|
|
The Guide |
Photos |
Videos |
Columns |
Calendar
|
|
Hello Everyone!
I'm finally back with my second and final column about PDA's. Next time, I will go into greater detail and actually show you, the faithful reader, how to prepare your photos for the web using Adobe Photoshop, and Adobe Image Ready. Now on with the column!
There are two different types of PDA's that I will be discussing, The Palm OS Based PDA, and the Pocket PC Based PDA. There are other types of PDA's with different operating systems out there, but I will not waste your time.
What follows is a very brief overview of some of the similarities and differences between the two major styles of PDA:
Palm Based PDAs
Pocket PC PDAs
Those are some of the differences between the two types. Either one that you choose, it will serve you well.
I am currently using a Palm Zire 21. It comes with 8MB of RAM, a decent processor, and a black and white screen. You can get them for about $79.00 to $100.00 and are great for a first time user. The Palm Zire base model is too underpowered to be of any use to people in our industry. The 2MB of RAM that it has will run out fast, and the processor is VERY slow. If you want an economical PDA with a color screen, and a digital camera, get the Zire 71. The Zire 71 has a nice color screen, digital camera, 16 MB of ram, and a faster processor than the Zire 21. At approximately $150 to $200 or so, it is still a reasonable buy.
I stated last month that I have booked parties on the spot using my PDA... Well, The other day I was running late to a restaurant gig and in my rush to get to work, I left my PDA at home. Although I had not booked a party using my PDA since before twist and shout, I felt weird without it. It just happened to be the night that people are willing to book me on the spot, with deposit on hand. I could have booked 2 parties on the spot, but I did not. I got one of the parties booked the next day, and I am still working on booking the other. So here is the moral of the story... If you don't have a PDA, get one. If you DO have a PDA, bring it with you to your gigs. Like the saying goes, "Don't leave home with out it!"
Other places that I have been able to book parties using my PDA (and cell phone) are the Gym, the Beach, Movie Theatre (not during the movie, of course), and even a gas station.
The best thing about entering the data into your PDA is that once there, the only thing you have to do is synchronize your PDA with your computer. The only work that's required is to connect some cables and press a button. Within minutes, everything you entered into the PDA is on your computer.
As I stated last time, I would let you know what my dream PDA is. Well, it is the Handspring Treo 600 smart phone. That has everything a person on the go would ever want in a decent sized package. It is a combination Palm Pilot, digital camera, and GSM cell phone with a built in keyboard, memory expansion and external peripheral expansion... What more could a person want? But alas, the price point is a little high at this moment in time. I'll wait until the next model comes out to get a discount on it or something.
Anyhow, I think that I've covered more than enough PDA Basics to get you started with PDA's. I've also given you a few examples of how you would use your PDA in your business.
Until next time, and have fun with your PDA's!
Anthony
Anthony Brown, Jr.
The Miami Balloon Guy
"Twisted balloons for all occasions"
(305) 724 - 5488
http://www.miamiballoonguy.com
