Handhelds Buying Guide
Don't be mystified by jargon or fooled by hype. Our comprehensive Buying Guides help you choose the right products.
What you need to know, from the kind of user you are to current technologies:
WHICH HANDHELD FITS MY NEEDS?
Handheld manufacturers offer dozens of models, each targeting a slightly different user. Your first step should be to decide which of the following profiles best suits your wants and your lifestyle.
Budget buyer/student | Business person | Frequent traveller | Gadget lover | All-in-one fanatic
Budget buyer/student
If you're a student or on a budget and you need a pocket-sized device to keep your address book, calendar, to-do list and notes organised, as well as synchronise that information with a PC, a basic handheld will suffice. By adding software and other accessories later, when your budget permits, you can easily enhance their PDA's functionality.
Key features
Palm OS
Windows Mobile 2003
Minimum OS
5.2.1
2003
RAM
8MB
32MB
Processor
126MHz
300MHz
Battery
Rechargeable
Rechargeable
Business person
In order to get the job done, you need a tool that can keep you organised and has software that works with Microsoft Word and Excel. To accommodate such features, look for models that have ample memory or expansion slots and a sharp colour screen. Staying connected is also a key factor, so be sure it works with your company's email.
Key features
Palm OS
Windows Mobile 2003
Minimum OS
5.2.1
2003 SE
RAM
32MB/expansion slot
32MB/expansion slot
Processor
200MHz
300MHz
Display
65,000 colours
65,000 colours
Connectivity
Wi-Fi/Bluetooth
Wi-Fi/Bluetooth
Battery
Rechargeable
Rechargeable
Frequent traveller
For those who get most of their work done on the go, a handheld can stand in for a full-fledged laptop in many situations. In this category, connectivity, battery life and size are key factors. Integrated Wi-Fi or Bluetooth connectivity lets you check and send email outside of the office, while the right software lets you edit Word and Excel files. If you plan to type a lot of short emails or memos, a PDA with an integrated keyboard will come in handy. Many models are powered by batteries that are both replaceable and rechargeable, so you can swap in a fresh cell when needed. You'll also appreciate a device that's truly pocketable.
Key features
Palm OS
Windows Mobile 2003
Minimum OS
5.2.1
2003 SE
RAM
32MB/expansion slot
32MB/expansion slot
Processor
200MHz
400MHz
Display
65,000 colours
65,000 colours
Connectivity
Wi-Fi/Bluetooth
Wi-Fi/Bluetooth
Battery
Rechargeable/replaceable; extra cell
Rechargeable/replaceable; extra cell
Gadget lover
If you're a gadget lover, you always want the latest and greatest technology. For handhelds, this means models that let you listen to music, watch videos, play games, surf the Web and snap photos. You'll get the most out of high-end handhelds with fast processors, lots of built-in memory, high-resolution colour screens, graphics accelerators, expansion slots and other bells and whistles.
Key features
Palm OS
Windows Mobile 2003
Minimum OS
5.2.1
2003 SE
RAM
32MB/expansion slot
32MB/expansion slot
Processor
400MHz
400MHz
Display
65,000 colours
65,000 colours
Connectivity
Wi-Fi/Bluetooth
Wi-Fi/Bluetooth
Battery
Rechargeable/replaceable; extra cell
Rechargeable/replaceable; extra cell
All-in-one fanatic
If you prefer to only carry a single gadget, a smart phone that combines the features of a traditional handheld with those of a mobile phone is the right choice. Striking the balance between size, ease of use and convenient data entry is especially important with these devices. You'll find some models that are more phone-centric and others that are designed for those who can't be separated from their email.
Key features
Palm OS
Windows Mobile 2003
Minimum OS
5
2003 Mobile Edition
RAM
32MB/expansion slot
32MB/expansion slot
Display
65,536 colours
65,536 colours
Input
QWERTY keyboard
Keypad
Connectivity
Mobile phone
Mobile phone
Network/data network
Quad-band GSM, GPRS
Tri-band GSM, GPRS
Battery
Rechargeable/replaceable; extra cell
Rechargeable/replaceable; extra cell
Picks
More... from CNET.co.uk and the Internet
