PDA Review

Personal Digital Assistants (PDA's)

Ready to purchase that PDA or handheld?  There are some things to consider before you make your choice.

• Operating System:  Proprietary?  RIM?  Palm? or Pocket PC?  Remember that the operating system choice will most likely determine the applications and accessories that will be available for your device.  This is THE single biggest choice in purchasing a PDA or handheld.
• Memory:  Make sure that the device you choose has enough memory not only for your immediate needs but also for when you've added 500 more contacts, tasks, dates, documents, etc.  Does the device accommodate expanded memory?  If not, you'll be back at the store purchasing the device you probably needed in the first place.
• Battery Life:  Color screens and all those need accessories you add on to the device to nothing but drain that battery.  Therefore, battery life in a PDA or handheld is a big issue.  Additionally, many PDAs and handhelds come with batteries that are not replaceable.  If you plan on keeping the device for more than two years, this could be an issue.

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• The Screen:  Color screens are a "trade-off" (as noted above).  They're provide great visuals but take the life out of the battery.  Make sure the size and clarity are what you are looking for.
• Packaging:  Just as with wireless phones, PDA accessories can really add up!  So understand what the "total" package that you require will cost before purchase.  That $499 PDA could turn into $1,000 in no time if you aren't careful.
• Extras:  GPS systems, video integration, keyboards, radios and more.  Your PDA can do a lot, but the more you add, the more memory and processing power and battery life you'll need.  Make sure your PDA can stand up to the applications and accessories you're planning to add.
• Synching Up:  Finally, unless you don't have many contacts, tasks or "dates", synching your PDA or handheld up with your PC and PC's contact software is crucial to making your handheld a viable business asset.  Therefore, be sure PC has a port free for the connection to the PDA/or cradle (USB, serial, Bluetooth wireless), that the PDA or handheld's software is compatible with your PC's system (operating system, memory, disk space) and that the PDA or handheld's contact/task/scheduling software is compatible with your PC's software. Whew!

Ready to choose your PDA or handheld?  Let's get going!  (By the way, if what you really want is a combined PDA and wireless phone, check out  Review of Wireless Phones.)

Due to the number of PDA options that some manufacturers offer, we've rated the manufacturer and then selected our favorite PDA from that manufacturer.  Our favorite PDA is identified by a "À" symbol next to the device.  For product details from all the manufacturers, see our product matrix PDA's and Handhelds.

Additionally to ensure that it is clear what the "total" cost of a PDA or handheld is, we've priced out, for every PDA or handheld, a "complete" package that includes the common accessories you'd need -  vehicle charger, case, keyboard and a wireless adapter (we think you'll want to do your email too!).  You'll find all of this in the price column of our cost effectiveness tables!

Personal Digital Assistants (PDA's) Review

PDAs and Handhelds*

(Rankings - best, 5 symbols, worst, 1 symbol)

* A = Amateur, R = Rookie, P = Pro

ASUS

Simple Start-Up - ¹¹¹¹

ASUS makes six PDA's, all based on Windows Mobile 5.0.  As noted previously, expect to spend some time getting acquainted with your device - especially as you set it up for network/wireless connectivity.

Cost - $$$1/2

ASUS's handhelds are priced from $410.39 to $570.09.  For product details, see our product matrix PDA's and Handhelds.

Time Savings - ¹¹¹¹

PDA's are great for travelers even if you only travel around time.  They save time and frustration by giving you a handy, small device that has all your "personal" information - contacts, tasks and more.  The Casio devices give you a range of price and functionality to choose from.  This gives you the ability to choose the device you need to make you more productive at a price point your business can absorb.

Ease of Use - @@@@

The ASUS handhelds are straight forward to use - especially if you've utilized a form of Windows Mobile in the past. 

Works With - YYY1/2

The ASUS devices are designed to synch with Windows-based systems.

