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A BIG THANKS to Sammy of Palm Addicts and Alex of Treobits for featuring us on their front page regarding my recent editorial on Engadget’s Open Letter.

Since then, a few other bloggers have also provided their thoughts on this. Sheldon at Morning Paper has provided his opinion (BIG THANKS for the mention!) as well as Murray at Palm-Mac (also another BIG THANKS) both good friends of mine have given their honest opinions and always well worth a read. Also check out Tam’s interesting take on this at TamsPalm (another good friend). What can I say? It’s nice when the Palm community and even casual bloggers are posting their opinion on this. I’m finding a lot of interesting opinions on this via Technorati. A quick search of “engadget” and “colligan” should come up with enough reading material from many sources. Here’s what you’ll get for results at Google. Get a nice tasty beverage and enjoy and beware that a lot of the results are nothing more than a rehash of the original Engadget posting which a lot of bloggers or automated scripts are posting to get hits (I guess). Sift through them to get at some real personal thoughts. Anyway, nothing better than a good jolt to get people’s attention, I guess.

Keep in mind that everyone is different and what may appeal to me, may not necessarily appeal to you. I am hoping to provide at least *some* ideas to help you think about some features of a PDA that you should consider before you go out and buy one. A good idea is to read through my articles for some ideas and then do a bit of research on what’s available including the specifications and features of what you’re interested in and then go out and shop, armed with more ideas and background on what you’re looking for, rather than just expecting the sales associate to steer you into something you may not want or need. So, again, these are just basic ideas and are in no way a comprehensive list. I’m sure you’ll get more ideas to consider as you progress through the 10 part series.

Here are the list of things you need to consider when choosing a PDA (Personal Digital Assistant) device that is right for you. Keep in mind that these are basic ideas and everyone’s preferences and needs are different. They are there to help you get a better idea of what direction and devices you may be interested in and help you narrow the choices available so that it’s easier to make the decision.

1 - Standalone PDA or all-in-one smartphone? Do you want something that does one thing or an all-in-one device that does everything?

2 - Wireless connectivity? Do you want a device that will connect wirelessly to the internet or not at all?

3 - Touchscreen or non-touchscreen PDA? Do you want a device where you can input characters, text and operate it simply by tapping on the glass or plastic screen or are you someone who wants to input via typing on a keyboard?

4 - Graffiti or on-screen input or keyboard/keypad input? Along similar lines of #3

5 - Palm, Pocket PC, Blackberry or other similar devices? The operating system of the various PDA or smartphone devices differ in many ways. Some may be intuitive for some, while others may be suitable for specific groups.

6 - Screen resolution The screen resolution of number of pixels (color dots) on a screen can matter and vary from one device to another and make one screen look better than another.

7 - Memory (RAM) The amount of memory or more specifically, RAM (Random Access Memory) that a device has also can determine how much programs and information you can store directly on a device.

8 - Battery (life and removable or non-removable characteristics) Battery life is another important factor to consider as well as the characteristic of the battery itself; whether it’s removable or non-removable.

9 - Processing power (clock speed) The processing power or clock speed of the device can determine how fast the device can run.

10 - Expandability and accessories The capability of your device to support expansion and the amount of accessories that support your device can also be a factor in which you decide to purchase.

Let’s start going through the list.

1 - Standalone PDA or all-in-one smartphone?

What is the main difference between a standalone PDA (Personal Digital Assistant) and an all-in-one smartphone? Quite simply: connectivity, or more specifically, cellular connectivity.

A standalone PDA is really more of a non cellular connected portable PIM (Personal Information Management - address book, calendar, alarm, memopad, notepad, etc) device that will allow you to store a vast amount of information in a small, lightweight electronic device. All the extra information you add in doesn’t take up any bulk, unlike a physical address book, book, etc. The size doesn’t change even if you cram in thousands of address book data, appointments, etc in it. Some standalone PDAs will also support a cellular connection, and many have used their bluetooth cellular phone with their Palm or PDA device to browse the internet.

An all-in-one smartphone, on the other hand, is a cellular capable connected device that will not only provide all the features that a standalone PDA has, but also the added features of a cellular phone plus internet connectivity via the cellular data connection. So, while you’re answering and talking on your smartphone with a business associate, you can also be looking up or entering in his address, email and other important information. Or, after the call, you can surf the internet for the nearest restaurant and place a dinner reservation. Or book your next flight. And if you have the push email application, just like a RIM Blackerry, you can be informed immediately when you’ve received an email. Depending on your work, this can be extremely important and crucial as closing that deal and being one step ahead of your competition.

Although the idea of a smartphone may seem like the best device, you also have to consider the downsides. Yes, as with everything, there are upsides and downsides to everything. Here are what I think should be considered for both choices:

Standalone PDA Advantages:

- comparatively cheaper than a smartphone although nowadays, the price gap is closing

- one device that focuses on doing what it’s supposed to do so you don’t get confused about how to do other things

- if it breaks down, you only need to get a new one and replace it as opposed to having a semi-working smartphone with a broken component.

