[GeoStL] Handhelds
- From: Bernie <happykraut@xxxxxxxxxxx>
- To: Geo <geocaching@xxxxxxxxxxxxx>
- Date: Mon, 14 Aug 2006 05:54:34 -0500
-
Choosing the right handheld
I need help managing my contacts and schedule. I would also like to
access e-mail on the go. So I've decided to buy a handheld. What is the
difference between a Palm and an iPAQ? I've seen so many different models
online. The differences have me scratching my head. Can you help?
This is a tricky question. There have been big changes in the world of
handhelds. For people buying their first handhelds, things can be confusing.
Let's start with the iPAQ. These are made by Hewlett-Packard. They're Pocket
PCs, so they run Windows Mobile software. HP offers several models at
variousprices.
There are other manufacturers who use Microsoft's Windows Mobile software.
Infact, most handhelds you see will be Pocket PCs.
Palm handhelds have traditionally run the Palm OS exclusively. Palm OS is a
completely different type of operating system. In the past, other companies
have licensed the Palm OS. These days, you'll mostly find it on Palm-branded
handhelds.
But Palm recently made a big leap. It licensed Windows Mobile software for
one of its handhelds. This means you can buy a Palm handheld that runs
eitherWindows or Palm operating systems.
Technically, it isn't a Palm handheld that runs Windows software. Rather, it
is a smartphone. More on smartphones later.
There is a vast difference between the Palm OS and Windows Mobile. Each has
its outspoken fans.
Palm devotees say the operating system is more intuitive and easy to
navigate. Also, the Palm OS is easier on battery life. That's because Palm
will only run one application at a time.
Those who favor Windows Mobile like the fact that the interface is similar
toWindows desktop software. They also like being able to run multiple
programs simultaneously.
So your first order of business is choosing your operating system. I
recommend going to a local electronics store. Compare the operating systems
in real time.
All handhelds will help you manage your contacts and schedule. But not all
are ideal for checking e-mail. With most (but not all), you can synchronize
e-mail with your handheld when you connect to your computer.
But for people who are on the go and need e-mail access, this won't do. You
need to look at wireless connectivity options. Wi-Fi allows you to check
e-mail at wireless hotspots. This is handy if you have access to hotspots.
But I wouldn't rely on it.
Many handhelds offer Bluetooth connectivity. If you have a Bluetooth-enabled
cell phone, you may be able to connect the handheld to it. Then, you can
download e-mail wherever you have a cellular connection. But this can be
cumbersome. Also, your cellular provider will probably charge you for data
transfer.
If you want an always-on connection to e-mail, consider a smartphone. These
bundle a phone and a handheld. Personally, I think this is the best option.
Different providers have different models of smartphones.
Smartphones that run Windows are the iPAQ hw6515, the Motorola Q and Palm
Treo 700w. If you want a smartphone that runs the Palm OS, you'll find the
Treo 650 and Treo 700p. Smartphones usually run upwards of $300. But if you
buy one with a cellular plan, you'll save substantially.
If you just want a handheld without cellular connectivity, you'll find a
wider range of prices. HP iPAQs and Dell Axims both start around $300. The
both run Windows Mobile.
Palm handhelds running the Palm OS start at $100. But for one capable of
reading e-mail, prices start at $200.
Additionally, you may find handhelds made by Garmin. These are bundled with
GPS units. A Windows version retails for $700; a Palm version is $400.
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