Tech Guide: Buying a handheld PDA

For years, these two handheld operating systems have competed fiercely to woo handheld buyers. Both do an admirable job with the core applications: address book, calendar, to-do list, and memos. And since the release of Palm OS 5.0, they're nearly evenly matched in terms of processors, screen resolutions, and multimedia functions. There are, however, still some key differences.

Operating Systems: Palm | Windows Mobile 2003

With the release of OS 5.0, the Palm operating system made some major improvements yet retained its ease of use. The new multithreading OS supports ARM-based processors, which keeps Palm competitive with Windows Mobile 2003 products by increasing overall computing performance and enhancing multimedia features.

To input letters and numbers, Palm uses Graffiti 2.0, an updated version of its original handwriting recognition system, where you write in block characters that are similar to traditional letters but are easier for the handheld to recognise.

Many Palm OS devices still have a designated Graffiti area below the display, which limits the screen size. Newer models offer a virtual Graffiti area that can be minimised to give you more visual real estate, a feature that's been found on Microsoft-based handhelds for years.

The Palm OS has some distinct advantages over Windows Mobile 2003 when it comes to PC synchronisation. First, it's compatible with Apple and Windows-based computers. Palm also offers an e-mail program called VersaMail, which works with a variety of similar applications such as Microsoft Outlook, Outlook Express, Microsoft Exchange, and Lotus Notes. Be sure to check and see if VersaMail comes bundled with the handheld; otherwise, it'll cost you about AU$50. Sony CLIE devices ship with less flexible mail conduits.

The Palm platform also benefits from the enormous library of third-party applications. For example, if you intend to work with Microsoft Office files on your handheld, the Palm OS doesn't provide built-in support. However, many models come bundled with DataViz's Documents To Go Professional Edition, a tool that not only lets you work with said files but does a better job synchronizing with your PC and maintaining formatting than Windows Mobile Pocket Word and Pocket Excel. Check out ZDNet AU Downloads for other apps, from games to expense-tracking tools to media players.

Formerly known as Pocket PC, Windows Mobile 2003 took its new name last year. Microsoft touts the fact that Windows Mobile 2003 resembles desktop versions of Windows and is, therefore, easier to use. However, we feel the learning curve is actually steeper than that of Palm devices. But don't get discouraged -- anyone can quickly master the OS.

Where Palm offers just a single handwriting recognition system, Windows Mobile 2003 has three choices: Block Recognizer, which is similar to Grafitti; Letter Recognizer, which imitates the act of printing letters; and Transcriber, a system that recognises either printed or cursive handwriting, provided you write neatly. And as noted, Windows Mobile 2003 devices have a virtual input area that appears onscreen only when needed. When it's hidden, you have nearly 1/3 more screen real estate.

Windows Mobile 2003 is intended to mesh with all of Microsoft's software. It comes with a copy of Outlook, and the synchronisation is top notch. All the fields from your Outlook contact list are sent to the handheld. However, if your business uses Lotus Notes or some other e-mail system, you're in a bit of a pickle. And if you're on a Mac, you'll need to purchase third-party synchronisation software.

In addition to Pocket Outlook, you'll find Pocket versions of Word and Excel built into the OS. Unfortunately, your desktop files are converted to Windows Mobile-compatible files when traveling from PC to Pocket PC, a process that loses some formatting.

Whatever flaws the built-in applications may have, they can access a respectable library of third-party software available for Windows Mobile devices. Gamers and multimedia fans, in particular, will benefit from the collection of entertainment apps and media players that let you view native MPEG files and music composition tools with built-in software synthesizers. Again, ZDNet AU Downloads is a good resource for add-ons to your Pocket PC device.