PDAs

[Chrisw2]

I am thinking of buying a Personal Digital Assistant on which to store my family history data.  I would be really grateful to receive any advice or recommendations on the best type to buy for this purpose, please.  Many thanks.

[mikehicks]

Hi,

Personally I'd go for a Windows CE device, then you can use Excel for example (or Access if there's a version for it). You get compatibility to your PC too.

Also if you're that way inclined you can get toolkits and compilers to develop your own software.

Mike

[RJ_Paton]

there are a few programs about that will also load and allow work on gedcom files and allow the transfer to and from a personal computer.
click here for software for Palm OS pda's

[Clare Fowler]

Hi there,

You should be able to use either a device that runs either Windows CE or Palm OS, as either will allow the sharing of text, word and excel files (Palm OS uses software called 'documents to go'), and I believe that there are useful family history programs for either.

What I would make sure is that the PDA you get is reliable.  I have used 3 different ones so far - an HP iPaq (Windows CE), a Palm Tungsten E and a Palm Tunsgten T2 (both the latter using Palm OS).  The T2 I have found to be the most reliable of the three.  Both of the others have had a bad habit of crashing on me.

Secondly, I would ensure that it is easy for you to use.  The Palm Tungsten suits me, but I would try to 'play' with a few first to see what suits you best.  As part of this, I would look at the the battery life and whether it takes ordinary batteries or has a rechargeable, lithium battery built in.  How you enter data, etc.

Thirdly, I would try to make sure that you get one with a decent amount of RAM (no less than 32MB).  Also, that it has the ability to have its storage capacity extended by either a Compact Flash card or SD card. 

Finally, I would think about what else you might use it for, and factor that in as well.

I hope some of this helps - if you want to ask me any questions on it, just send me a personal message on it, and I will be happy to offer any advice that I can give.

Cheers,
Clare

[RJ_Paton]

I would echo much of what Clare has said .... the problem with trying to suggest any kind of hardware is the old adage ... one man's meat etc etc.

What I find useful may be contrary to what you want or need .... try various models decide on your budget and go for the best specifications within that.

Decide what you really want the machine for and draw up a shortlist of the various models and go through them until you find something that YOU are comfortable with.

[Chrisw2]

Hi,
Thank you so much everyone for all the excellent advice.  I have only just joined Rootschat and am already discovering what an valuable and helpful site it is!

I shall now put all the info together and draw up my shortlist.  At the moment, Palm is looking good with, perhaps, either My Roots 4 or Pocket Genealogist.

Thank you for being so helpful!

Chris.