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