PDAs: Making the right choice,

Part 2: So, what does your PDA need to do?

Writing memos.
Almost all PDAs come with the ability to write memos and notes to remember things, several also come with 'to do' lists which you check off when you complete. This is an almost essential option, do not select a PDA without it. Also if you can get the salesperson to demonstrate it in store so that you can understand how to best use it. If you decide to buy online (which can typically save some money, and guarantee an up-to-date model) check for a 'notepad' (for typing, or 'grafting' in messages which are converted to text) , 'memopad' (for scribbling messages on the screen and saving them as is) or 'to do' feature (for checking off items and events as you complete them). Some units also come with all three.

Schedules.
One of the main reasons PDAs have become so popular with business people is their ability to keep track of what you're doing, when you need to be there, and what you need to remember. Majority of these PDAs also come with desktop software for your PC to integrate with schedule programs like Microsoft Outlook. So you can keep a current version of your schedule on both devices through PC Synchronisation (aka HotSync). This feature is also very important and is highly recommended when you make your decision on which PDA you'd like to purchase.

Address Book.
Address lists, contact lists and telephone lists were the original features of the primitive PDA over six years ago, every new PDA should come with this as standard. If not leave the store immediately, as that PDA will just waste your time and money.

E-mail connectivity.
A newer feature of PDAs is the ability to connect to a mobile phone and/or PC to get your latest e-mail. This feature for most of us will be rather gimmicky, as reading and replying to e-mails on a small palmtop PDA is rather annoying and becomes irritating quickly. My own experiences of writing an in-depth response to a client on a small pad is best left until you have a laptop computer near you or to wait until you return to your desk. Companies are beginning to understand this and many offer specialised PDA email programs where you can simply read your email, organise it and delete any un necessary email. Then when you return to the PC you know which ones to reply to, and effectively have saved yourself some important time. Make sure that your PDA's email program can do this or I recommend you go without.

Part 3: Will my handheld keep me up to date, will it keep itself up to date?