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Wireless E-mail Devices
Although the e-mail and computing capabailities of iPhones  smartphones and PDAs have swallowed most of the market, wireless, dedicated e-mail devices are now available at more reasonable prices than some of their integrated phone competitors, and further innovation has made them even more portable than ever. Features vary from model to model, but overall, there are a few things to think about when choosing a handheld device. The most important is how you plan to use it. Consider your needs and what you are looking to expand into in the next year or so. If you think that you might want a little extra power down the road and/or room to expand the capabilities of your system, then go for something a little more powerful than what you think you need.
Remember, a PDA, wireless e-mail device, or electronic organizer are not replacements for a laptop computer, but are a portable, affordable, and convenient option for people on the go. However, one product may indeed prove an exception to this rule. Sony's brand new VAIO UX Micro PC offers full computer functionality in just over a pound. The device features a 4.5-inch SVSGA screen and an Intel Core Solo Low Voltage CPU. Though its weight is significant, Sony's forward-looking model may signal the start of a merger between micro-laptops and portable e-mail devices.
Price- Budget prices range up to about $200. These devices are fine for very general productivity, organizing, and tracking of personal data.
- Small business users can expect to pay up to $400 for something with a better screen (most often color instead of monochrome), enhanced PIM applications, and an improved processor speed and an enlarged memory. Devices in this price range are the most versatile and powerful for the price.
- For gamers and audiophiles, a device from $400 and up will get you the best processor speeds, memory and extra features. Plus, this level device has the most options for add-ons, accessories and wireless mobility.
Extra features- Ability to play MP3, WMA, or WAV files, read e-books, watch movies and other video files, see photos and images or play games.
- The rule of thumb with extras is that the more you want, the more it will cost you.
- Not all devices come equipped to handle all the features you need or want, so always verify how much extra certain services will cost you.
- Very specific needs such as barcode reading or image editing may require special proprietary devices.
Size and weight versus connectivity and your OS- While you would probably like the lightest weight device available that features ultra-portability, chances are that the determining factor in choosing a handheld device is not its size and weight, but what kind of connectivity and capability it has.
- Large keyboards (touch or not) come on large format devices, such as Windows CE and Symbian EPOC, which weigh between 1 and 3 pounds. Usually these larger devices will have expansion slots and ports.
- Often the need for the ability to perform PC-based tasks, such as file reading, editing, transmitting, etc. will require having a large format device.
- Pocket devices such as Palm OS, Windows CE, and other proprietary operating systems have quite small keys or on screen keyboards, but some have flip out keyboards. If you are in need of doing a lot of typing you should buy a separate external keyboard.
- Synchronization for sharing data, adding applications and making upgrades all depends on the user interface and operating system your device supports. Think ahead about which programs you will need along with third-party connectivity.
Expansion slots and ports- The more you have, the more versatile your handheld device is.
- If you need to connect to a PC, GPS device or a digital phone, look for: Bluetooth, flash memory card slots, USB ports, compact flash chips, memory expansion card slots, infrared services, etc...
- Decide which are most important if you can't afford to buy a model that features lots of ports.
Protection and backing up data- Some devices offer biometric readers for added personalized security.
- Backing up data should be as easy as possible so that nothing is lost if the device breaks, gets lost or stolen.
- Also, backing up should be done before doing PC synchs, changing batteries or doing upgrades just to be on the safe side.
Battery life and docking- Cheaper devices don't often come with the best batteries.
- The best battery types are lithium polymer and lithium ion, but the next best are nickel hybride and nickel cadmium.
- If possible, select a device that supports multiple battery types for optimum convenience.
- Always double check to see if you can swap batteries without backing up data -- you don't want to chance losing anything.
- Charging should take an hour or less.
- Do you want a dock to be able to charge your device?
Color or monochrome display- This is not a top priority when choosing, but know that anything less than $200 will probably not be in color.
- High resolution is best when in doubt.
- If you need something for use outdoors, check for reflective, anti-glare screens, and high power displays otherwise you can forget about using your device in the sunlight.
Standard LCD or touchscreen- This varies from model to model, but often for greater portability, you want something with a touch-screen. Some fancy models offer both a keyboard and a touch-screen, but they come with a price.
- Whether it comes with or without handwriting recognition software is a personal decision depending on your needs and uses.
Entertainment- Look for headphones, microphone and speaker jacks.
- Pay close attention to the screen resolution, if you want to use your device for any work with visuals.
Appearance- Check for where buttons are located and which controls are made to be the most accessible.
- Volume, screen display brightness, and quick buttons are all useful depending on what you plan to do most with your device.
- One-handed devices usually require more than one hand despite what manufacturers say.
Featured Handheld Devices (C-Net and About.com)
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Palm:
Over the years, Palm has been successful in stealing market share from Blackberry with its Palm TX and Palm Treo models.
Model to Consider: |
HP:
HP has tried unsuccessfully to steal market share from Blackberry with mediocre models. However as part of your enterprise solution, they work quite well.
Models to Consider:
Personal Use
Work Use |
Blackberry:
Whether you are cell phone addict or a heavy PDA user, a Blackberry can handle anything. It is the sensible, efficient all-in-one communication solution for today’s businessperson.
Models to Consider:
Personal Use
Work Use |
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