PDA & Handheld Computers buying guide
The Personal Data Assistant (PDA) has won rapid acceptance among university students and executives who are constantly on the move because of its ability to package a lot of different data requirements into a palm sized device. The PDA is designed to make a busy life easier by providing sensible connections to all the information you need, have it at your fingertips when you need it, and transport it to other systems. Once 'organised' with your PDA, you will have all of your contact phone numbers, be collecting your emails, process your business orders, display your photographs and relax to your mp3 library. Many PDAs also act as a digital recorder and have windows based compatibility for word processing and spreadsheet financial calculations.
PDAs At the simplest end of the market, a PDA can help you manage your daily to-do lists, keep track of your diary and record your memos. But it's important for people moving into using a PDA to understand that it is a tool that is most beneficial to an already organised mind: it won't actually do the organising for you.
But if you find you need to view and manage documents on the go, keep track of your appointments and have instant access to your name and address book, then the basic functions of a PDA will probably enhance your productivity. And of course the added bonuses of listening to your mp3s, watching short video clips, reading ebooks and being able to rehearse and review your presentations can only help.
PDAs with the Windows Pocket PC operating system and gutsy memory are compatible with your normal windows and office environments. Screen size and image resolution can be critical if you intend to use the device for reading books and managing text-heavy documents. While sales of PDAs have steadily declined over the past two years, losing to smartphone technology, the main manufacturers have advanced the usability of PDA devices with faster processors, increases in memory and multimedia capability. In many situations, smartphones have been able to replace many functions of the PDA, combining data management with mobile phone technology.
But if you want to work with spreadsheets and web pages on your PDA, smartphones are at a disadvantage from smaller screen sizes and data storage capability and sometimes cost, but they obviate the need to carry two devices.
What to look for
There's a hand-held PDA device to suit practically every budget and need. You need to consider just how much data you want to carry with you and how connected you want to be. Obviously more memory, faster processor and bigger screen attract higher price tags. You can compare brands, models and prices by searching Myshopping.com.au using the following specifications to guide you.
A budget basic unit might offer a processor speed of 16 MHz, 8MB of memory and at 2.5 inch (diagonal) screen. At the high end, you can get a 4GB micro hard drive, WiFi and Bluetooth connectivity, 400 MHz processor, 256MB memory, with expansion slots, 4 inch (diagonal) LCD screen with 65,000 colours and 640 x 480 display resolution, GPS functionality, MP3 player, digital camera and instant messaging.
In the middle of the range you will find devices with 64MB of memory, a 200 MHz processor, 3 inch screen and built-in microphone or audio input jack. Bear in mind that all of these specifications and functionalities change continuously, and devices are upgraded with new features over very short spaces of time.
Apart from processor speed, memory and screen size, some of the critical specifications that you can use for cost and brand comparisons include:
Data input - While some models have a full QWERTY keyboard built-in, you may want to consider adding a fold-up full-size external keyboard. Entering lots of text with the small built-in keypads or using the handwriting software can be frustrating.
Audio input - A built-in microphone or microphone jack is needed for recording voice memos and meeting notes and store audio files.
Music playback - MP3 audio file playback can sometimes need additional software.
GPS - While there are a number of purpose-built hand-held devices for industrial applications, your PDA's GPS capability may not be suitable for rugged outdoor activities.
Communication - Look for integrated Bluetooth 1.1 and a built-in 802.11b Wi-Fi adapter
Smartphone - Combines the functions of a mobile phone with a data management device in a single unit. Phone capability requires a separately purchased service contract
Audio Output - A headphone jack is essential for listening to your audio files
Cradle/Charger - This device allows for easy connection and synchronization with your PC while simultaneously recharging your battery. Consider buying an additional cradle for the office for maximum convenience.
Some PDAs include a cable or a special cradle that provides an interface with your desktop computer to synchronize data.
Battery life - Each device will have its own battery-life characteristics. Battery recharge life is also dependant upon the data you are processing. You can use manufacturer's specifications as a guide to compare between brands and models, but these specifications are laboratory measurements and may not reflect your actual use.
