Palm vs. Palm: Which PDA Is Best for a Novice?

Reader Bernetta F. Lewis writes: I have a question about the Tungsten E2 Handheld. I am looking for a PDA that isn't for work. I want to organize my addresses, listen to music and the basic things you need to organize your life. I don't need Wi-Fi or Bluetooth for my device. Would this PDA be a good choice for a first PDA? Thanks in advance for your help.

In case you hadn't noticed, the PDA market tanked a couple of years ago, to the point where major companies like Sony abandoned the market and other vendors, including Dell and HP, have scaled back their PDA offerings as smartphones and have picked up more and more of the features that PDAs used to offer.

Palm is still making a wide range of PDAs, and yes, I'd recommend that if you want something affordable and simple, you get a Palm device instead of a Windows Mobile handheld. Hardly a PDA fiend, I still have trouble getting around in Windows Mobile, which really earns its name: It's an awful lot like a miniature version of Windows, bugs and all.

For simple Palm PDAs, you have two basic choices, the Tungsten E2, which you've already identified, and the Palm Z22, formerly known as the Zire line. The advantages of the E2: It lets you open Office docs, has Bluetooth, and expansion slot, and a color screen with twice the resolution of the Z22. With the Bluetooth connection you can browse the web or get email on the device. (I know you said you didn't want Wi-Fi or Bluetooth, but someday you might).

The Z22 has none of those features, and doesn't even have an expansion slot, so if you buy the Z22, you're stuck with it as is. It's 1.3 ounces lighter, and it costs only $99 instead of $199. But its abilities are quite limited: You can't even listen to music on the thing. I also think the E2 looks nicer, but at least the Z22 does have a color screen.

So which to get? If you plan on opening any Office apps or want to use the PDA for anything beyond the most basic organizer functions, the E2 is your pick. If you really want the absolute minimum and price is a major concern, go with the Z22. Either way, good luck!