Electronic technology on the cheap that still is cool
What with everything ending up on increasingly feature rich and equally richly priced cell phones. The later generation of the "dinosaur" PDA still has a lot to offer those of us not quite willing to invest those big bucks in the fully integrated datebook/on-line/text/voice/music and video viewing life.
For a fraction of the initial cost (and no on-going service fees!)keep your phone separate and get something like this jewel that links to your computer scheduler, can play music files and video files as well as carry your photo collection. You can view and work on word documents and spread sheets, take notes on the fly, update addresses on the spot and even record short voice memos. A memory stick can transfer or save files for use elsewhere. There are even games to truly waste time on a level equal to the internet.
Yes, I Know, I was one of those who said "Gosh, if these things could only dial the number in the address file and work like a phone too, wouldn't that be cool!" And it is to a point. That idea also gave us something that felt like we were holding a small paperback book to our heads or something so complex and still somewhat awkward to use for all functions. It gave us the new term "pocket call" as in "Oh, sorry, I guess my phone made a pocket call to you."
With the bottom keyboard it looks like a Blackberry, is neater than a schedule book and can really help keep all the information we seem to need on an everyday basis in a small package. I really appreciate the fact that all the data can be backed-up on your computer at any time by dropping it into a charger/cradle and hitting one button.
The PDA as a stand-alone is still a good idea and these units are at the peak of the curve on functionality while being attractively on the downcurve of price-onality.