Bluetooth - This wireless technology lets you to exchange data with other handheld devices or any other Bluetooth enabled device such as a cell phone, fax machine, personal computer, laptop computer, headset or printer. The Bluetooth feature will allow you to add an external keyboard.
Digital camera - PDA cameras usually capture low resolution images (around 1.2 megapixels), which are perfect for emailing but not ideal for printing.
GPS - Global positioning system allows you to navigate from any point on or near the surface of the earth.
Music/Audio - The MP3 playback quality will depend on the bit rate of the audio file and the quality of the built-in speaker. The audio quality is often better when played back through a quality headset.
PDA Screen - PDA screen sizes are measured in inches diagonally and are available from 2.6 inches up to 5 inches on the very high-end.
Larger, brighter screens require more power to operate therefore increase battery consumption.
Processor speed - refers to the speed in which a PDA coordinates its internal functions. Processor speeds are measured in MHz (megahertz) and range between 4 MHz and 624 MHz. Although these specifications can change rapidly as technology develops, it is recommended to have a processor speed of at least 16 MHz for general day-to-day functions.
Video capture - Video playback often requires an additional expansion card and a third-party software download, and higher memory capability.
Web Browser - Used with a Wi-Fi connection, lets you browse the internet as you would from a desktop computer.
Wi-Fi - Integrated 802.11b WLAN (wireless local area network), enables you to connect to the internet in any hot spot. Enabling the Wi-Fi features tends to consume battery life quickly.
In summary
You may like to consider whether you are a novice (that is, new to PDA technology), an entrepreneur or a technophile, and make your search based on your level of understanding of the technology involved. As a novice, you will be searching for a basic unit, as a technophile you will be looking for all the bells and whistles.
An entrepreneur will be searching for the most adaptable capabilities. The following might assist.
Choose amongst functionalities. Consider you need for mp3 players, or video players, or web browsing. Doubling the functionality of your PDA may reduce the need to have to carry another device around in order to enjoy the benefits offered.
How much internet access do you need? Bluetooth connectivity can give you mobile phone enabled internet access, Wife can give you access from hot spots, and simple cable connection to your desktop computer can let you read your emails on the road.
Go for maximum memory for money. Memory determines how much data your PDA can process and store, and its ability to handle applications.
Memory can be boosted in many devices using expansion slots and flash memory cards.
Search Myshopping.com.au to compare models and brands, and vendors and prices..
Ford Escape Hybrid: First Gas-Electric-Powered SUV and Ford Replacement Parts for Its Exceptional Performance
The Ford Escape Hybrid is a fuel-saving, gas-electric hybrid-power version of small, four-door sport-utility vehicle, available with front-wheel drive (FWD) or four-wheel drive (4x4). Its power train has 2.3-liter, four-cylinder gas engine rated 133 horsepower at 6,000 rpm, 129 pounds-feet of torque at 4,500 rpm; synchronous AC electric motor rated 94 hp from 3,000 to 5,000 rpm; 330-volt battery pack under rear cargo floor; electronically controlled, continuously variable transmission. Maximum power output is 155 hp because gas and electric do not make their maximum power simultaneously. It has a 2.3-liter, Atkinson-cycle four-cylinder gasoline engine with a 70-kilowatt permanent-magnet traction electric motor, regenerative braking and a 330-volt battery pack. The combination provides performance on par with a V-6.
The hybrid never has to be plugged in because the engine recharges the batteries, by the electric motor and by heat recovered as energy during braking."The Escape hybrid...
Ford Escape Hybrid: First Gas-Electric-Powered SUV and Ford Replacement Parts for Its Exceptional Performance
Battery > Ford Escape Hybrid: First Gas-Electric-Powered SUV and Ford Replacement Parts for Its Exceptional Performance
Talking Rugged Notebook
Copyright 2005 Richard Keir
A rugged notebook offers mobile professionals the ability to work in any environment and in any location. Versatile and powerful, rugged notebook computers are designed specifically for both in-plant and outdoor industrial (and military) applications. Built to handle the toughest environments, fully ruggedized notebooks should have IP54 environmental protection, meet MIL-STD 810F and have heavy duty - generally magnesium alloy - cases. Rugged notebook computers enable professionals to work smoothly in adverse environments and are adequately equipped to face almost any tough situation with ease. Naturally, these rugged notebook computers are heavier than non-rugged models but offer substantially more protection than standard laptops.
