Handheld Technology Birmingham

PDAs, Pocket PCs & Smartphones - Page 2

Screens
Many colour screens are difficult to read in bright sunlight; if you'll be using your PDA outside a lot, look for a reflective colour display. And, not all colour screens are the same; for good-looking photos you want a 16-bit colour screen that shows 16 million colours rather than one that only displays 256 different colours. In addition a larger monochrome screen may be easier to read than a small colour screen; look for a screen at least 3 inches on each side. And check the resolution: some screens pack in more pixels and give you a much clearer picture. If you do want colour, you can get some very impressive screens, but be sure to see the PDA in action so you're not disappointed.

Battery
Some monochrome PDAs use standard AA batteries; easy to replace on the move but you have to keep buying batteries. However, anything towards the top of the range has a rechargeable battery. Battery life varies dramatically on models, from nearly 48 hours continuous use to about 8 hours on some models. As you're not likely to use your PDA non-stop for that amount of time, then a good battery life will therefore translate to about two to four weeks of regular use. However, be sure you know what it is before you buy.

Security
You should be aware that you may be storing a great deal of sensitive and personal information on this small device. Make sure you get a model that allows you to download your information on to a standing computer as if your PDA ever goes missing you could be in major trouble unless you have a backup. Some models come with a cable, others with a device called a cradle that you sit your PDA in while working. A new range of PDAs allow you to transmit your information across via an infa-red beam. Mostly these beams are for use between PDA users who want to share information. Some PDAs now come with a biometric fingerprint that must be inputted before they can be activated so that if they are stolen then the thieves should not be able to gain access to your confidential records.

Memory
Memory is measured in MegaBites or MB. The more the better just make sure you compare with other models available in other shops than the one you are in. Pocket PCs have a lot more memory than smaller PDAs as they run more programmes.

Smartphones.
PDAs and indeed standard mobile phones may one day be replaced with a hybrid invention known as the smartphone. On top of the standard functions of a phone smartphones contains the functions of a computer; email, internet access, information storage etc. Currently some smartphones are like PDAs with a phone component and some are more like phones with a PDA added on. In time the lines are likely to increasingly blur. Already camera phones are taking off at a rapid rate and may soon become standard on all phones in the not so far away future. How long before we have one device to handle all our digital needs?
Keeping up to date with what is hot out on to the market is harder...