Table of Contents
Want to Buy a PDA? Here's What to Look For
Do you use Outlook for your contacts? If so, you'll need additional software such as Chapura's PocketMirror (this might be included with your PALM operating system) to synchronize your information.
Do you use a PIM (Personal Information Manager) program such as ACT! or Top Producer®? Do you want this information to synchronize with your PDA? Then you will need to purchase a PDA that has an operating system (PALM or Microsoft) which is compatible with that program. For example, you'll want to own a PDA with the Palm operating system in order to synchronize with Top Producer. You'll Additional software from Top Producer or ACT will also be needed to synchronize. Contact your PIM support group for any special requirements such as which version of PDA operating system is necessary and any additional software requirements.
Do you want to download information from your MLS? You should contact the MLS and ask what additional software you will need and which operating system (PALM or Microsoft). How will you synchronize to receive the information - via phone or internet.
Second, go to a local store and look at the PDA's. Hold one in your hand. Turn on the PDA. Make sure you can see the information. We have seen some small PDA's that were very hard to read. How close are the keys on the keyboard? Can you tap the keys with your finger or fingernail, or do you need a stylus? Talking about stylus, you can use a ball-point pen to tap the keys or screen if you lost your stylus. Be sure to have the point of the pen retracted so that you do not put ink all over the keys or screen. Also, the top of many stylus unscrew to reveal a small pin that can be used if you need to reset your PDA.
After you purchase your PDA, install the operating system and any additional software to synchronize with your programs, don't forget to synchronize regularly. Some programs may lock you out if you do not synchronize regularly. A good rule of thumb, synchronize as often as you can remember the information you input. Can you remember everything you entered in your PDA this week? If something happens that you cannot synchronize, you want to lose as little information as possible.
"SMART PHONES"
Maybe you want to go even further and purchase a PDA/phone combination - a "Smart Phone" for example, a Treo 600 or a RIM BlackBerry 7230. Besides being a cell phone, you can also send and receive data including e-mail, instant messaging and more.
First, contact a local cell phone provider to find out what is available. Do they provide the service and how reliable is the signal. If you want to connect to the internet to receive e-mail or go online with the MLS, is that service available in your area? You can ask your cell phone provider what service will work with the particular phone.
How can you synchronize the PDA? Does it come with a USB cable or must you synchronize via phone/internet? Don't forget the basic PDA questions at the beginning of this article. They also apply to the "Smart Phones".
Does the "Smart Phone" have a microphone or hands-free adapter?
Read reviews regarding the PDA or "Smart Phone". Go to www.cnet.com for reviews. If you are interested in a particular model, perform a search on the internet for that particular model. Pay particular attention to the forums or chat areas. This is where you will find comments from people who use that particular device. You will hear the pros and cons.
How much do you want to invest? For example, a "Smart Phone" can range from $400 to $500. When using the phone to connect to the internet are you are using minutes from your cell phone package and being charged for internet data sent and received? Depending on your provider, you might have to have two packages - one for cell minutes, one for data usage.
Below is a table from AT&T as an example of plans available for mMode - internet charges for sending and receiving data, this is in addition to your regular cell package.
When you use mMode to send email, read news or download a game, your wireless phone works like a computer to transmit and receive data. Your "mMode plan" is the component of your monthly bill that covers the data transmitted and received. The data is measured in kilobytes (KB) and plans are based on the number of megabytes (MB) used in a month (1024KB = 1MB)*. Unlike voice plans, with mMode you pay only for the total amount of data you transmit and receive, not for the length of time you're connected or for how long you look at the information. http://www.attwireless.com/personal/features/mmode/plans.jhtml
MEGA plan:
Now that we have pointed out some areas to consider when purchasing a PDA, we leave you with one piece of advice. Always use care when driving and using your PDA/phone. Although we have all of this technology at our fingertips, let's all put Safety first.
Also, be sure to ask when you are looking at PDAs to ask whether you have to disconnect a call to look up info on the PDA.
Copyright 2004 FAR
mMode
Plans
MINI
MEGA
MAX
ULTRA
Expected
Frequency of mMode Use
"I just want to explore with mMode from time to time."
"I plan to check in with mMode several times a week."
"I want to connect with mMode on a daily basis."
"I plan to use mMode as my lifeline."
Monthly
Service Charge
$2.99
$7.99
$12.99
$19.99
MB Included
Per Month
pay as you use them
1MB
4MB
8MB
Price
Per Additional KB
2˘ per KB
1˘ per KB
0.8˘ per KB
0.6˘ per KB
*Price per KB reflects cost per kilobyte after exceeding the plans megabytes (MB) monthly.
Let's say you receive an e-mail with pictures attached and you exceed your 1 MB limit by an additional 1 MB. Your cost would be $7.99 for the month PLUS $0.01 * 1,024 KB or an additional $10.24.