Which PDA Should I Buy? Buyer's Guides: Hardware

There are numerous factors to take into account when purchasing a PDA. The notable ones are explained in the "Palm versus Pocket PC" and "Factors to Keep in Mind" sections of the buyer's guide. However, we recognize that you may not have the time to exhaustively research all of your PDA options. If that's the case, rely on us to help you make a decision - we've selected a few PDA devices that we believe offer the best blend of features, usability, and reliability on the market today. Once you purchase a PDA, don't forget that the secret to maximizing its usefulness is purchasing software - see our software selection for recommendations.

Healthcare Students (Medical, Nursing, PT, etc.)
You need an inexpensive, portable device with long battery life and enough memory to last for two or more years. You also need lots of software options so that you can customize your PDA as you leave school and begin practicing medicine.

Recommendation: The Palm m125 or m130 Handheld. This affordable device has 8MB of memory with a built-in memory expansion slot in a compact lightweight and robust case perfect for carrying around the hospital or clinic. Choose the Palm m130 for a color display for a few dollars more.
More on the Palm m125 Handheld
More on the Palm m130 Handheld

Recommendation: The TRGpro. Based on the Palm III™ Organizer Series, the TRGpro contains a built-in CompactFlash expansion slot for nearly limitless memory to store and run all your large applications.
More on the TRGpro

Medical Residents, Physicians, and Allied Healthcare Professionals
You need a PDA with great features like an extra-sharp liquid crystal display, long rechargable battery life, fast processor speed, and an ample amount of memory to store patient databases, schedules and reference materials.

Recommendation: For a stylish, lightweight and compact handheld, look no further than the Palm m500. Choose the Palm m515 for an brilliant color display.
More on the Palm m500 Handheld
More on the Palm m515 Handheld

Recommendation: With a built-in expansion for CompactFlash, Secure Digital and MultiMediaCards, the HandEra 330 offers more storage capacity than any other handheld computer on the market.
More on the HandEra 330

After reviewing our recommendations, you probably noticed that both products we recommend for purchase are from Palm, Inc. There are several reasons for our bias:

1. Far more software titles are available for the Palm operating system than any other, guaranteeing you the ability to add the functionality you need to your PDA;
2. Palm products are smaller and lighter than Windows CE and the new Pocket PC machines, have longer battery life, are faster, and are backed by Palm's outstanding customer service;
3. Palm has an extremely strong track record in the PDA industry and has sold far more PDAs than any other company. This helps ensure that other companies in the hardware and software industries will provide new products that interface with your own - providing endless possibilities for the future.