RuggedNotebooks.com offer a variety of semi-rugged and rugged notebooks, wireless tablets and even rugged PDAs in their Recon series. They also offer custom solutions.
Arguably the most rugged and...
Battery > Talking Rugged Notebook
Happy Camper RV Club Doubles Membership, Surprises Customers with Freebies, Creates a Unique Environment Online for RV Travelers
Monroe, LA (ContentDesk) May 5, 2006 -- Happy Camper RV Club is well-known throughout the camping industry as a half-price discount rv club.
With over 1,000 campground and RV park locations in the US and Canada, the club has doubled membership in the last two years by giving "more than what is promised" to its members, and creating a web site that gives RVers a fun environment online for trip planning and learning.Club president, Anne Pierson, describes the secret to the club's success by stating, "We always give more than we promise, and our members love the extra bonuses we create to serve them - above and beyond our promise of saving 50% on camping.
Members never know when they will get an email from us with a fun "freebie" they can request by mail, or an interesting addition to our web site."Our goal is to surprise and delight our visitors and members with added value wherever we find it.
As an example, our friends at RV Education 101 gave us a generous...
Battery > Happy Camper RV Club Doubles Membership, Surprises Customers with Freebies, Creates a Unique Environment Online for RV Travelers
CY Digital Announces Auction of First Swarovski Crystal Framed Plasma TV
Boston, MA (ContentDesk) January 11, 2006 -- First introduced for the 2005 Emmys Ultimate Nominee TV Gift Bag, this featured frame was covered in Swarovski crystals and set at a price of over $25,000.
Among the nominees who received gift certificates toward the frame were Eva Longoria, Teri Hatcher, Paris Hilton, and Ashton Kutcher.
The Swarovski frame and the home theater package then showcased on the second season of the Gastineau Girls featuring Lisa and Brittny Gastineau.
During the show, the Swarovski-framed TV was placed in Brittny Gastineaus bedroom in her Battery Park, New York.
With over 3,000 Swarovski crystals the TV frame represents a true combination of luxury and technology.
Custom designed and hand-crafted, it took over 100 hours to design, build, and affix each individual crystal.
It was specifically made to fit the Panasonic professional line 42 inch plasma TV, setting the TV apart from ordinary technology as a work...
Battery > CY Digital Announces Auction of First Swarovski Crystal Framed Plasma TV
CY Digital Announces Auction of First Swarovski Crystal Framed Plasma TV
Boston, MA (ContentDesk) January 11, 2006 -- First introduced for the 2005 Emmys Ultimate Nominee TV Gift Bag, this featured frame was covered in Swarovski crystals and set at a price of over $25,000.
Among the nominees who received gift certificates toward the frame were Eva Longoria, Teri Hatcher, Paris Hilton, and Ashton Kutcher.
The Swarovski frame and the home theater package then showcased on the second season of the Gastineau Girls featuring Lisa and Brittny Gastineau.
During the show, the Swarovski-framed TV was placed in Brittny Gastineaus bedroom in her Battery Park, New York.
With over 3,000 Swarovski crystals the TV frame represents a true combination of luxury and technology.
Custom designed and hand-crafted, it took over 100 hours to design, build, and affix each individual crystal.
It was specifically made to fit the Panasonic professional line 42 inch plasma TV, setting the TV apart from ordinary technology as a work...
Battery > CY Digital Announces Auction of First Swarovski Crystal Framed Plasma TV
Photogifts from the GM Photostore Offer Unique Holiday Presents for Collectors and Enthusiasts
Petaluma, CA (ContentDesk via ContentDesk Direct) December 9, 2005 -- GM PhotoStore welcomes the holiday season with customized GM PhotoGifts.
