How to Buy a PDA Watch

With a PDA (Personal Digital Assistant) watch, you can send and receive email, play games, check your calendar, store names and telephone numbers and even transfer data from your computer. Follow these steps to find the right model for you.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Internet access
• Windows 98, ME, 2000, XP or 2003
• MS Outlook 97 or a later version
• USB port

1. Check out the limited product line. Surf the Internet by typing “PDA watch” in the search bar to find out where they are sold. Visit the manufacturers’ Web sites and compare products.

2. Verify compatibility. Make sure your PC is compatible with the PDA watch’s software. Ask about compatibility with other PDA devices, such as Palm Pilots and other electronic equipment.

3. Reset your watch. Know the difference between a hard and a soft reset. Check the manual for instructions, or ask for customer assistance.

4. Know the life of your battery. The life of the rechargeable battery is three to four days. You can charge the PDA watch battery by using a USB port or with the AC adapter that is included.

5. Ask about warranties, hidden charges and extras. Usually there are text messaging and downloading fees.

6. Read reviews. User reviews, computer magazines, "Consumer Reports" and vendor Web sites can provide valuable insight and hands-on evaluations.

7. Contact technical support. Staff should be easy to reach, quick to respond and well versed in the product.

Tips & Warnings

• Receive instruction on all of the watch’s features. This can usually be provided by customer service on line or in the store.
• Consider buying used. Websites like eBay.com and sell.com may offer better deals on older models.
• Avoid losing your data by recharging the battery within one day of it becoming depleted.