Overall Findings
Smartphones are everywhere, and many users rely on these devices for more than voice and text communication. However, the PDA is still around, and some users enjoy its digital day planner-type of functionality. Since the earliest PDA adopters were business users, good business software is available for PDAs. Still, the range and compatibility of apps available for smartphones are astounding, and the PDA’s best days appear to be behind it.
Price: PDAs Are Cheaper
PDAs are often cheaper than a smartphone over the life of the device, although the initial purchase price of some smartphones is less than the cost of a PDA. You often pay more for a smartphone over one or two years than you would with a PDA. For example, wireless data plan fees add up over time, making smartphones more expensive in the long run. Consider a PDA that costs $300 and a low-priced smartphone that costs $150 plus an additional $40 per month for data service. After one year of service, the smartphone and data service costs $630.
Connectivity: PDAs Aren’t as Connected
With a wireless data plan, smartphones are always connected to the internet. Go online anytime and anywhere you have service. PDAs don’t connect to cellular networks and can’t provide the same range of connectivity that smartphones offer. PDAs and smartphones also use other forms of connectivity, including Wi-Fi and Bluetooth. With a Wi-Fi-enabled PDA or smartphone, for example, surf the internet, check email, and download files wherever a Wi-Fi hotspot is available, often at much higher speeds than with cellular data networks. If your PDA or smartphone has Wi-Fi, use internet calling plans such as Skype to connect to friends and family.
Functionality: Some Prefer Two Devices
While many users have left PDAs by the wayside in favor of full-featured smartphones, some users prefer the functionality that two devices provide. For example, a PDA may offer a larger screen than some smartphones, which is helpful for users who want to review spreadsheets or other documents without excess scrolling. Memory and processing power can also vary among devices. If a smartphone breaks or is lost or stolen, the information stored on it may be gone if you don’t have proper backups. If you have a PDA, contact information is readily accessible even if your phone is inoperable.
Final Verdict
Some people like their PDAs, finding them to be excellent tools to stay organized, take notes, store phone numbers, manage to-do lists, enjoy entertainment, and keep track of a calendar. The reality is that PDA development has come to a halt, and it may be only a matter of time until the PDA is just a memory. Smartphones, with a combination of internet and Wi-Fi access as well as cellular communication capabilities and a range of apps, aren’t going anywhere anytime soon.
