Print
Discuss
Send to friend
RSS feedsFor executives not wanting to lug around a laptop, the PDA or handheld computer remains the primary alternative. The field has expanded rapidly, with numerous mobility features being introduced that allow users to go online from wherever they are.
There's no doubting the productivity value for a wide range of users in being able to get email on the move, or even access some corporate applications.
But with devices becoming ever more advanced, it's difficult to know which features are useful and what's just going to weigh you down.
And unlike most retail desktop systems, there's also a serious choice about what operating system to use. Palm and Microsoft have been slugging it out for a while, and in recent times Palm has come up with a system that matches, if not surpasses, Microsoft's offering.
In fact, thanks to these advanced operating systems and faster processors, the latest devices are equally at home playing video clips as they are managing appointments or spreadsheets.
Computing, in conjunction with sister title Personal Computer World, takes a look at six options currently on the market.
PALMONE TUNGSTEN T3
PalmOne certainly seems to be on a roll. Its T2 was a fine product when it appeared, but only a matter of months later the T3 is a very much improved follow-up.
Problems
The new model is taller and thinner than the T2, with a powerful 400MHz processor, matched by 128MB of Ram, which can be boosted using SD cards. The result of this extra power is that video is now very smooth, but unfortunately most other existing Palm applications can't yet take advantage of this. Battery life is somewhat reduced, although it's still comparable with a Pocket PC. Bluetooth is available, but Wi-Fi is missing.
Prospects
The T3's biggest advance is in the screen: it has a great viewing angle, is extremely bright and can be easily read under most light. The 320 x 480 display can be rotated from portrait to landscape view at the touch of a button, which is great for editing documents or working with spreadsheets. Its Graffiti 2 handwriting recognition system means experienced users will have to relearn the way they write certain letters, but it's more intuitive for new users.
HP IPAQ H5550
When it comes to features for business users, the H5550 is at the pinnacle of the PDA market. There's no doubting that its advanced features will appeal to those who want a PDA for business use, as this really is a very powerful device. Everyday users, however, will be put off by its bulk and high price.
Problems
HP obviously thinks the original iPaq was something of a design classic, with the new model closely following its design cues. But, while it worked effectively to trick the eye into believing the first Ipaq was smaller than it was, the designers haven't managed to pull off the same trick with the H5550. In fact, one of this PDA's major weaknesses is its sheer bulk.
Prospects
However, when you scan the feature list you can forgive its size. There's a built-in fingerprint reader to secure sensitive data, both Bluetooth and Wi-Fi are supported, and there's plenty of memory for large documents or video clips. In keeping with tradition, the H5550 boasts one of the best displays on the market. Pictures and movie clips look great, and its advanced display allows easy reading no matter whether you're indoors or out.
SONY CLIE PEG-UX50
In a world where one PDA is very rapidly starting to look like another, it's good to see that Sony has the confidence to try something different. However, the overall impression is that it's not quite as good as it ought to be, especially given its high asking price.
Problems
The UX50 is certainly a departure from the norm thanks to its clamshell design but, while the unit looks good in photos, it's a little disappointing up close. The keyboard is tiny, which wouldn't matter so much if Sony had included predictive text so you didn't have to fully type each word, but as it hasn't, so entering text can be tiring. The screen is also surprisingly small given the overall size of the PDA.
Prospects
Despite these issues, the UX-50 still manages to impress. There's a built-in Memory Stick slot, the camera can take VGA-quality video and snaps, and there's support for both Wi-Fi and Bluetooth. Sony has also added a barrel roller on the front edge of the device for navigating menus. This is much better than the jog wheel it insists on adding to all its other Palm-based devices.
BLACKBERRY 7230
Research In Motion is still making the running with its BlackBerry 7230.
Problems
A big disappointment is the paltry 16MB of Ram. This isn't a lot by today's standards, especially as the BlackBerry is being pushed as a device to manage your entire life. The lack of memory card slot expands the problem and offers less flexibility than other devices. It's still a good device for receiving email and making the occasional call, but it's looking a little dated compared with other smartphones. Supporting phone networks don't offer a lot extra other than the basic service.
Prospects
Using the BlackBerry offering, up to 10 personal and business accounts can be used. New email is then automatically pushed to the device in a similar manner to receiving a text message. Using a combination of the scroll wheel and keyboard it's easy to view new mails and post a reply. One of the networks, Vodafone, is trying to tempt customers with access to Vodafone Live, but this is currently a little light for business users.
DELL AXIM X3
This is a second-generation PDA, this time from direct PC retailer Dell. The original Axim X5 launched just over a year ago to much critical acclaim, delivering equal specs to a mid-range iPaq, but at a much lower price. But while the original model was a little big and heavy, this has been adequately addressed in the X3.
Problems
The device is pretty hard to fault, other than the loss of the CompactFlash slot which severely limits expansion capability, although with options such as onboard Bluetooth and Wireless Lan the impact might not be too bad. Dell only offers a small range of add-ons and accessories, and getting spare parts is extremely difficult. There are some third-party add-ons on the market, but the range is tiny compared to what's on offer for other Pocket PC and Palm devices.
Prospects
The Axim has a good chance of competing against HP and the iPaq line. The cost makes it a good choice for smaller businesses, but there's no compromise in terms of functionality because it conforms to the common Pocket PC hardware and software specification.
O2 XDA 2
O2 entered the market just over two years ago with the original XDA, a Microsoft Pocket PC-based PDA with integrated mobile phone and GPRS support. The original suffered from having little onboard memory, few expansion options and relying on expensive early GPRS price plans. Its replacement is much improved, with a better screen, more memory, a faster processor, and an integrated high-resolution digital camera.
Problems
Unlike a conventional smartphone, this is first and foremost a PDA. It has no proper keypad, using a software keypad on the touch-sensitive screen to dial phone numbers. While it excels as a handheld computer, it is uncomfortable and cumbersome as a mobile phone, overly big and heavy, with only a moderate battery life.
Prospects
Even though it was designed by HTC, the same company that created the iPaq for Compaq, the XDA is unlikely to dethrone the market leader. But it does offer a very sleek solution, with a full spread of PDA applications and good integration with O2's GPRS mobile data services. The built-in camera also has serious applications above multimedia messaging, especially for niche users such as estate agents and accident investigators.
See also:
Converged device with Wi-Fi and Bluetooth among vendor's latest line-up 27 Jul 2004
Mobile working has become a fact of life. In this Computing Special Report we look at the relevant technology, and the effects it will have on your business. 19 Mar 2004
All Mobile Communications
del.icio.us
Digg this
reddit!
