PDA Operating Systems 

Learn the similarities and differences between operating systems for PDAs and smartphones. More critical than selecting the right PDA model is selecting the right PDA operating system (OS). The big three are Palm, Windows Mobile and Blackberry. Palm OS Palm is better suited for small businesses and solo practitioners. Windows Mobile and Blackberry are better suited for corporations. Why? Palm is simple to use. It synchronizes nicely with a standalone computer. The other two offer better security and integration with corporate networks. Windows Mobile OS Windows Mobile is made by Microsoft. The Dell Axim and HP iPaq among others feature this OS. It was originally created as Windows CE and was later called Pocket PC. It is now called Windows Mobile.   In my opinion, it is the most complex operating system for a PDA. With that complexity comes opportunity though. It is the platform of choice for many commercial applications. I've seen it is used in restaurants by waiters taking orders. There are many other field uses using for these PDAs. Blackberry OS Blackberry is made by Research in Motion (RIM), based in Canada. Blackberry devices are most known for their easy email capabilities. They are so addictive, they have become popularly known as the "Crackberry". Other Operating Systems There are many other operating systems, some designed solely for Smartphones. The Symbian OS is used in the popular Sony Ericsson P900 smart phone.   Whatever PDA or phone you select, be sure to pay attention to the underlying operating system. This will affect what type of additional software you may purchase for use on your PDA. Remember that a PDA is literally a handheld computer. There is a lot of power and capability in that tiny little device.

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