Featuring The PDA-II
More Handheld Attributes

Small Handheld PCs often come with a small keyboard, are more rectangular shaped, and larger than a 'Palm Size' unit. Most weigh under 1 lb., but can weigh as much as 2 lbs. Large Handheld PCs are slightly larger than 'Small Handheld PCs', but typically come with a keyboard. When closed, they become a compact 8.5 by 11 inches. These units typically weigh between 2-3 lbs. Handheld/PDA screens come with either color (as many as 64K colors) or black and white (four shades of gray) screen displays. Color screens offer more detail, but also tend to drain the batteries faster when compared to monochrome. The quality (i.e. detail and sharpness) of the display is also significantly influenced by the screen resolution.

Resolution is a measure of sharpness of display/screen quality, expressed as the number of horizontal pixels by the number of vertical pixels. The higher the resolution, the sharper the image. Better resolution is easier on the eyes, which can be important because all displays on handhelds/PDAs are relatively small. Resolution does not, however, dictate whether the screen is color or black and white. Usual resolutions are 160x160, 240x320, 640x240, and 800x600.

'Operating System Type' refers to the control program which runs the handheld/PDA. Microsoft Windows CE is used for most models. 3com and a few other manufacturers use the Palm OS, and still others have their own systems.

Synchronisation methods are the different ways by which you can link your handheld/PDA to your PC to download information (i.e., sync-up). This is important for backing up files or transferring notes, schedule information, emails, and even documents. The options include USB (universal serial bus) cable that transports data from the handheld to the PC. This connection can only be used with newer Pentium II or later computers, and won't work on PC's with slow/older processors. Serial Cable is the most standard type and is identified as a "RS-232" interconnector. This method is relatively slow in comparison to USB. Models with a serial cable usually have an optional docking station as well.

Docking Station is a module which lets you connect the handheld/PDA to your PC. Place the handheld/PDA in the cradle and then don't worry about plugging and unplugging cables every time you want to sync-up your data. Infrared allows you to "beam" (using invisible light) information from the handheld/PDA to your PC or to another handheld/PDA without the use of wires. This connection is slower than a serial cable.

Power to these handheld/PDA is supplied by batteries. Having a rechargeable PDA requires a battery recharge after a few hours of use (for most people that is about twice a week), and if you have single use batteries you have to change them every month or two. The options include both rechargeable and single use. In this case alkaline batteries are recommended.

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