Whether you’re buying a smart phone or wireless modem for PDA (mobile PDA modems) handhelds, you’ll find that Palm is your friendliest choice, considering its functionality focus of design and myriad shareware.

When Palm declares their new prodigy a “Smart Phone,” you don’t have to check variables for its functionality. Palm’s GUI is virtually intuitive to navigate, so a smart phone from Palm is not a bad choice for a PDA wireless modem.

Keep the following information in mind when looking to buy wireless PDA modems:

1. Wireless modems for PDA vary in function and design. How much wireless freedom do you really need? Do you hang around an analogue phone line when you use your device? Or do you work while you travel?
2. Are you a tanked road warrior, armed to the teeth with gadgets? Do you pack a PDA, mobile phone, laptop, and GIS along with your other office arsenal in your car? You might consider lessening the load by purchasing a smart phone or PDAs with mobile PDA modems, and leave the heap at home.
3. Do you consider your PDA’s connectivity an asset or a liability?

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Consider cordless PDA modems with features

If you're looking for instant messaging (IM), wireless email and high speed web, then you might try either a Palm Centro or a Treo 755p. The Palm Centro will cost you $99 after rebate, while the Treo 755p runs about $250. These phones are great if you don't want to purchase an external wireless modem for your PDA. Palm has 128-bit SSL encryption with their service Blazer web browser 4.0, for as little as $199.

I recommend: Compare smart phones and Palm mobile PDA modems from Sprint's website, looking at the their special features.

Look at external PDA modems that require an analogue connection

If you want to buy wireless PDA modems for your Palm or any device supporting a dial up connection, check out Palm's 'Socket Bluetooth Modem'. The only catch is that you still need a connection from the phone line to the modem, and it will cost you $140 for the modem. The wireless range is 330 ft.

I recommend: Compare wireless modems at Calibex.com and cordless PDA modems offered by Verizon. Look for models that are compatible with your PDA device.

Look for compact wireless modems for PDA

Analyze the Pretec 56k Compact Flash Modem for PDA/Pocket PC and portable devices with CF slot. This is a small compact PDA modem. You will need an analogue phone line to connect the modem. After you set up the modem, it will send data wirelessly to your PDA.

I recommend: Buy compact PDA wireless modems with a CF slot from Audiovox or GlobalSpec.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Link your mobile phone to your PDA to reap the data from your Bluetooth devices. Your PDA wireless modem will have a range of about 33 feet. This is the range you will need to be within in to access your other Bluetooth devices. Bluetooth might be slower than WiFi, but it is the best way to be truly mobile if you don't want to purchase a Smartphone.