Do You Need a Palm Pilot?

PDAs, or personal digital assistants, have become all the rage. From students to the CEOs of multi-million dollar companies, everyone seems to have one. Nowadays, you can find PDAs bundled into cell phones, so you can carry one device to fit all your needs.

PDAs began in the late 90s. Pilot was the first type of PDA developed by the Palm Computing company. This is how its name of palm pilot came to be. Since 1998, however, palm devices are officially known as Palm Connected Organizers or just Palms. The term palm pilot has become the catchphrase when referring to any type of PDA device, regardless of the company that created it.

Palm pilots are bundled with a variety of software used to help the everyday person get along with their hectic days. From contact lists, calendars and to do lists, some PDAs have built-in WiFi capabilities that allow users to check their e-mail, instant messenger and even take phone calls and check their voicemails. Most cell phone companies now offer data packages that allow you to bundle your cell phone and PDA into one device, such as the BlackBerry, to make it easier for the person who does not want to carry two separate units.

The question is: Do you need a palm pilot? If you are the type of person carrying a heavy day planner, perhaps a PDA is a way to cut down on the amount of things you carry during the day. However, if you cannot afford a bundled cell phone/PDA package, it may be cost efficient to just carry a day planner and a cell phone instead of investing in both pieces of technology. When it comes down to it, you have to find the best solution that works with your circumstances.

PDAs can be a very easy way to organize your life. If you find it will help keep your schedule in check, perhaps investing in one is the right course of action. If you do not want to carry a cell phone and a PDA, staying away from one might be vital. But if you can afford to bundle your cell phone and PDA, you can carry the entirety of your life in something as small as the palm of your hand.