When purchasing a PDA, it is important to know how much memory (RAM) you think you'll need and what data entry method would best suit your needs. The average PDA today has about 16MB of internal RAM, which can be used to store thousands of contacts, events, notes, and more. Some PDAs have additional memory chips--SD cards (Palm) or Memory Sticks (Sony)--so if you run out of space, memory can be added. Data entry on PDAs varies by model. (Data entry is the way information can be entered into or manipulated on your PDA). There are three different data-entry methods that are recognized for PDAs: Keyboard entry, Touch Screen/ Stylus Pen, and Handwriting Recognition.

Size is important when deciding on a PDA. The body style of all PDAs varies with each model and manufacturer. Some PDAs are as small as a credit card, while others can be as long as a laptop computer.

It's important to know there are different methods of linking up a PDA to the Internet and/or to your computer to download information. The most common access is through a USB cable. It is good to know that this type of connection can only be used with the newer Pentium computers. Other connection methods are Serial Cable, Infrared, Serial Docking Station, USB Docking Station, and PC Card Slot.

We have created a Glossary of terms to help you in your search for a PDA. For additional information, please contact one of our sales associates at 1-888-228-5800.

Alarm
This feature allows you to set an alarm, which will notify you when an important event is about to occur. Most PDAs default to an audible sound, but some also allow the option of having your device vibrate. A few models even have an LED light that will blink.

Audio Capability
Different audio functions include microphones, speakers, and stereo audio out ports (usually used for headphones). These are used in conjunction with the voice recorder or the alarm, and some machines even have MP3 music playing capabilities.

Backlight
A function you can turn on that allows you to view your PDA screen in the dark.

Battery Type
There are batteries you can use over and over, and there are batteries that cannot be recharged. Which is better? That's a personal preference, but the decision does influence the daily upkeep of your device. If you have a rechargeable PDA, you must recharge it after only a few hours of use (for most people that's about twice a week). If you have single-use batteries, you have to replace them every month or two.

Bluetooth
A type of technology that allows short-range radio links between mobile PCs, mobile phones, and other portable devices.

Brands
At Abt, we carry an assortment of PDAs from Sony (CLIE), Palm, Toshiba (Pocket PC), and IBM.

Color Display Depth
The number of colors that a PDA can display. Only color PDAs will have varying depth--monochrome models are limited to a few shades of gray. Options include 16-bit (65,536 colors), 12-bit (4,096 colors), and 8-bit (256 colors).

Ebook Reader
Indicates whether or not your PDA comes installed with software that allows you to read electronic books. Ebooks run the gamut from magazines to pleasure novels to technical manuals. Generally, you have to purchase the ebooks separately and download them onto your PDA. Abt carries RCA EBooks.

Expansion Capability
Indicates whether or not you can expand the PDA's memory and/or applications using one of several different types of memory cards on the market today. Typically, you plug these cards either directly into the PDA or into a special adaptor that you attach to your PDA. It is important to make sure that you purchase the right card according to your PDA's requirements. Options include: Springboard, PC Card, Compact Flash, Memory Stick, MultiMediaCard, Secure Digital, SmartMedia, None.

Handwriting Recognition
This feature converts handwriting, done with a stylus pen on the screen, into text on the screen. Special software included with the unit can work in two ways: Advanced software will learn your handwriting style and even convert script, while many types of software such as 3com's "Graffiti" require you to learn a special text.

HotSync Technology
This feature allows you to click one button (usually on the charger base of the PDA) to automatically transfer data from your PDA to your computer or vice versa. If you lose your PDA, this feature makes it easy to replace the unit by recovering its data from your computer and transferring it to your new PDA.

Infrared
Infrared uses invisible light to transfer information from your PDA to your computer. Infrared technology allows you to download information without using cables or wires from PDA to PDA or PDA to computer.

Installed RAM
Handhelds/PDAs store their images electronically, like the files on a hard drive of a computer. The more storage space, the more information the unit can hold. The memory shipped with the handheld/PDA is measured in megabytes (MB). A few units have less than one MB, but can come shipped with as much as 64 MB. Some units have expansions slots and/or the ability to have their memory upgraded internally.

MP3 Player
Some PDAs have the ability to play audio files that you download onto your device. These media players often come at an additional cost and use up a lot of memory when in use.

PC Card Slot
Some PDAs can be inserted directly into a laptop PC Card Slot. These models also have another mode of synchronization so you can share information with a PC.

Security
This feature allows you to control access to your PDA. You can set a password that must be entered in order to view data or automatically lock your device when you turn it off. We only indicate whether or not this feature comes pre-installed. If it does not, you may be able to download and install software that will give you this feature.

Serial Cable
The most standard type of serial cable is identified as a "RS-232" interconnector. This method is relatively slow, in comparison to a USB cable connection.

Serial Docking Station
This is a module that you hook up to your PC's serial port. The handheld/PDA can then be placed in the module (also known as a cradle) without having to worry about plugging and unplugging cables every time you want to sync up your data. If you have a rechargeable PDA, you will often use your docking station to charge the battery.

Software
In addition to the software that comes with your PDA to make the basic features work properly, there is a large assortment ot productivity and entertainment software that can be downloaded for free or for a nominal charge.

USB Docking Station
This is a module that you hook up to your PC's USB port. The handheld/PDA can then be placed in the module (also known as a cradle) without having to worry about plugging and unplugging cables every time you want to sync up your data. If you have a rechargeable PDA, you will often use your docking station to charge the battery.

WAP Technology
A standard for providing cellular phones, pagers, and other handheld devices with secure access to e-mail and text-based Web pages.

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