Key Features

Key Features
PlatformMost PDAs run on one of two major operating systems, or platforms: the Palm OS from PalmSource (now a subsidiary of the Japanese firm Access) and Microsoft's increasingly popular Windows Mobile OS. Some devices run on other platforms--most notably Research In Motion's BlackBerry--but the Palm OS and Windows Mobile still dominate the market.

Though these platforms used to be distinct, the differences have diminished--to the point where Palm now makes its Treo PDA/phones for both Palm OS and Windows Mobile platforms. PDAs based on early versions of the Palm OS were simpler, lower-cost devices, and these days the most inexpensive Palms are still cheaper than the lowest-end Windows Mobile PDAs. But Palm's high-end models today match the Windows Mobile offerings in such features as cameras and Internet connectivity. And while all PDAs based on Windows Mobile used to be relatively expensive across the board, today you can find models that compete directly with midrange Palms.

Both are also taking on increasingly capable models based on the BlackBerry OS, which continues to set the gold standard for mobile e-mail management, and Symbian, the OS used by Nokia. The main drawback here is relative scarcity of third-party applications for these OSs; if you're content with the apps you get with these devices, this may not be a problem.

from http://tech.msn.com/products/article.aspx?cp-documentid=2746114&page=2