Keep your PDA in tune with new gizmos

Keep your PDA in tune with new gizmos

By Vishnu K. Mahmud

JAKARTA (JP): More and more people are purchasing Personal
Digital Assistants, or PDAs. These small, compact machines are
today's version of the old Filofax schedule booklet system
(remember them?).

Not only can you put in your daily schedule or important phone
numbers in these modern gadgets, some PDAs also allow you to play
video and music files while browsing the Internet.

The PDA market is divided into two main camps: those using the
Palm Operating System and the other utilizing Microsoft's Pocket
PC system. Between these two factions, you can purchase PDAs from
a variety of companies such as Casio, Compaq, Handspring and
Sony.

Some may have color screens while others may have memory
expansion slots.

But more importantly, you can add accessories to maximize the
value your PDA unit. It doesn't matter if you have a Palm or
Pocket PC, there are accessories for students, businessmen and
those who just can't get away.

Each PDA has a stylus, or pen-like pointing device to tap on
the screen to access the various programs. Most units come with
their own stylus but some people prefer to use something else.

Perhaps a dual function fountain pen that not only works on
your PDA but also on paper may tickle your fancy? Or perhaps a
small stylus that can fit inside your PDA unit but also has a
small pen inside?

There are many types of stylus for each person's
discriminating tastes and needs. Don't stick to the one that you
don't like!

One of my favorite accessories is the foldable keyboard, which
is designed for those who are hopeless in writing or using the
built-in stylus. The portable keyboard can be used in meetings,
airplanes and even your car. Targus (www.targus.com) has many
varieties of keyboards available for both the Palm and Pocket PC.
A perfect gift for those who can type faster then they write.

The main screen of a PDA can be rather delicate since they are
touch sensitive. Screen protectors are currently available to
prevent scratches and streaks. Some provide a better coating for
writing with the stylus than others. One should beware, however,
that some screen protectors do make the screen darker and hard to
see in dim lighting. My current favorite is the Brando Screen
Protector (www.brando.com.hk), which is not only reusable but
also washable!

Some of us can be rather careless with our belongings. A PDA
is not something you want to toss into your bag with your keys.
Make sure it's protected! There are a variety of carrying cases
and PDA wallets that not only shelter your digital investment but
are also stylish. Leather cases are popular, which not only house
your PDA but can also act as a wallet! I prefer a Titanium
carrying case to protect my IBM C3 and, so far, the amount of
scratches on my case would make an avid skateboarder cringe.
Imagine what my PDA would look like without it!

And finally, the must-have accessory for your PDA: Software!

Apart from the basic functions of scheduler and address book,
PDA can play games (such as Othello), display small pictures and
run small programs. Some of them are shareware (try it first and
if you like it, buy!) while others may be free. For the most
part, you can find and purchase them online.

Palm Gear HQ (www.palmgear.com) is perhaps one of the premier
sites for Palm-based software (among other things), while
Microsoft's PocketPC.com (www.pocketpc.com) has a wide selection
of software, hardware, accessories and tips for the Pocket PC
user.

Where can you get all these accessories locally? Previously,
the latest gadgetry or electronics were only available in the
U.S. or Singapore and had to be imported. Nowadays, you can find
them in various Jakarta malls such as Taman Anggrek, Ambassador
Mall and Ratu Plaza.

Popular stores online include Triyaso Telekomindo
(www.triyaso.co.id) and C-Palm (www.c-palm.com) who have a large
selection of accessories. You can also find them in the various
online classified ads such as www.iklanbaris.co.id.

Don't forget, you can also get and share information about a
product from the mailing lists. There are at least two Indonesian
based topics in Yahoo! groups that talk about PDAs. ID-Palm (id-
palm@yahoogroups.com) is perhaps one of the biggest Palm based
user groups in Indonesia.

Komputersaku@yahoogroups.com) is another mailing list that
discusses PDAs but not Operating Systems exclusively (komputer
saku is Indonesian for pocket computer). You can find
information, the latest accessories, camaraderie or even buy and
sell PDAs through these groups.

Purchasing a PDA is only half the fun. It's finding out what
else can be done with it that brings out the geek in everyone!

The writer is an IT consultant based in Jakarta. Questions?
Contact Vishnu at sundaypost@thejakartapost.com