- if you encounter software or hardware problems, your cellular phone isn’t affected

- may have a larger sized screen than a smartphone device which makes it easier to read, view movies, etc

- view movies, videos that you have stored in your device

- view pictures you have stored in your device

- listen to music and other audio files (ie. audio books, podcasts, etc) stored on your device

Standalone PDA Disadvantages:

- you can’t (unless you connect it to a cellular phone or depending on the model) browse the internet right from the standalone PDA device

- may not have internet connectivity support (depends on the device. The Palm TX and most Pocket PCs do have Wi-Fi capability built in)

- most standalone PDAs (not all) rely on Graffiti (manual stylus input) for inputting characters, numbers into the device. You may need to re-learn how to input letters and characters to write a sentence.

All-in-one smartphone Advantages:

- you have not only a PDA but a cellular phone in a device that can connect you to the internet at the press of a button or the touch of a stylus

- you can easily browse the internet to view website, make online purchases, download files, stream music, radio, videos and TV shows

- you can easily answer or place a phone call

- you can easily send out or receive emails

- you can be informed immediately like a RIM blackberry that you have a new email in your inbox

- you can instant message your friends on instant messaging platforms like ICQ, MSN, Yahoo, Google talk, etc.

- you can send and receive text messaging (SMS)

- all the features that a standalone PDA offers

- there’s a full QWERTY keyboard allowing you to be able to type on the device

All-in-one smartphone Disadvantages:

- when your smartphone is broken, or you are experiencing software or hardware problems, your cellular phone is also affected or offline.

- screen may be too small to read and view

- keyboard keys may be too small or awkward to type and use

- device may be too small to use

- the antenna (for some models) may get in the way

- the device’s casing may be too slippery to hold on to

- the device may feel too thick to fit in pocket

There are many more to list and doing so will make this posting even longer so I’m keeping this list relatively short so that you can get an idea.

Aside from what I’ve listed already, here’s a few more things you may want to think about when deciding on a smartphone. There are generally two main digital cellular networks in the world: CDMA (Code Division Multiple Access) and GSM (Global System for Mobile Communications or GSM: originally from Groupe Spécial Mobile).

CDMA carriers around the world include: Verizon, Sprint, Alltel, Hutchison Telcom, PT Telekom Indonesia

GSM carriers around the world include: AT&T (and Cingular, now AT&T), T-Mobile, Rogers Wireless, Fido (now Rogers Wireless), Orange, O2, Vodafone, Telefonica.

What are the main differences between the two networks?

First of all, they are completely separate and non-interchangeable networks so, a GSM phone won’t work on a CDMA network and vice versa. So, only a GSM phone will work on a GSM network and CDMA phone works only on a CDMA network. So, it’s an important decision on which network and phone you get because you will be stuck with the supported carriers once you make your choice.

Second, it seems that data speed (internet traffic) on the fastest CDMA protocol called EVDO is much faster than the fastest GSM protocol EDGE. If data speed on a smartphone is a huge factor for you, then you may want to consider one network over the other.

Third, it seems that North American CDMA carriers are very unwilling to accept a competitor’s CDMA phone to work on their network. So, if you have a Verizon phone and wish to use it on Sprint for instance, you may experience much difficulty in having it activated. Instead, Sprint will persuade you to sign up a cellular contract with them and get their phone instead. That will likely happen with most CDMA carriers because they can. Think *greed*. Technically, the phones aren’t any different and should work fine. But the carrier will want to get some money off you so they’ll likely refuse your request to use the competitor’s phone on their network.

On the other hand, if you have a GSM phone, you may find some reprieve from this hassle, well, somewhat. Although many GSM carriers in North America and elsewhere will likely enable a subsidy “lock” on the phone (basically a special passcode) to prevent you from using any GSM SIM/smart card on that phone, you can easily find some one who can remove that lock for you, albeit for a fee.

Why is that important? Once the GSM phone’s subsidy lock is removed, you can put in any GSM SIM card in the phone and use it. What does that mean? Suppose you are visiting your friend in the UK and you have a GSM phone that has the subsidy lock removed. Your friend is willing to supply you with a spare SIM card from the local GSM carrier. You can put that SIM card in your phone and start making phone calls as if you were borrowing your friend’s phone! Or, in another example. You can purchase a local prepaid (credit stored) SIM card and start using it, paying a local rate. This can mean substantial savings, especially if your home cellular carrier charges a hefty roaming rate for a few dollars per minute.

With CDMA, you are out of luck since you can’t do the same.

Although I have painted a great picture for GSM networks, keep in mind that the main thing to keep in mind is yourself and what is best FOR YOU.

GSM may be good for you if:

- you travel outside of the USA or Canada frequently, or even once in a while

- you are a student and may move between home and school during the year

- you tend to change jobs or move frequently or enough

- data speed isn’t that much of a factor

CDMA may be good for you if:

- you don’t change jobs or move much

- you don’t travel much outside of the USA and Canada or outside of your local area

- you want better overall cellular coverage all over the USA and Canada

- you need the faster data speed for internet

- you already have some family plan with your family and can get a good bucket of family minutes with what you have

So, there you have it, the first part of my series on Choosing a PDA: Standalone PDA or All-In-One Smartphone. Hopefully I have provided some ideas to help you determine what you are looking for. Stay tuned for Part 2: Wireless connectivity.

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