Recommend a PDA

[Courtesy Flush]

I'm shopping for my first PDA, and my requirements are basic. I don't need wireless stuff, for the most part. I need to create and edit MS Word documents, and I need one that can use an add-on keyboard (the keyboard is a must. I need to type complete documents). I've read that some have non-replaceable batteries. I don't want that. I also want expandable memory.

This will allow me to get away from the craziness of the office, and get some work done wherever I can find a quiet place, like the park.

What should I be looking for? What should I avoid?

[indie]

1. A cheap Laptop?

Complete doc's on a pda... not much fun.

[Courtesy Flush]

2. Even with the add-on keyboard? EOM

[indie]

5. the kb's are nice

but lots of document work... i don't know, a 3" screen could get old real quick, especially if you're gong to do a lot of editing.

[WannaJumpMyScooter]

6. They are okay, if you are able to

set everything just right... ifyou have to balance one on a rock, and hold the thing with one hand....

you get the picture.


I am on my 5th PDA, post the Palm Pilot revolution... I don't count the crap before...

I like it a lot, it is a Palm Platinum Series E.
64meg of memory, comes with an additional 64meg SD card, you can edit M$ documents on it, and whatever else you want to spend on it.

I have a keyboard, but have not used it with this one... I am pretty good at the stylus after all those Palm Pilots... and most of what I do, I do at the computer, and just do minor changes on the Pilot

My favorite thing about it, is it has cut down on the junk I carry. It is an MP3 player, calculator, photo display device, I have a number of books on it, et cetera

I am never short of things to read or listen to.

[T Roosevelt]

3. Wouldn't discount wireless capability

especially since more and more shops, hotels and such are going wireless. Nice to have the access, and the difference in cost isn't too bad. I've got a Toshiba e740 (color, wireless), which is probably 2-3 versions old by now, and I'm happy with it.

[Courtesy Flush]

4. Wireless is great, but

I live in a small town. I'm guessing there isn't a single hotspot for 20 miles.

[tuvor]

7. Check this website

www.writingonyourpalm.net . The main guy has extensive experience with Palms and Pocket PCs.

I'm personally pleased with my Palm Zire 72. Since I quit smoking a couple of years ago I seem to be upgrading every year. (Much cheaper!)

ON EDIT: THIS MODEL COMES ENCASED IN A BLUE, RUBBERY KIND OF EXTERIOR. NOTE THAT IT *WILL* RUB OFF IN BITS OVER TIME. LUCKY FOR PALM I PREFER THE WAY IT LOOKS--ALL METALLIC--WITH ALL THE BLUE RUBBER PICKED OFF.

The Zire 72 may be too much for your needs, though. 1 megapixel camera, videocamera, mp3 player, etc., check palm.com if you want more information, but I think the Tungsten E might be right up your alley: http://www.palmone.com/us/products/handhelds/tungsten-e /. There are universal keyboards out there; make sure to get one of those, and not a proprietary one. Also, I don't think there have been any PDAs that will take AAA batteries since Handspring's Visor line folded about three years ago.

Just a note that I have some experience with Pocket PCs. My company (sales-oriented) recently switched focus from laptops to Pocket PCs (although laptops are still necessary, we don't need to take them on the road any longer). The machines are all right, and for our hardware purposes (i.e. connected scanners), a Palm just wouldn't fit the bill. Having said that, I much prefer the interface of Palm applications, and therefore will be taking my Palm as well as the company's PPC along with me.

[politicat]

8. I like Palm OS PDAs and recommend Sony Clies, Handsprings and Zaurus...

But Sony is pulling out of the US market and Palm bought Handspring. Zaurus is not palm OS, it's a Linux computer on a handheld.

However, older Clies are now pretty cheap. I'm using a TJ-35 that I got for $130 or so with a PEG-100 Keyboard. The baby keyboards (thumbboards) suck badly. The nearly laptop sized ones are pretty okay. (I've written about 30,000 words of a novel on one... if that gives you any indication.) Palm OS supports full scale documents via a couple of pretty solid software suites.

I started out on a Handspring Visor, upgraded to a Clie 25, and then to a Clie 35. My partner has the Zaurus by Sharp. That thing can do anything a computer can do pretty much. It has an integrated thumb board and can use a wireless keyboard available at CompUseless. But, it's Linux, so if you're not comfortable with Linux, you may not be looking at a Zaurus.

On a final note, my acquaintance who have had WinCE PDAs have had endless trouble with them with both hardware and software. I know that can't be a universal case, but that's what I've seen.

Though... you might be looking for a small laptop, not a PDA. Perhaps a 500 MHz Apple iBook or a similar Sony Vaio?

Pcat