| Handheld computers or PDAs (Personal Digital Assistants) are computers
that are small enough to store in a pocket, and use in the palm
of your hand. They offer computing and information storage and are
often used for keeping schedule calendars and address book information
handy. New functions, such as internet access and handheld versions
of popular programs, are becoming increasingly common.
How do they work?
Because they perform like a mini PC, most people find their handhelds
most useful for storing information, managing finances, for business
and for downloading pages from the web. Handhelds work best alongside
your desktop or laptop computer and are not intended to replace
them. They can update each other automatically in a process called
synchronising or 'synching'. This is a simple process that usually
involves no more than turning the PC on and either plugging the
handheld in, or dropping it into a cradle that stays connected
to your PC.
What to look for
Operating system
The two most popular choices are the Palm OS, used on Palm models
and Microsoft's Windows Mobile. Both systems offer good compatibility
with major programs and both Mac and Windows operating systems,
using synchronising software which is usually supplied with the
equipment.
Memory
Unlike desktop computers, memory on handhelds is used for both
storing information and operating the machine. Cheaper handhelds
are generally fitted with between 32MB and 64MB of internal memory,
which is sufficient to cope with most office applications. Higher-specification
machines are now fitted with between 128MB and 256MB to store
more of your applications, photos and MP3 files. Many models also
feature memory card slots to further increase the amount of memory
for storage.
Software
Make sure that the software included suits your needs and can
synchronise with the applications on your desktop, eg. Microsoft
Outlook, Excel and Word or Notepad. To synchronise you will need
to use the synchronisation software that will be supplied with
the handheld; check that this is compatible with the version of
Windows on your PC.
Expansion slots
You may wish to plug other digital equipment such as a camera,
or accessories, or extra memory into your handheld. If so, you
will need an expansion slot; check your handheld has sufficient
of these for your purposes.
Other points to consider
Input device
Handhelds offer two different ways for you to enter or 'input'
information. Most popular is a combination of a pen-like stylus
and a touch screen, with software to recognise handwritten characters.
This approach is normally combined with buttons for key commands
and you can sometimes buy a plug-in keyboard. The other approach
is to build in a scaled-down keyboard, but this does result in
a larger machine.
Internet access
Some handhelds can be used to read web pages; in one of two different
ways. Some are not able to access the internet directly, but can
display web pages that you have downloaded on your PC. To do this
you will need to buy software for the PC, which converts web pages
so that they can be viewed on a handheld. This software also lets
you set certain pages as favourites, updated each time you synchronise
with the handheld. Other handhelds connect to the 'net itself,
through a variety of means. Some have an internal modem which
can be plugged into a landline or a mobile using an adaptor, others
use a plug-in modem bought as an accessory, and others can access
the net via a mobile phone using software.
LCD screen
Lower-priced handhelds are supplied with black and white LCD displays,
some with an 'invert' function so that the lettering can glow
against a dark background. More expensive machines are supplied
with colour screens; the resolution and image quality will generally
increase with the price. The majority of handheld screens are
backlit, so that they are clearly visible in daylight.
Hot-synch cradle
Your handheld will either be supplied with cables or a desktop
'cradle' for recharging your handheld and synchronising it with
your computer. Check that your PC has the same type of port (USB
or Serial) as your cradle.
Accessories
Examples include plug-in portable keyboards that fold down to
the size of a calculator. There are many extra applications, such
as video-playing programs and other software that can turn your
PDA into much more than an organiser.
Bluetooth
A bluetooth enabled handheld computer will allow you to wirelessly
transfer files from compatible digital devices such as laptops
and mobile phones.
Batteries
Handhelds are supplied with rechargeable lithium or standard batteries.
Types and range
Handhelds
Although most handhelds look very similar, they differ widely,
both in price - from £79 to £449 - and memory size - from 32Mb
to 256Mb. Be clear about what you want to use your handheld for
so that you can choose the model that will best suit your needs
and that will work in close conjunction with your PC so that both
can remain fully up to date.
Higher priced handhelds - are now as powerful as the mid range
PCs of five years ago. However these handhelds are not designed
to be easy to upgrade. Therefore, it might be a good idea to buy
one with a higher specification than you think you need at the
time.
GPS navigation systems
Satellite navigation systems (Satnav) or Global positioning systems
(GPS) guide you to your destination as you drive. Enter your destination
and it will plan your route and show you the way with clear voice
instructions. Some models will even specify points of interest
on route and advise you on avoiding traffic.
Glossary
Bluetooth: Wireless transfer of files between compatible digital
devices.
Expansion slots: Slots in handheld computers used for plugging
in digital equipment or additional memory.
Handheld computer: Computer that is small enough to store in a
pocket, and use in the palm of your hand.
Hot-synch cradle: Desktop 'cradle' used for recharging handhelds
and for synchronising it with your computer
Palm OS: Operating system supplied with Palm and some other handhelds.
Palm: Brand of handheld computer.
PDA: (Personal Digital Assistant) Synonym of handheld computer.
Synchronising: The process where the handheld and PC update each
other to recent changes, such as new appointments.
Windows Mobile: Operating system supplied by Microsoft.
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