Pocket PC PDAs. Not long ago, Pocket PC PDAs were only compatible with software specific to the device’s processor. Today, the StrongARM processor is standard in any device running on Pocket PC 2002. Therefore, stick with Pocket PC 2002 devices only, as many of the earlier devices cannot be upgraded.
Because Pocket PC devices offer such a short battery life, consider a device with interchangeable lithium batteries or purchase a portable charger. If you choose a Pocket PC with integrated wireless connectivity, be aware that your battery life will be about 2 to 3 hours. Avoid the Jornada line of handhelds, as these will be phased out in the merger of Compaq and Hewlett Packard.
To learn more about PDAs
The Internet has a wealth of information on these devices. PDABuzz, Handango, and PDAGeek offer reviews, user opinions, and useful links. Two excellent magazines, Handheld Computing Magazine (www.hhcmag.com) and Pocket PC Magazine (www.pocketpcmag.com), are devoted to PDA/handheld computers. Manufacturers also post extensive information about their PDA devices on their Web sites (Box).
If you have any questions about PDAs or comments about Psyber Psychiatry, click here to contact Dr. Luo or send an e-mail to Current.Psychiatry@dowdenhealth.com.
Palm OS
Manufacturer URL
Palm www.palm.com
Handspring www.handspring.com
HandEra www.handera.com
Sony http://www.sonystyle.com/
Acer global.acer.com/products/pda/index.htm
Pocket PC OS
Audiovox www.audiovox.com/pda
Casio www.casio.com
Toshiba pda.toshiba.com
HP www.compaq.com/products/handhelds/pocketpc/index.html
NEC www.neccomp.com/v2/products/MobilePro/P300/
Zayo (Asus) usa.asus.com/PDA/a600/overview.htm
ViewSonic www.viewsonic.com/products/pocket_pc_pocketpcv35.htm
URThere www.urthere.com
Related Resources
Carlson J. Palm organizers: visual quick start guide (2nd ed). Berkeley, CA: Peachpit Press, 2001.
Chan C, Luo J, Kennedy R. Concise guide to computers in clinical psychiatry (1st ed). Washington, DC: American Psychiatric Press, 2002.
Dyzsel B. Palm for dummies (2nd ed). Hoboken, NJ: Wiley Publishing, 2002.
Underdahl B. Pocket PCs for dummies (2nd ed). Hoboken, NJ: Wiley Publishing, 2002.
Disclosure:
Dr. Luo reports no financial relationship with any company whose products are mentioned in this article. The opinions expressed by Dr. Luo in this column are his own and do not necessarily reflect those of Current Psychiatry.