Wireless Devices - PDA's and PC's with Wireless Modems

We have lumped PDA’s and PC’s together. While there are certainly differences surrounding price, screen size, processing power, in general, these devices operate similarly. In both cases these devices typically utilize a Microsoft operating system and wireless connectivity is achieved by plugging in PC Card or Flash Card sized wireless modems. The advantage here is that one can have a fully functional PC or PDA while having wireless connectivity as well. These devices can operate using a browser however applications that support these devices typically install a client application on the device. Due to the high capital costs of these devices there are only a few work force productivity / dispatch solutions available for these devices and the ones that are available tend to be very expensive.

In the recent past, the key down side of this class of device was price, with PDA’s typically costing $500 to $1000 US. However, new competition from highly efficient Dell Corporation has recently driven down the cost of these devices to under $300.00. Wireless modems are available on the new 2.5G networks for between $300 and $500 US bringing the total for a wireless PDA into the $600 to $1500 US range. While there is a substantial array of peripherals available for these devices, their individual suitability for the mobile environment must be examined before committing to a particular product. One such innovative product is Pocket PC MidLink from Wireless Links, which allows a Pocket PC (Win CE) PDA to be used in a vehicle as both a data dispatch device and a Vehicle Tracking device.

PDA’s and PC’s with Wireless Modems - Pro's

	On-board processing power
	Reasonably rugged – some care is required when the displays get larger
	Physically small (PDA)
	Bright, readable displays, often with full color
	Increased availability of wireless modems for 2.5G wireless networks
	Can easily run other programs due to use of Microsoft Operating System
	Can run client applications in the device or utilize a browser
	Complete keyboard, can be full size

PDA’s and PC’s with Wireless Modems - Con's

	High capital cost for device and wireless modems
	Medium to high operating cost (data air time)
	Data only – no voice
	Susceptible to shock and vibration damage
	Device with browsers do not operate when out of coverage
	Limited availability of work force productivity applications
	PC’s require time to boot up