Important Consideration: Operating System

Important Consideration: Operating System

The operating system is the software that performs a PDA's basic functions. Palm software is less complex, but Windows Mobile has portable versions of Microsoft Office applications and Windows Media Player. Devices based on RIM's BlackBerry operating system have become increasingly popular.

Palm has tended to dominate the entry-level market with its inexpensive (and unconnected) Zires. But an increasing number of Windows Mobile devices are debuting at midrange prices ($150 to $200). While Treos introduced early in 2006 commanded a premium, newer models are going to be slightly less expensive, the company says. Sophisticated, phone-like BlackBerry models such as the Pearl are also pricey.