Handheld Computer Suggestions

This document tells you the basics to selecting a handheld computer and key things to remember if you intend to sync with NDSU applications. Suggestions provided here include no warranty and may not take into account everything that might affect a handheld computer purchase. If you have additional questions, please consult either ITS or your computer retailer.

When selecting a handheld computer, you should first consider the functions for which the PDA will be used. Choosing a handheld that has the features you need could reduce the need to upgrade immediately and keep the cost to a minimum.

Handheld functions:

• Calendaring

  This may be synced with GroupWise or Corporate Time or not synced at all.

• Contacts

  This includes your GroupWise contacts as well as a non-synced address book.

• Office Documents

  This includes editing/creating Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint documents.

• Wireless Internet

  This indicates the ability to connect to wireless networks, not the availability of networks.

After evaluating what your uses for a handheld computer for, you can match up your needs with ITS-suggested handhelds below:

Additional Notes:

• Palm handhelds are recommended before Pocket PCs largely due to cost and availability of software. Pocket PC hardware is generally more expensive, and the increased speed will not make your syncing or contact browsing any faster.
  • A faster handheld is useful when using software programs such as Office.
• For Pocket PCs, Dell Axims are suggested in following with the Dell standard on NDSU campus.
• GroupWise Users: Compaq iPaq Pocket PCs are known to "break" GroupWise. If you use GroupWise, iPaqs are not recommended.

Handheld FAQ