Personal Digital Assistants (PDAs)

AvantGo BlackBerry Club i-mate

Dauphin Technology Handspring, Inc Netpliance, Inc.

PalmOne Paravant

Guide to PDA Software and Accessories

Organize the organizer for maximum utility
By Karen Kingsley

	Personal Digital Assistant (PDA) 101 Avoid 'feature-creep.' Decide on the PDA features you need ahead of time, and the ones you don't. Get your PDA accessories at the same time and avoid future compatibility issues. Consider your software. Not all PDAs sync with all PIM software.

You've chosen your BlackBerry or Treo or other PDA, deciding between a simple organizer and a more versatile PC companion. Now, it's a question of which accessories and software best enhance your experience. Virtually anything you need is available; it's a question of your budget and the device's memory. Some of the considerations when selecting add-ons are:

1. How much do you travel? Are you willing to sacrifice light weight for features?
2. Be honest. How likely are you to lose your PDA? What can you do to prevent loss and protect yourself if you do lose it?
3. Can you satisfactorily add on to your current PDA or is it time to buy a new one with more built-in features?

Action Steps for PDA Selection

The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Get mobile access Most hardware supports mobile access with peripherals such as modems, pagers or Bluetooth technology. Real keyboards make typing easier, and radio access is increasingly popular. Most hardware accessories can be purchased embedded in high-end PDAs; after-market solutions expand the capabilities of your existing PDA.

I recommend:  Mobile Tech Review is a good source for information on mobile technology add-ons and reviews.

Removable storage may be a lifesaver Removable storage cards can increase your data processing and the number of programs you use. More importantly, they offer backup to your PDA in case of loss or breakage. Keep a backup card stored in a secure location, or organize data by using different cards for different programs.

I recommend:  Mobile Office at About.com gives information on selecting removable storage. Pocket PC Central and Flash Memory Store are good sources for secure digital memory.

Software expands your capabilities From sophisticated business applications to convenient additions such as currency converters or mapping applications, there is little you can't find to make your PDA more productive and more fun.

I recommend:  Check out PDA Street for news and reviews on software. Download software at Handango.

Consider a warranty As careful as you may be about securing your PDA and backing up data, it still may be worth buying a warranty.

I recommend:  Obviously, manufacturer warranties are your first line of defense. You can find out more about your warranty at PDA Support or buy an additional after-market warranty at Pro Digital Gear.

Don't forget the little things A belt case can keep you from losing your PDA, cleaning kits keep it functioning and an extra stylus is critical for constant access. There are a variety of items to make your PDA more useful.

I recommend:  Mobile Office Technology at About.com lists some of the best accessories. Price Grabber, Extreme PDA and Amazon are all good places to buy the latest accessories.

Tips & Tactics for Selecting a PDA

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• New features are constantly added to PDAs. Keep an eye on what you're spending to update your PDA and consider upgrading if you're spending a lot to make it more powerful.