There is a measure of peer pressure here at my work regarding Personal Data Assistants, or PDAs. The peer pressure is: everyone in administration but me has one. I poke fun at them for being so "high-tech" and they laugh -- just before asking me how to do something on their own PDA -- and then they ask, "You don't have one?" I invariably retort, "No. Why, do I need one?" This past week one of them decided that I do and asked me to pick one out.
So, here's the delimma: I have avoided PDAs for so long -- going all the way back to my Caterpillar days, when everyone had one too -- what on earth do I want or need from it? Obviously I understand the draw of having your calendar and addressbook handy, so those are needs. What else? I am fairly certain every PDA in existance has both of those covered. The only thing I can think of that I want out of a PDA is wireless capability -- I want to be able to email or instant message while at a meeting (access point permitting). :) That cuts the eligible contestants down quite a bit. (Note: I'm talking about integrated wireless, not expansion cards.)
Actually, in my book it cuts things down to two PDAs: The Palm Tungsten C and the HP iPAQ pocket PC h5455. Both have WiFi (802.11b, ala Airport) and the HP adds Bluetooth, a redundant extra for my needs based on its limited range. The Palm adds a keyboard, which I think might be the deciding factor for me -- I've never liked Graffiti writing. That and the price: about a $150 discount over the HP. They each offer different operating systems, and one (I feel) is more Mac-friendly. Nod to the Palm again. (The HP uses Microsoft Windows Pocket PC.)
With all that in mind, I think I'll go the route of the Palm. Do any of you have experiences either way? What do you use your PDA for, and what features are essential?
I don't know anything about them, Kev, but my opinion would be to get one that will allow you to message me during your boring meetings!!!!