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Around the US in 8 PDAs


Fri Aug 18, 2000 - 11:15 AM EDT - By Scott Hanselman

The Conclusion

If you're an IT guy, chances are email is crucial, and the immediacy of the BlackBerry is right up your alley. It can be installed on an Exchange Server, and hundreds can be easily administered. Delivery is guaranteed, and national coverage is great.

If you're an executive (a suit), check out the PalmV and Minstrel Modem. You just attach the modem when you need it. The combination is small and light enough to fit in a jacket pocket, and battery life is good. You can use the included OSMail with the OmniSky service to check any POP email accounts you might have. (Most people have POP email accounts, and corporations are making email available via POP or IMAP more and more)

If you're a writer, I would recommend grabbing one of the Windows CE Pro devices, as many are dropping in price. They include a keyboard, a nice screen (IBM's discontinued z50 can be found on ebay for around $300. Wired connectivity is built-in to most of these devices, typically with a 33.6 modem. Windows CE includes a Web Browser and Outlook-like email app. Wireless connectivity is available via add-on PCCards like the Sierra AirCard or Ethernet cards from Proxim for IntraNet access.

If you are a tech nut with no budget constraints, buy a PocketPC. The Visor is expandable, but the PocketPC is sexy as hell. You'll pay more for the speed, color and appeal of the PocketPC. You'll also pay more for the wireless access cards, as there are not any really slick ubiquitous solutions as there are on the Palm Platform. The PocketPC will also play MP3 audio and small videos if that's your thing.

If you're a regular Joe, a student, my mom, or you are still confused on what to buy, run and get a Handspring Visor. It's 100% Palm compatible, and very expandable. If you need Wireless Access, it will be forthcoming with the add-on Minstrel S Modem with OmniSky wireless service this fall. This combination will work exactly as the PalmV/Minstrel combination I've talked about here. If you need wired access, it's here today with the ThinComm v.90 upgradeable modem for the Visor. You can use AvantGo or ProxiWeb to browse the Web, and MultiMail or any number of other apps for email. If you're unsure, interested in expandability, the Visor Deluxe with 8 megs is your best bet. When the kind of access I achieved with the PalmV/Minstrel is available for the Handspring Visor, there will be quite a few gadgets that appear in my dumpster out back.