PDAs have now become mainly a niche product for business users who essentially need a pocket-sized laptop computer for tracking shipments, managing business contacts and appointments, and tracking personnel or medical patients. Smartphones, including the iPhone, have pretty much completely taken over, and for the most part, buying a smartphone is less expensive.

PDAs still fill a niche for those who need heavy document and spreadsheet work but can't carry a laptop.

Here's what experts say to consider when shopping for a PDA:

  • Get the most memory you can afford. The average is 64 MB to 128 MB these days. Be sure to note the distinction between the total memory (for running applications, etc.) and the memory that is actually available for your files. Except for the most basic models, you can also add memory with SD cards or other removable media. Keep in mind that MP3 and multimedia files take up much more storage space than contact information. It's also important to check if your PDA has non-volatile memory, otherwise you may lose data if the battery runs down.
  • Decide if dual functionality is important. The main selling point of some models is their ability to double as a video player, MP3 player, GPS navigator and/or voice recorder. If you have ambitious plans for your PDA, it may be worth investing in one of these multifunction models, with the understanding that every additional feature will cost extra money.
  • Decide how often you need Internet access. Most PDAs let you read e-mail offline, after you've downloaded your messages from your home or office PC. Models with Wi-Fi can connect to your home wireless network or at wireless hot spots. PDAs with Bluetooth can connect short-range to other Bluetooth devices, and if you have a Bluetooth-enabled phone, you can use it to connect to the Internet.

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