Things to consider before buying a PDA or palm ...

Be taken into account before buying a PDA or Palm:

The supply of very small size of computers has increased dramatically in recent years. The aircraft that were previously little more than calculators scientific agenda have become true extensions of our PCs, which allow us to make all kinds of tasks but we are far from the office.

There are currently two main families of handheld computers: those based on the operating system Palm OS and Pocket PC, using Windows Mobile operating system from Microsoft, the latter being more similar to a personal computer in compatibility and capabilities.

Since this is not a small investment, and given the little or no ability to update these devices, before we decide on a model in particular we must consider some important guidelines. Then summarize 10 points to help you choose the model suited to your needs and your pocket.

1 .- Processor:

The pocket computers typically include processor architecture different from those found in our personal computers, since they must have a very low consumption and adjust to the physical characteristics of the PDA

Some specific applications are designed to use a particular type of processor. It would be best to ensure compatibility of both. In any case, applications are often constrained by the operating system using the device.

2 .- Software:

The functionality of handheld computers is limited only by the applications they are installed. It is usual that such computers incorporate serial most common applications: address book, calendar, notes, manager of e-mail, etc..

Later, we can add any other program that purchased and downloaded (since there is a good selection of free software) and to resolve our specific needs.

3 .- Operating System:

The two most common operating systems market are Palm OS, Palm Inc., And Windows Mobile from Microsoft. But xisto many others but, unless you have very specific needs, the best option would be to stay with a device that works with one of these two, because they are available to them more updates and programs.

# Palm OS: This operating system is found in computers sold by Palm and Handspring, among others. It is very easy to use, which has attracted those who did not want to find in your handheld computer purely an environment.

# Windows Mobile: the alternative to Microsoft has wider circulation and range of devices based on it is broader. As with the desktop, this company has licensed its system to large number of different manufacturers.

4 .- Connectivity:

The pocket computer data exchanges with the outside world through communication ports. There are two types: Cable and Wireless. The former can use the serial port called RS-232C, which is tremendously slow, or the USB port, which is the standard for handhelds today.

Among the wireless, infrared are more heavily used road. In addition there are other systems without the limitations of this (lack of capacity and need to maintain a line of sight between the devices): Bluetooth and WiFi technologies.

Currently, it is not surprising that one device incorporates two or more systems simultaneously. Some of them may even take them all, like the HP iPAQ 5450 model.

5 .- Memory:

The memory of these computers is relatively small. Some have only 2 or 4 MB, but most are located on 16, 32 or 64 MB. The latest models are equipped with up to 256 MB, which provides great comfort when it comes to load multiple applications, especially multimedia (MP3 files or Internet).

On the other hand, some devices have a space to allow for adding memory cards, thus increasing the capacity of the device. There are several standard models:

# Compact Flash: there are two formats that are differentiated only by its thickness: the type I (3.3 mm) and type II (5 mm). Most of the machines only accept cards type I, whose capacity ranges from 2 to 192 MB, although more capacity cards can store several GB.

# Smart Media: this card extra flat (0.76 mm) is used very little in the pocket computers, despite its small size (34 x 45 mm). Its maximum capacity reaches 8 GB.

# MMC / SD: the smallest (24x32 mm and a thickness of 1.4 mm). It comes in two versions: the Multimedia Card and Secure Digital Card. This last differs by internal functions aimed at controlling the copy when it contains compressed music files. Today, already reaches its capacity to 1 GB.

# Memory Stick: computers used only by Sony Clié can reach 2 GB in size.

6 .- expansion slots:

Not all pocket computers have space to accommodate a memory card. The importance of this criterion vary by use more or less intensive that we will make our pocket computer, as well as the necessary storage space for files.

Today the acquisition of a pocket computer automatically imply the choice of a type of memory card. There are many types and capacities (between 2 and 8 MB GB). Only depends on you choose the most appropriate.

7 .- keyboard or pen:

Most PDAs do not have a real keyboard. To enter text there are two methods: first, a small keyboard that appears on the screen, whose letters are selected with the stylus built. The second, a system of recognition of letters, numbers and special characters (punctuation, arithmetic, etc.).. In addition, most of these computers supports connecting a small external keyboard, we will facilitate data entry.

8 .- Screen:

The size of LCD displays is consistent with that of pocket computers: they are quite small. Most models have a keyboard without definition between 160x160 and 320x240 pixels, while models with keyboards are richer in resolution, which can reach up to 640x240 pixels.

The size can be an important criterion for those wishing to use a spreadsheet. The color is not really necessary, only if you complete your computer with a digital camera module or if you want to see videos.

9. Battery:

A Pocket PC can run through its internal battery or batteries, which can be changed by rechargeable batteries. In some PDA, a cell button ensures the preservation of data in RAM when the main power is exhausted.

One of the most common problems in such devices is the failure of the battery. With the passage of time and due to recharge, it just crashed or significantly reducing autonomy. Some manufacturers are fixing these flaws include a detachable battery pack, much easier to replace.

10 .- integrated accessories:

# Speakers, microphone and headphone jack: not all models carry them, but the trend is that they are incorporating. Some years ago the microphone used to record data that were later recovered thanks to the loudspeaker. With the advent of MP3, appeared the headphone jack.

# Base connection: most of the pocket computers are delivered with the so-called Cradle, a device attached to the PDA, so there is no need to plug every time they need to do a synchronization or data exchange.

# Biometric reader: this is a security system to prevent access to the data contained on the computer by "unauthorized". It is basically a small fingerprint reader serving in the same way as the traditional password protection.

The future of these devices is very interesting. The horizon in that pocket computers are merged with mobile phones to become a single unit is closer every day. In fact, there are already many prototypes and even a model incorporating telephony market GSM and GPRS technology packages. Thus, access to the Internet, corporate networks and own mobile telephony services from a PDA will, shortly, a feature most of all teams.

However, the prospect is more attractive, without a doubt, incorporating a few years of UMTS, with all the advantages that this implies: greater width banda, directly connecting computer to computer, etc..