Tungsten T5: The world in your palm

Perhaps the most distinctive feature about the T5 is the 256 MB of internal flash memory that it comes with. Some of it is used to run applications and the rest can be used to store software files which can easily be transferred to and from your PC via USB. The internal memory can be extended through MultiMedia and Secure Digital expansion cards.
The T5 also offers decent multimedia features with a 65,000 colour display with a resolution of 320X480. You can also listen to music either on the built-in speakers or separately sold stereo headphones. When it comes to connectivity, the T5 has built-in Bluetooth capabilities, allowing you to synchronize with your PC wirelessly or connect to the Internet using a Bluetooth enabled phone.
The operating system: Palm OS has been improved to produce easier access and navigation between your files. The calendar is also improved making it easier to spot upcoming events. Also installed is the handwriting software Graffiti 2 which, along with the included stylus, can be used to enter data. A second data entry option is the on-screen keyboard. Other installed software includes the mobile versions of Real Player and Acrobat Reader.

Technorati Tags
PDA | Palm Tungsten T5

Buying a PDA-5: Data input

You will probably need to input a fair amount of information into your PDA and there are several options for doing this.

Smaller units, like the Palm Tungsten T3, come with a stylus and touch-screen which can be used to tap commands and input data. Data input is either in the form of a virtual keyboard which you tap one letter at a time or through handwriting software which converts your writing into text.

For large amounts of data, a physical keyboard is ideal and PDAs like the Blackberry and the Palm Treo come with attached keyboards.

Since a lot of your information will be first inputted on to your PC, it’s important to synchronize your PDA with your computer. Most PDAs come with software like Palm’s Hot Sync Manager and Microsoft ActiveSync which ensure that your PDA has an up-to-date list of contacts and personal information as stored on your PC.

The actual connection will be through USB though it’s useful to have wireless connectivity through Infra-red or Bluetooth as well.

Finally, some PDAs come with voice-recording features which can be used to directly create voice memos and some models have limited voice recognition features as well.


Technorati Tags
PDA | Palm Tungsten | Palm Treo | Blackberry | Bluetooth

Buying a PDA-4: Display

The displays on PDAs are LCDs (liquid crystal displays) like those on digital cameras and notebook computers. Today most models come with colour screens so the factors which differentiate displays are screen resolution and colour quality.

Of the two, resolution is probably the more important. Low end models like the VR3 come with a resolution of around 160X240; mid-end models like the Palm Tungsten T3 come with 320X480 while high end models like the Toshiba e800 are now coming out with resolutions of 640X480.

The colour quality depends on a number of factors but one quick measure is the number of colours the screen is capable of displaying. Ideally you would want 65,000 colours or more for a decent display.

If you intend to use your PDA outdoors a lot, make sure the screen is visible in bright light. It’s always useful to have backlighting as well as external controls for contrast and brightness.

Remember that colour displays eat up a lot of power so if you intend to use graphic-intensive features like video and gaming make sure you have adequate batteries. Also remember that such applications require a decent processor and adequate memory.

Next post: Data input

Technorati Tags
PDA | Palm | Toshiba

Buying a PDA-3: Memory

A PDA’s memory is used to store the operating system and programmes as well as provide working space for applications to run. They also store additional files with your data, photos, music and so on. In general, more memory increases your processing speed but your memory needs depend on what functions you want to use.

For basic functions like appointments, contacts and memos, 32 MB is adequate and most PDAs come with at least that much internal memory.

If you want to run more sophisticated programs, particularly those with multimedia features, you will need more RAM. As with a PC, operating multiple programs at the same time requires more memory.

The operating system also makes a difference and typically if you use Windows Mobile you will need more RAM.

Many PDAs allow you to supplement internal memory with flash memory cards like Compact Flash or Secure Digital. If you intend to use your PDA to store a lot of multimedia files like your music or photos make sure such slots are available.

Some newer models like the Palm Life Drive also come with hard drives which make them ideal for multimedia users.

Next post: Display

Technorati Tags
PDA | Windows Mobile | Memory Card

Buying a PDA-2: Design

PDAs come in a wide variety of shapes and sizes with heavier devices generally having more features. Sometimes PDAs are classified into palms and handhelds.

Palms, like the Palm Zire 31, are smaller and lighter and operated by stylus rather than keyboard. They weigh around a couple of hundred grams and are small enough to fit in your shirt pocket. They are ideal for carrying basic information like contacts and personal appointments. However data entry is limited to stylus and a touch screen along with hand-writing software and this can be relatively cumbersome if you want to enter a lot of data. Their smaller size usually means a smaller, less powerful processor as well.

Handhelds, like the MDA IV, are larger and may not fit in your pockets. On the plus side they have a separate keyboard which allows for much speedier data entry. They have a larger screen which is ideal for watching video or surfing the Internet and they have the more powerful processors necessary to run such applications. Handhelds themselves come in a wider range of sizes: the smallest are only a little bigger than palms while the largest can weigh more than a kilo.

Next post: Memory

Technorati Tags
PDA | MDA | Palm

Buying a PDA-1: Operating System

Do you travel a lot? Can't do without access to your mail and a browser when you are on the road? Well, then this blog is for you. This one is dedicated to covering all types of mobile computing devices and to helping you make informed choices about the gadgets you buy. We begin our series of posts with PDAs or personal digital assistants. Over the next few days, I will tell you everything you need to know about buying a PDA. Welcome to the world of everywhere computing.

In many ways a PDA is a miniature PC and as with a PC the choice of operating system is very important in your overall experience.

The two main operating systems on PDAs are Palm Mobile by Palm Source and Windows Mobile by Microsoft. Traditionally Palm was more common on low-end devices compared to Windows but this distinction has blurred in recent years.

Some important differences remain however: Palm Mobile, found mostly on Palm’s own PDAs, is generally considered easier to use and comes with a lot more third-party software. There are also thousands of shareware programs that you can download including games and utilities. However if you want to create and edit documents compatible with MS Office you may need third-party software.

Windows Mobile, as you might expect, looks like a smaller version of the desktop Windows operating system and is more complex to operate than Palm. Unlike Palm you can keep more than one program running at a time though only one will appear on the screen. The big advantage of Windows is greater compatibility with Microsoft software and the OS comes with smaller versions of familiar Windows programs like Outlook, Office and Windows Media Player.

Next post: Design

Technorati Tags
PDA | Windows Mobile | Palm