How to Choose between a Palm OS PDA and a Blackberry PDA

While the introduction of the Palm OS Personal Digital Assistant (PDA) began the age of electronic mobile organization and communication, the Blackberry PDA caught up quickly. Both Blackberry and Palm products have Internet and email capabilities. The Blackberry is better for sending short text messages, while the higher-end Palm products are convergence devices, often doubling as phones and message servers. Follow these steps to choose between a Palm OS PDA and a Blackberry PDA.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Internet access
• Computer

1. Decide how much money you are willing to spend on your PDA. Both operating systems are available on PDAs that vary greatly in price.
   

2. Determine which function you will use the most on your PDA, such as wireless Internet access, email, calendars or other organizational needs. A simple Blackberry may meet your needs for much less money than the more advanced Treo unit from Palm.
   

3. Take notes on an average working day, and think about how you will use your PDA. If you frequently send large e-mails, a Treo might be a better option.
   

4. Research both Palm and Blackberry products considering your needs, the model's style, color and overall price. Think about which device will best suit your lifestyle.
   

5. Decide on the most valuable function a PDA would have for you using the information you have gathered.

Tips & Warnings

• Search online and in newspapers for stores with sales on PDAs. Look for discounts on the model you selected.
• The higher the cost, the more features you get. Conversely, the less you spend, the fewer options your PDA will have. Make sure to identify exactly what you require in a PDA so you get the best product for your needs.
• Not all PDAs are compatible with both Macs and PCs.
• A USB cable and port is needed to transfer information from your PDA to your computer.