All of the images on the GM PhotoStore web site can now be printed on seven great gift and novelty items.
From coffee cups to a wall clock, each one is custom printed with the auto enthusiasts favorite car.Customers can choose from practical and fun gift ideas, then customize them by selecting their favorite GM photo from over thousands of high-quality digitally printed images available at the GM PhotoStore website, www.gmphotostore.com. The image will then be custom printed on the item and shipped directly to the customer.
These unique and personalized gifts allow car collectors and enthusiasts to show off their favorite automobiles around their home, office or while traveling.
These are truly one-of-a...
Photogifts from the GM Photostore Offer Unique Holiday Presents for Collectors and Enthusiasts
Battery > Photogifts from the GM Photostore Offer Unique Holiday Presents for Collectors and Enthusiasts
Major Hybrid Automobile Manufacturer to Test Power Technology Prototype Advanced Glass Matt Battery
Houston, Texas (ContentDesk) October 3, 2005 -- Power Technology Inc. (OTCBB: PWTC) announced today it has manufactured an Advanced Glass Matt prototype battery containing its patent pending reticulated vitreous carbon current collectors and the prototype will be delivered to a major hybrid automobile manufacturer for comprehensive testing.
After Power Technology performs initial tests of the prototype, it intends to deliver the prototype battery to the manufacturer by November 1, 2005 for the manufacturer's complete evaluation and testing. Bernard J. Walter, President of Power Technology said: "Hybrid vehicles utilizing the Power Technology higher energy capacity, lighter weight, lower lead content batteries are the perfect application of our patent pending technology.
In the current high energy cost environment, we believe our batteries can make a significant difference in hybrid operating cost and efficiency." About Power Technology: Power Technology, Inc. is a Research...
Major Hybrid Automobile Manufacturer to Test Power Technology Prototype Advanced Glass Matt Battery
Battery > Major Hybrid Automobile Manufacturer to Test Power Technology Prototype Advanced Glass Matt Battery
Tax Strategy - Let Washington Pay for Your Corvette, Porsche, or Air Plane
Deducting Your Auto Expenses In this lesson we will cover another popular subject, automobile deductions. There is so much information to cover; we'll break auto deductions down into two separate newsletters. As you read on, keep in mind that these newsletters are not written as a technical treatise. They are designed as an educational reference, to give readers a "nuts and bots" understanding of some of the significant issues surrounding the topic and to encourage them to consult with their legal and tax professionals for advise concerning their own situation. Overview: Auto deductions are a very complex topic.
So, to clarify, we are not going to attempt to cover all of the intricacies of the subject. Instead, we will cover some of the most-used provisions and provide you with a better understanding of some of the associated issues. In keeping with one of our primary strategies, what we are interested in doing with our automobiles is to convert as much of their use as possible...
Tax Strategy - Let Washington Pay for Your Corvette, Porsche, or Air Plane
Battery > Tax Strategy - Let Washington Pay for Your Corvette, Porsche, or Air Plane
AARP Medicare Report Overlooks Reality, says MedCenter Canada Inc.
Vancouver, Canada, Jan. 16th, 2006 The January AARP Bulletin featured a report titled The New Medicare Math which erroneously suggested that Medicare Part D plans offer superior savings on prescription drugs vs. online Canadian pharmacies. The report was widely criticized as unrealistic because it involved an extremely small sample size with selectively biased examples. 
In a recently...
Battery > AARP Medicare Report Overlooks Reality, says MedCenter Canada Inc.
Investment Property or Income Property?
If you are a young professional aspiring to be wealthy and looking for extra income opportunities, then you have probably checked out the real estate market. Many are making a fortune through real estate by cashing in on their investment property. At this point in your career, you have two real options you should consider. You could buy an investment property and hope to cash in on the property in the future, or you could look for an income property that will offer profitable cash flow from...
suits PDA & Handheld Computers buying guide Battery Investment Property or Income Property?
Battery > Investment Property or Income Property?
payroll PDA & Handheld Computers buying guide
payroll PDA & Handheld Computers buying guide