 Dell Axim X30
Sleek, small, light, functional and durable 
O2 XDA Exec
For people who overuse their mobile phones
Palm TX Handheld
Extremely functional and well-equipped More product reviewsDigital video cameras
The coolest digital radio
Practical mobile phones
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PDAs – Pocket calculator or your office on the move?
Personal Digital Assistants, or PDAs, sit firmly within the realm of gadgetry. However the processing power crammed into these pocket-sized devices is on a par with both modern laptops and desktop computers, writes Ed Simmons
The intuitive touch-screen control of all your information on one small device is very easy to master. As usable as your PC, but only the size of your wallet, email, word processing, contacts lists, spreadsheets, music and loads more are all in the palm of your hand. Think Windows on your computer, but a lot tinier.
Imagine having something within arm's reach at all times which can give you access to all the information and planning power you could need. Is this what you have been waiting for?
For business users, Microsoft Outlook can live in your back pocket, giving you access to all your contacts, recent emails, notes and appointment scheduling. We know it sounds daft to be amazed about a calendar, but the ease with which you can organise your working time is fantastic, and with attention to detail such as the option to automatically email any attendees of a planned meeting, there is no limit to how smoothly your business can run.
With additional features such as Wireless LAN and Bluetooth, you can access the internet on the move, without the limitations of mobile phone browsers, either by using wireless access points or a connection through a mobile phone.
For personal use, there is a vast array of potential applications, too. With an additional Bluetooth GPS (Global Positioning System) receiver and software, the PDA transforms into a Satellite Navigation system. Watch digital videos on the train or bus, listen to music and battle with a puzzle. With AvantGo, the PDA becomes your personal newspaper, bringing your pick of news and a wide variety of general interest columns. The possibilities when coupled with a digital camera are at the very least entertaining, with many practical uses for keen photographers as well.
Having owned my PDA for some time, it still surprises me when I discover a new function, and these surprises appear with some regularity. The power to organise is amazing and could mean it’s the last time you miss a train or double book an appointment.
For some, it could all be too much, but for those whose life is busy already, a PDA is a perfect way to bring order to your days.
For me, running a company in the semi-nocturnal world of live music and the hiring of public address systems, my PDA has become indispensable. It keeps track of equipment, makes sure things run on time, chases me out of bed in the morning and entertains me on long journeys.
Top Three PDAsDell Axim X30
Sleek, small, light, functional and durable - although Dell probably wouldn't agree. Powered by Windows Mobile and expandable beyond belief.
O2 XDA Exec
For people who overuse their mobile phones. A phone and a PDA in one very smart, albeit expensive, package. Powered by Windows Mobile and already does more than you could ever need.
Palm TX Handheld
A different take on the PDA, Palm's own software powers the TX as with all other Palm handhelds. Extremely functional, as well equipped as Windows Mobile PDAs and at a much lower price. Smaller selections of software are available.
* Technology writer Ed Simmons is the proprietor of Eclipse Audio Services - www.eclipseaudioservices.co.uk
This article was created: 12 January 2007.
This article was last edited: 27 March 2007.
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