Handheld Secretary
Pocket Your Personal Assistant

PDA (personal digital assistant) is a term for any small mobile hand-held device that provides computing and information storage and retrieval capabilities for personal or business use, often used for keeping schedule calendars and address book information handy. The term handheld is a synonym for the PDA. They can be divided into those that accept handwriting as input and those with small keyboards. The most popular handheld that accepts handwritten input is the PalmPilot from 3Com. Philips, Casio, NEC, Compaq and other companies make handhelds with small keyboards. Windows CE and EPOC are two of the most widely used operating systems in handheld computers.

PDAs and other handheld devices have become extremely popular. With several new and enhanced features being introduced and increased functionality being incorporated into the models, these devices are fast overtaking even laptops and notebooks.

What makes a PDA attractive is its ease of data entry. Many of the earlier versions of PDAs and Pocket PCs had difficult to use hand-recognition software or tiny keyboards. The new handwriting recognition feature that has been introduced finally allows you to enter data as easily as writing on paper. Higher-end models come with 8MB of memory. This means that you can store approximately 10,000 addresses, 5 years of appointments (that's about 3000 appointments), 3000 to-do items, 3000 memos, 400 e-mails and applications.

For the basic user, needing only a calendar, address book and to-do list, the choices offered come down to the Handspring Visor (INR 8300, including cradle) and the new Palm (about INR 6900). The serious user, however, might want to invest in a PDA that won't be obsolete in a year. In order to load the required software onto your handheld, buy one with 8MB of memory vs. the basic Visor's 2MB. In this category, the Rs 18500 Palm Vx is a good choice. Not only is its sleek, anodized aluminum casing a crowd pleaser, but it's the lightest, thinnest, smallest and sturdiest device out there. Unlike most PDAs, it has a long-lasting lithium-ion battery that recharges in the cradle. The Palm Vx is so popular that not even online retailers are discounting it.

To spend less for 8MB of memory, you could also go for the INR 11500 Handspring Visor Deluxe, which comes in orange, green, blue, graphite and ice colours. Plus, its USB port makes for a faster sync than the Palm's serial port offers. But the Visor is bigger and heavier than the Palm Vx.

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