What's a good newbie PDA?

December 16, 2006 5:50 PM

I'm looking for a good, entry-level PDA.

Long story short, I have no idea what to look for in a PDA (don't know who the good brands are, what to watch for, etc.) I would like to purchase a low-level but reliable PDA that will do basic things like Microsoft apps, scheduling and instant messaging. I'd also like something that plays nicely with Windows XP.

posted by Yelling At Nothing to technology (7 comments total)

Why the Microsoft apps?
Palm OS is much better for PDAs, lots of software availble, much of which is compatible with your MS desktop apps. Some specialized PDA software runs only on palmOS. What specific MS apps do you want to use?

Oh, and if you want a PDA to do IM, you will need one with a data plan -- that's getting out of my idea of "entry level". If you want to see if a PDA is for you, try a cheap used palm, you should be able to find something on eBay for $ 25 or $ 50.

That being said, I've been really happy with my Treo 650, and it works well with my windows XP based laptop. I was also pretty pleased with the Palm III and Palm i705 when I was using them. I was happy with the Palm II until it went through the washing machine. After that, not so happy. Hope to be happy with the Treo 700p soon (it's charging now).
posted by yohko at 6:19 PM on December 16, 2006

Wireless networking on a PDA is not low-level. Microsoft Apps = Windows CE = not low-level.

If you want low level, look at a Palm device, or a blackberry.
posted by SirStan at 6:20 PM on December 16, 2006

I would check out this PDA buying guide from Cnet - they have been very useful to me in the past.

I have a Palm z22 which is extremely basic and entry-level, but it does not do any wireless or instant messaging.

I think the good brands are generally the same as regular computers, with the notable addition of Palm (which is a very good brand). I would warn you away from Sony, as my husband (who has been using PDAs and other small computers for 7+ years) has had a bad experience with his Sony Clie - bad construction, stupid expensive accessories (and no compatability with generic accessories). But our friends who have the Palm at the same level have very well made machines, and I think they may be more compatible with more accessories.

You can get word processors, spreadsheets, etc, for any PDA - but it's a matter of buying a program that will convert to and from your windows formats.
posted by jb at 6:48 PM on December 16, 2006

Get a used Palm off of eBay. It'll be easy for you to tell whether you can use it to organize your life.

I have a fancy Palm TX that can do Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Instant Messaging. Honestly, I hardly ever use any of those features. The office apps are not really good things for this form factor, and IM would require a cheap way to connect.
posted by grouse at 7:03 PM on December 16, 2006

First off pdaphonehome.com has some great forums to help you determine which phone/pda you should get unless you are looking to IM over a Wifi Connection.

Do you want a pda/phone or just a pda?

If you want a pda/phone what carrier are you with or do you want to use?

I would second the stay away from Sony comment but I have to go against Palm. I have been runnign Windows Mobile 5 on my Samsung i730 for about 6 months and I recently had to provide support for an associate running the latest Palm OS on a Treo 700P. It was the most excruciating experiece I have had to deal with in some time. I had a Zire 72 for 2 years and it performed well but the Palm OS has not made significant improvements IMHO in the recent years. the Windows Mobile 5 phones work very well with XP.

If you have specific questions please post them here or check out pdaphonehome.com
posted by imjosh at 7:45 PM on December 16, 2006

I have a Palm Z22. I use it to carry some books, study material, schedule, contacts. It cost me 100$ and it does everything I need! Of course I don't have games but that's what the DS is for :P
posted by PowerCat at 9:25 PM on December 16, 2006

I just got a Samsung Blackjack and I love it. (And I even use a Macs, so you should really love it if you're an avid Windows fan)
posted by travis vocino at 7:00 AM on December 17, 2006