PDAs for Small Business

Put the power of your PC in your palm with a handheld PDA

If you've ever written a potential client's phone number or email on a scrap of paper or jotted down a sales appointment on a napkin, you're a prime candidate for a PDA (Personal Digital Assistant). These lightweight handheld computers allow you to view and update your calendar, read and send email, write memos and much, much more. Smart business owners are recognizing the value of a PDA for themselves and for key employees. A PDA can:

1. Keep you connected to employees and customers at all times.
2. Keep you more organized.
3. Enhance your professional image.

PDA basics

The days when a PDA was no more than a simple electronic organizer are long gone. Originally, a PDA had a black-and-white screen, and functionality limited to a calendar, a to-do list, a memo pad, an address book, and a calculator. Now they can do email, access the Web, recognize your handwriting, record voice memos, and may come equiped with expansion slots, Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity and software compatibility. Even the most affordable models have a color screen with backlighting, and the ability to add additional programs, many of which can be downloaded free from the Web.

Accessorize your PDA

Make the most of your PDA with accessories, such as extra memory cards, miniature keyboards, GPS receivers, travel kits, belt clips, screen protectors, sync cables, car mounts, protective cases and more.
PDA accessories providers.

Soup up with PDA software

If you need to access common software programs, such as Microsoft Power Point or Adobe Acrobat, you may be able to purchase or download these programs. Dozens of other software programs are available as freeware.
PDA software page.

Sync your PDA

The ability to synchronize your PDA calendar, address book and to-do lists with the contact manager on your desktop PC is one of the best benefits of a PDA. However, some PDAs don't come equipped with the ability to sync to certain popular contact managers, such as Lotus Notes, Act! or GoldMine.

Turn your PDA into a cell phone

Choosing a PDA that's also a cell phone — called a smart phone — means you only have one piece of equipment to tote around.

Train employees who will be using PDAs

There's nothing worse than buying an expensive piece of technology for an employee only to discover they never use it because they don't know how it works. Take time to train employees on how to get the most out of their PDA, and everyone will benefit.

• Don't buy a PDA that's loaded with features you don't need.
• Buy from a reputable dealer and make sure you can return your PDA if there's a problem.
• Get the most out of your PDA by taking the time to understand all of its features.

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