Capabilities of Smart Phones

Smart phones combine the functions of a PDA and a cell phone, giving you the best of both worlds. Like PDAs, you'll have to choose between Palm OS-powered smart phones or smart phones that run Microsoft's Windows Mobile OS. All of the same considerations apply when choosing between the two, although with smart phones there are a couple of extra issues to consider.

Your choice of smart phone depends on the cell carrier that you choose. Just like standard phones, carriers support specific models so you'll have to choose from what they offer. Smart phones are all digital; I haven't found a model that also supports connecting via an analog cell site. This shouldn't be a problem if you're in a major U.S. city, but if you travel throughout the U.S. you need to be aware that you'll be unable to use the phone outside of your carrier's digital network.

Other than Palm OS and Windows Mobile smart phones you also can consider Blackberry wireless handhelds. Known for its two-way messaging and e-mail devices, Blackberry also produces wireless handhelds that include voice, SMS messaging, and e-mail. These devices aren't full-fledged PDAs; they're more wireless organizers and don't have anywhere near the functionality of a Palm or Windows Mobile smart phone.