how to evaluate PDA's.