PDA Modems

Many higher end PDAs such as those made by RIM, include internal modems as standard features, while more basic PDAs do not. Most PDAs attach external modems in 3 ways; clip-on modems that attach to the bottom or the back of the PDA, modems built into the cradle, (which can be inconvenient) or depending on your PDA, a modem that fits into a PC card type II slot. Modems come in two varieties; jack or wireless. A jack modem must be plugged into a landline to be used. A wireless modem has a transmitter that allows data to be transmitted using radio waves. While wireless will connect almost everywhere you go, it has a slightly lower speed than a landline, typically ranging from 9,600 bps to 19,200 bps for wireless models vs. 28.8kbps to 56kbps for most landline modems. Also, wireless modems cost extra for the connection service. Some companies such as Palm charge a flat monthly rate, while others charge a cost per kilobyte for the amount of data that flows to/from your PDA. When choosing a modem, it comes down to whether you need access to the Internet while on the go.

PDA Buyer's Guide

When deciding which PDA is best for you, the most important thing to keep in mind is functionality. What are you primarily going to use your PDA for? Do you want just a basic PDA to use as a date book? Will you need a modem to download e-mail and other information from the Internet to your PDA? Will you want to play games in color on your PDA? Knowing what tasks you'll use your PDA for will help you decide what memory, operating system, and software you'll need.