Purchasing a PDA

Points to consider when purchasing a handheld computer (PDA)

Computer Skills

• What are your personal computer skills?
• Mouse & keyboard skills
• Windows (or Mac OS) operating system
• Are you familiar with creating and organizing files in directories?
• Are you familiar with using the Internet?
• Are you familiar with downloading programs from the Internet?

Internet Connection

• High-speed Internet connection (cable, ADSL, or satellite) is ideal
• Downloading PDA software will be very slow using telephone service

Desktop Computers

• Check the desktop and operating system specifications of any PDA before purchase
• Pocket PCs use a version of the Windows OS
• Pocket PCs use MS Outlook to manage the calendar and contacts
• Palm OS devices can use either Outlook, or the Palm Desktop software
• Older computers may have only one USB port (or none at all)
• PDAs usually require USB ports (how many are available on your computer?)
• It is possible to connect several PDAs to one desktop|
• It is more difficult to connect one PDA to several desktops (synchronization conflicts can occur)
• Downloading PDA software is much easier over a high-speed Internet connection (cable or ADSL)

Windows OS

• Pocket PC: Windows XP Operating system requires ActiveSync 3.7 or later for synchronization

Apple Macintosh

• PalmOne Palm OS devices come with synchronization software for Macintosh computers
• Sony Palm OS devices require third-party synchronization software
• Pocket PC devices also require third party synchronization software, such as MissingSync and PocketMac

Laptop Computers

• Usually have only one, sometimes two, USB ports

Multiple Computers

• Do you have multiple computers (home, office, other)?
• Do they have similar features and operating systems?
• It is possible to connect several PDAs to one desktop
• It is more difficult to connect one PDA to several desktops (synchronization conflicts may occur)

Other Users

• What devices do your friends and medical colleagues use?
• Will you need to share information with them?

Medical Institutions

• What devices are supported in your hospital or other medical institution?

Choice of Vendor

• Local vendors may provide purchase advice and limited after-sale support.
• Repairs usually require shipping the device to the manufacturer.

Life Expectancy

• The PDA market changes rapidly – a new model will likely be obsolete in two to three years
• Buy a model that meets your needs today
• Buy a new and better device when your current PDA no longer meets your needs

Operating System

• Palm OS devices are more user-friendly for beginners
• Pocket PCs are more suited to technically-advanced users

Software

• Some products require very large amounts of memory (such as UpToDate or InfoRetriever)

Security

• PDA should be password protected if it contains information about individual patients

Additional Resources

Dalhousie University
Favors Palm OS

University of Alberta – PDA Zone

University of Virginia – Choosing a PDA

PDA Buyer's Guide

pdaED
General purchase information