Support - ppp1/2

ASUS offers a one year warranty on their PDA's.  The technical support area of the ASUS web site includes a FAQ, downloads and technical reference.  If you need more help, you have to go to their web site and get an incident number before you email or telephone technical support (no "800" number, you must pay long distance charges where they apply) during the hours of 5:30 AM to 5:00 PM Pacific. 

Features - iiii

Why do we like these PDA's?  GPS integration on the MyPal A696, A639 and A636N.  Long battery life on them as well (1300mAH Lithium-Ion batteries on more than one!).  The GPS-enabled PDA's also include an antenna jack so you can get better reception, and all of the PDAs have SD card slots to add memory to your system.  All of the PDAs are Bluetooth 2.0 enabled and include 802.11b/g wireless as well.

Overall Rating - %%%%

If you are looking for a portable GPS solution and need a handheld - well worth a look.

Casio

Simple Start-Up - ¹¹¹1/2

Casio makes eight handheld systems for industrial/business use.  The handhelds are based on Windows CE .NET 4 or 5.  As noted previously, expect to spend some time getting acquainted with your device - especially as you set it up for network/wireless connectivity.

Cost - $$$

Casio's handhelds are priced from $979.00 to $1,810.00.  For product details, see our product matrix PDA's and Handhelds.

Time Savings - ¹¹¹¹

Casio's devices are intended for industrial, retail or other uses where their bar code scanners, wireless capabilities and application integration strategy is designed to help works save lots of time!

Ease of Use - @@@@

Once you have the discipline down, using the Casio devices is fairly straight forward.  Again, it is our belief that it takes more time to get acquainted with a Pocket PC device.  Expect therefore, that you'll spend a couple hours (or more) getting acquainted with the device and its "idiosyncrasies" .  After you get it "synched" with your PC and are feeling comfortable, you can begin to think about doing even more with it - like sharing information with other PDA owners by "beaming" them via infrared and more.

Works With - YYY

The Casio devices are designed for the Windows environment.

Support - pppp

Casio offers a one year warranty on their devices.  The tech support area of the Casio web site includes online manuals, a searchable FAQ and software downloads.  If you need more help, you can contact Casio tech personnel at their "800" number Monday through Friday from 10 AM to 8 PM Eastern.

Features - iiii

The Casio handhelds are intended for industrial/business use.  They include (in a variety of packages), bar code scanners, printers, magnetic card readers, digital cameras, touch screens and integration with Microsoft's .NET development environment.

Overall Rating - %%%%

Casio makes good, reliable Pocket PCs more for industrial use than standard consumer/home office use.

Franklin ROLODEX

Simple Start-Up - ¹¹¹¹

If you've never used an electronic assistant and just want something that is VERY simple, VERY low cost and you have a VERY small contact base, schedule, task and to do list.  Then the Franklin devices are simple and easy to get started with.  They'll even teach you the "beginnings" of PC/handheld "synching".

Cost - $$$

Franklin makes four electronic organizers.  Believe or not, for the functionality they provide, these devices are actually not cheap.  As a comparison for $34.95 (the high end Franklin device) you get 2MB of memory.   Additionally, if you ever need more memory for your data - you're out of luck and your investment in this device is 'down the tubes' and you'll be paying for a 'higher end' device anyway (plus losing the investment in the organizer).  We just could not make ourselves choose a favorite from the following device line up.  You're on your own!  Pricing is $14.95 for the EZ File Organizer and Touch Screen Organizer, $19.95 for the Mini USB Organizer and $34.95 for the Touch Screen PDA.  For product details, see our product matrix PDA's and Handhelds.

Time Savings - ¹¹¹

Organizers are good for folks with very small "user data" requirements.  They'll save time and frustration by giving you a handy, small device that has all your "personal" information - contacts, tasks and more.  However, if you purchase a Franklin device, the small, fairly unreadable displays (especially in bright or low lighting) can add frustration instead of helping your become more productive.  Additionally, if you do not purchase an organizer that synchs to your PC, you'll be maintaining separate lists that must be manually input, updated and maintained on two devices.

