How to select a handheld computer

If you are looking for a handheld computer, perhaps something which can fill the role that people hoped to fill with PDAs, you should look at tablet computers. PDA handhelds were intended to be portable computers which could be used for entertainment, business, personal computing education, and organisation. Today's tablet computers are able to do all of the things that pocket PCs promised.

Apple iPad

If you love your iPhone and want a tablet, the Apple iPad is a logical choice. The iPad is just like a big iPhone. If you want a handheld computer to do consumer-type things, such as watching YouTube videos, sending and receiving emails, and reading ebooks, you will be happy with an iPad. The iPad comes in 3G and WiFi models. The 3G iPad can connect to cellular networks for Internet access. This requires an additional fee, and these tablets are more expensive because of the additional features. WiFi iPads, like all WiFi devices, connect to a wireless network, such as your home computer network or the free network available at libraries and coffee shops. If you have reliable WiFi access at home, school, and work, you do not need a 3G tablet. Limitations The iPad has some limitations. There is not an SD port or a USB port, so you are limited on how you can move media around on your tablet. You are also not able to expand the storage, although Apple does sell an SD card reader for photos. However, even this device is limited in that it cannot act the way a regular SD card behaves in terms of transferring files.

Android tablets

If you want to have a tablet which you can control and modify, you might be interested in some of the different Android tablets. The Adam tablet has a USB port and an SD slot, making the tablet more like a computer. Android tablets are for people who want to make changes and experiment with their computers. Linux users will be happier with an Android tablet than an iPad. You will want a rugged case for mobile tablets, because they can be carried everywhere. When you are looking for cases, consider the life of your tablet. A cute case or cover might not cover the hard knocks of life in a backpack or purse.