Talk to me about PDA's(Palm, etc)

[Iott Family]

I posted on the community board but they have such a high volume I feel like I get lost in the shuffle.

I need recoomendations, info on personal handheld electronic day planners. I dont have a bunch of $$ to spend but would love to get DH something to help him organize his work days, he is a projects manager and has a bunch of irons in the fire at one time.
I have to say I know little to nothing but have ascertained on my researching that some connect to your PC so you can share/download info from laptop to handheld.
I already know he will be getting a franklin covey type organizer to assist him but wanted to look into this, too.
Thanks!

 

[NotUrsula]

I love my old reliable Sony Clie, but they don't make them anymore. The PalmOS is dying for serious applications; everything is going to Windows now. Palm itself still offer a few models for Palm-geek holdouts, such as the TX and the Tungsten, and a basic model for the personal-use market, the Z22. I would say that if your DH has never used PalmOS, this probably would not be the time to bother to learn it -- it's nearly obsolete.

Most professional users these days will either buy a Blackberry or a Handspring Treo, and use it as a phone and browser as well, but if you don't want a phone in the same unit, your only real choices at that level are the HP iPaq and the Dell Axim.

FWIW, I'm extremely surprised that your DH's company does not supply a Blackberry for him. Every project manager I know has been carrying one for years now, and if not a Blackberry, a Treo.

 

[flying_babyb]

Try this Go to amazon.com and type in PDA. it brings them all up and has them rated by the customers. If you dont mind used you can get the sony clice the previous poster was commenting on.
Click there and it will bring up the PDA page
http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_ss_gw/002-4790073-6536867?url=search-alias=aps&field-keywords=PDA

 

[Iott Family]

Ok, his employer to supply a whole lot of anything. He has a nextel cell phone supplied and an office with a desk and an acer laptop. I guess they figure that should be adequate!

I am looking at the Palm Tungsten E2's but im concerned about the memory. You can purchase a 256MB memory card to expand it.
Its all so confusing! Im a pen and paper type. I make lists all day long the old fashion way.

 

[alloyd1170]

I went from an Ipaq pda which I loved, to an all in one device (Samsung i600 Smartphone). Ive been after DH to get a similar smartphone as he is always losing something. I dont know what Nextel has to offer (we have Verizon), but I love my smartphone. Im a stay at home mom, but that thing goes everywhere with me. I have all my contacts (addresses, phone #s, notes, bdays, anniversaries, etc), and schedules all on hand at any moment. Each night, I slip it into the charger which is also hooked up to the computer and all info is synced between the devices. I dont have the data plan to access the web and email because I dont really need it. However, it would be nice to have. I would seriously look into a similar device with Windows platform. I know Verizon offers the Motorola Q for $99 (two year contract with at least the $79 data plan) as Ive been eyeing it for awhile.

alison

 

[flying_babyb]

the more memory the better

 

[Iott Family]

I went from an Ipaq pda which I loved, to an all in one device (Samsung i600 Smartphone). Ive been after DH to get a similar smartphone as he is always losing something. I dont know what Nextel has to offer (we have Verizon), but I love my smartphone. Im a stay at home mom, but that thing goes everywhere with me. I have all my contacts (addresses, phone #s, notes, bdays, anniversaries, etc), and schedules all on hand at any moment. Each night, I slip it into the charger which is also hooked up to the computer and all info is synced between the devices. I dont have the data plan to access the web and email because I dont really need it. However, it would be nice to have. I would seriously look into a similar device with Windows platform. I know Verizon offers the Motorola Q for $99 (two year contract with at least the $79 data plan) as Ive been eyeing it for awhile.

alison

Alison,

I am a SAHM, too and could not function with out my daily planner/calendar. Are you able to keep all your appt's, future meetings, etc on he smart phone or do you use a calendar/planner as well? Thanks!

 

[Starr W.]

I'm a former executive now SAHM and I use both methods. The PDA is much easier to use on the go. I have an older PDA phone which replaced my palm and older phone. I would like to check out a newer one, but have to be careful as DH got this me as a present. "Darn it" don't you know how much I paid for it". Well that was probably 4-5 years ago, he bought his and they were discontinuing the model last year(I think he paid 80% less for his).

 

[flying_babyb]

best time to shop is to buy when there on sale

 

[alloyd1170]

I have all my apts/events on the calendar of the Smartphone, even for the next few years if need be. I can also go back and find old apts. I also have it stored on my computer in Outlook (to sync between the two I drop the phone in the charger which is also hooked up to my computer).

In contacts I have room for home, biz, and other addresses, multiple phone #s, email addresses, websites, notes (ie reminders for bdays, anniversaries, names of spouses, kids, etc). When shipping stuff, I have addresses right in front of me.

You can also buy programs from Handango. I have some games, notes, lists (ie area codes, shopping lists, conversions, etc) and ewallet which I love. In that I can password protect all sorts of things like frequent flyer info, credit card info, website login info, and so forth. Whats great is I have medical info stored there too. Makes filling out all those insurance and patient forms a lot easier-I dont have to lug extra material....its all right there on my phone.

All that is stored on the phones memory and theres probably room for more. I bought a memory card cheap where I store ringtones, family photos, and other things. The phone itself is like a mini computer, but a phone first. I can access email, test msg and the web but I didnt get that plan as I dont need it. Its a flip style too so I dont have to worry about buttons getting pushed accidently. Theres no keyboard on mine.

I also keep a hard copy backup calendar just in case, but I dont rely on it compared to the phone. Thats on the fridge for when the phone isnt glued to me! They are coming out with new phones every year. If you find one on sale, it probably means its going to be replaced by a new one soon. Be sure to get accessories then since you might not find them later. My phone came with two batteries (one longer life but thicker which I rarely use). Ive had this phone 3 years or so. I dont think you can get it anymore. Ive found some useful info at pdaphonehome.com It breaks it down by phone, has some latest news/rumors, and user messages.

alison