Ease of Use - @@@

Again, if you don't get a device that synch's to your PC, you'll be in big trouble entering and maintaining your data.  And if you think you can easily enter a memo or other data using one of the small Franklin keypads or touch screens - well, good luck!

Works With - YYY

The Touch Screen Organizer is a "stand alone" device.  The other three devices synch with the Windows environment.

Support - pppp

Franklin organizers carry a one year warranty.  The tech support area on the web site includes a FAQ, downloads and user forum.  If you need more help, you can email or call Franklin support personnel on their "800" number.

Features - ii

Franklin has added some nice software for the capabilities of the device, however, the limitations in connectivity, processing power and memory make these devices the "bare minimums" of the handheld world.

Overall Rating - %%%

If you don't want to spend much money, a Franklin organizer is better than nothing.  However, remember that as you begin to enjoy the benefits of a handheld device, you'll begin putting more and more into it and sooner or later the Franklin just won't "cut it" anymore.  Your Franklin will go in the trash and you'll be back to investing in a handheld again.  Better to purchase a low end Palm or Pocket PC device instead.

HP

Simple Start-Up - ¹¹¹¹

HP's handlhelds are as straight forward to begin using as any of the other Pocket PC-based systems. 

Cost - $$$1/2

HP makes four handhelds that range in price from $299.99 to $499.99 and two "travel companions" with integrated GPS capability priced at $449.99 for the iPAQ 310 and $499.99 for the RX5000.  The HP devices are not cheap, but you will get a lot for your $$'s.  All the handhelds are wireless-enabled - Bluetooth, 802.11b/g wireless.  For details see our product matrix PDA's and Handhelds.

Time Savings - ¹¹¹¹

PDA's are great for travelers even if you only travel around time.  They save time and frustration by giving you a handy, small device that has all your "personal" information - contacts, tasks and more.  All the HP devices include voice recorders to take "voice" notes with and most provide connectivity options for you to access the Internet and your email remotely.

Ease of Use - @@@@

Once you have the discipline down, using the HP devices is fairly straight forward.  Again, it is our belief that it takes more time to get acquainted with a Pocket PC device.  Expect therefore, that you'll spend a couple hours (or more) getting acquainted with the device and its "idiosyncrasies" .  After you get it "synched" with your PC and are feeling comfortable, you can begin to think about doing even more with it - like sharing information with other PDA owners by "beaming" them via infrared and more. 

Works With - YYY1/2

It's HP - and they live in the world of Windows.  Period.

Support - pppp

HP products carry a one year limited warranty.  HP has a ton of good information on their web site that can help you troubleshoot problems - tips, troubleshooting "walk throughs", forums, FAQ's and more.  If you can't find what you need, you can contact tech support via email or phone, 24 hours per day through an HP-sponsored "800" number.

Features - iiii

The HP devices offer the standard Pocket PC software bundles with some backup and file store software "extras" that are "business centric".  The big "plus" for HP devices is integrated wireless - Bluetooth and 802.11b/g as well as memory card slots to add storage and/or applications.  Additionally, the hx2795 includes an integrated finger print reader for added security and the RX5000 and iPAQ 310 include GPS Navigation.  Processor speeds range from 400 to 624MHz.

Overall Rating - %%%%

If you are planning to use your handheld on the road and need wireless connectivity, HP offers some of the best options on the market.  Solid, business-centric handhelds.

Palm

Simple Start-Up - ¹¹¹¹1/2

Palm's and the Palm O/S set the original standard for handheld devices and the handheld user interface.  They retain their leadership in the areas of simplicity and usability.  A Palm device is easy to use from the moment you open the package.

Cost - $$$$

Palm makes three PDA's priced at $99.00 for the Z22, $199.00 for the Tungsten E2 and  $299.00 for the T|X.  For details, see our product matrix PDA's and Handhelds.

Time Savings - ¹¹¹¹

PDA's are great for travelers even if you only travel around time.  They save time and frustration by giving you a handy, small device that has all your "personal" information - contacts, tasks and more.  The Palms have stood the test of time and helped many business people make their lives a bit easier.

Ease of Use - @@@@

Once you get the "hang" of the Palm Graffiti, you can actually write fairly rapidly on the screen (although we still are big on keyboards).  You'll just have to remember all those letter and characters you don't use often or keep their little "cheat sheet" close at hand.  With all of that, the Palm's are by far the simplest to use and get going on.  But remember, if you don't discipline yourself to keep your data updated, the device is a waste of time and money!  Additionally, Palm includes small QWERTY keyboards on a couple of the Tungsten models (see above).

Works With - YYYY

The Palms work in both Windows and MAC environments.  However, although most of their devices come with the DataViz Documents to Go software that allows you to "port" in your Word and Excel documents, it's not quite like Pocket Word or Pocket Excel.

Support - pppp

Palm devices include a one year warranty. The tech support area on their web site includes "issues" areas, support guides and software downloads.  If you need more help, you can contact Palm tech support via email or on their "800" number.  You can also purchase an extended warranty for $44.99 per year.

Features - iiii

Palm includes a lot of software functionality into their handhelds and has done a good job getting other folks to offer third party equipment and software that makes their devices even more powerful.  The E2 and T|X include memory card expansion slots and either Bluetooth or Bluetooth and 802.11b wireless connectivity as well.  Palm by the way, also makes a "combo" phones - the Treo line, for more information, see our Wireless Phones Ratings and Review page.

Overall Rating - %%%%

We've always like Palm devices and have purchased three of them over time - and own one as well (and Pocket PC too - we aren't prejudiced!).  Palms are terrific for connectivity and contacts and addresses and most especially for ease of use.  And, if you're a MAC user, you don't have many other choices now do you? 

Royal

Simple Start-Up - ¹¹¹¹

If you've never used an electronic assistant and just want something that is VERY simple, VERY low cost and you have a VERY small contact base, schedule, task and to do list.  Then the Royal devices are simple and easy to get started with.  They'll even teach you the "beginnings" of PC/handheld "synching".

Cost - $$$$

Royal makes twelve organizers priced from $12.99 to $34.99.  These are cheap "throw away" devices. Remember if you DO purchase one, that  if you ever need more memory for your data - you're out of luck and your investment in this device is 'down the tubes' and you'll be paying for a 'higher end' device anyway (plus losing the investment in the organizer).  We just could not make ourselves choose a favorite from the following device line up.  You're on your own!  Details can be found in our product matrix PDA's and Handhelds.

Time Savings - ¹¹¹

Organizers are good for folks with very small "user data" requirements.  They'll save time and frustration by giving you a handy, small device that has all your "personal" information - contacts, tasks and more.  However, if you purchase a Royal device, the small, fairly unreadable displays (especially in bright or low lighting) can add frustration instead of helping your become more productive.  Additionally, if you do not purchase an organizer that synchs to your PC, you'll be maintaining separate lists that must be manually input, updated and maintained on two devices.

Ease of Use - @@@

Again, if you don't get a device that synchs to your PC, you'll be in big trouble entering and maintaining your data.  And if you think you can easily enter a memo or other data using one of the small Royal keypads or touch screens - well, good luck!

Works With - YYY

PC links are "optional" on many devices (make sure you exercise that option!).  The rest "synch" with the Windows PC environment.

Support - pppp

The Royal organizers carry a one year warranty.  The tech support area of their web site includes a FAQ and software downloads.  If you need more help, you can email or call Royal tech support on their "800" number.

Features - ii

Royal has basic software and huge limitations in connectivity, processing power and memory.  This makes these devices the "bare minimums" of the handheld world.

Overall Rating - %%%

If you don't want to spend much money, a Royal organizer is better than nothing.  However, remember that as you begin to enjoy the benefits of a handheld device, you'll begin putting more and more into it and sooner or later the Royal just won't "cut it" anymore.  Your Royal will go in the trash and you'll be back to investing in a handheld again.  In our opinion, better to purchase a low end Palm or Pocket PC device instead.

Sharp

Simple Start-Up - ¹¹¹¹

Sharp makes simple organizers that are easy to set up and use.

Cost - $$$$

Sharp makes four organizers priced from $9.95 to $49.99.  The organizers are competitively priced and offer a good set of software for their price and capability.  For details, see our product matrix PDA's and Handhelds.

Time Savings - ¹¹¹¹

PDA's are great for travelers even if you only travel around time.  They save time and frustration by giving you a handy, small device that has all your "personal" information - contacts, tasks and more. 

Ease of Use - @@@1/2

Once you have the discipline down, using any of the Sharp devices is fairly straight forward. 

Works With - YYY1/2

All of the Sharp devices are targeted to "synch" with the Windows PC environment. 

Support - ppp1/2

Sharp offers a one year warranty on their devices and has a comprehensive Web support site.  They also offer "800" access to support personnel.  However, if you need something fixed, you need to find a local retailer to deal with the problem!

Features - iii+

Very simple organizers with basic capabilities.

Overall Rating - %%%+

Simple, inexpensive organizers - maybe a wireless smart phone instead?

Socket Mobile

Simple Start-Up - ¹¹¹¹

Socket Mobile's SoMo 650 uses the Windows Mobile 5.0 Premium operating system and will take some time to setup for use.

Cost - $$$1/2

Socket Mobile's SoMo 650 is priced at around $709.99.  For details, see our product matrix PDA's and Handhelds.

Time Savings - ¹¹¹¹

PDA's are great for travelers even if you only travel around time.  They save time and frustration by giving you a handy, small device that has all your "personal" information - contacts, tasks and more.  The Sharp devices give you a a top and bottom range of price and functionality to choose from.  With Sharp you go big - or very small. 

Ease of Use - @@@1/2

Once you have the discipline down, using Socket Mobile PDA is fairly straight forward. 

Works With - YYY

Socket Mobile's SoMo 650 is designed for the Windows environment.

Support - pppp

Socket offers a one year warranty on the SoMo 650.  The Socket web site includes downloads, a FAQ, user forum and support portal.  If you need more help you can call them on their "800" number.

Features - iii1/2+

A robust device with lots of features - Bluetooth v2, 802.11b/g wireless LAN, Windows Mobile Premium applications, 3.5" display and Intel PXA270 at 624MHz.

Overall Rating - %%%1/2+

A ruggedized PDA with lots of functionality - but pricey as well.

Sony

Simple Start-Up - ¹¹¹¹

Sony's mylo personal communicator is simple to set up for use.  The menu-based user interface is simple to understand and use.

Cost - $$$1/2

Sony's mylo personal communicator is priced at $299.99.  For details, see our product matrix PDA's and Handhelds.

Time Savings - ¹¹¹¹

PDA's are great for travelers even if you only travel around time.  They save time and frustration by giving you a handy, small device that has all your "personal" information - contacts, tasks and more.  The Sharp devices give you a a top and bottom range of price and functionality to choose from.  With Sharp you go big - or very small. 

Ease of Use - @@@@

The QWERTY keyboard and simple interface makes using mylo a snap.

Works With - YYY1/2

mylo is designed to work with Window's-based computing systems.

Features - iiii

The really big "plus" for mylo is the integration of Skype along with 802.11b wireless that will let you make voice calls from 802.11 "hot spots" - and save you big $$'s on your cell phone bills.  It's also an MP3 and video player and includes 1GB flash memory (as well as a Memory Stick PRO Duo slot).  mylo comes standard with SonicStage software as well.

Overall Rating - %%%%

A great way to leverage Skype services and stay in touch with customers and business partners when you're on the road.