My PDA, Myself by Donna Schwartz Mills
I used to be one of those people who kept everything in their headI prided myself on my ability to memorize phone numbers and birthdays, and knew my schedule without writing anything in a calendar.
Then I became a mom
I am now one of the most forgetful people on the planetI don't know if it's due to the fact that I am no longer responsible for just myself (keeping track of my schedule, my daughter's schedule, the school's schedule, the play dates, the after school lessons and more)..or if I lost brain cells during pregnancy ..but my short term memory has turned to mushThese days, I need to write everything down..more than ever, now that I have a business of my own.
I made but one resolution last year: To do a better job of tracking my family's schedule and recording my business expensesI started out great - I bought a spanking new organizer with custom pages and pouches for receipts, stamps and business cardsI kept a schedule for me and my family, wrote down all my mileage (a must for tax purposes!) and tracked my biz expenses...
...for about two monthsThe book was too big to fit in my bag, it was heavy to carry - and I began leaving it at home more often than not, which kind of defeated the purpose of having an organizer at allThen, I lost it and all the information it contained.
So I bought another oneThis time, I decided to go the deluxe routeI headed to my local Franklin Covey store and purchased a beautiful butternut leather book and pretty organizer pages, which included Stephen Covey's system on becoming more effectiveThe whole package cost me about $100 - I figured if I invested this much into it, I would be less apt to lose it
I started writing down goals and tracking all of my business tasks, and was feeling quite on top of things...
...for about two monthsOnce again, the biggest obstacle to using the system was that it was too bulky and heavy to carry with me everywhereI looked with envy at friends who had invested in electronic PDA (Personal Digital Assistant) organizers - small, light-weight devices that sync up with your computer and fit easily into a purseThat, I thought, would be a solution - if only they were not so expensive.
Well, PDA's are not so expensive any longerWith the entry-level Palm model retailing at just $99, and Handspring Visors available at similar cost, almost everyone can afford to carry one now.
What to Look for in a PDA
There is a dizzying array of PDA models with various features, so deciding which one you buy can be a confusing processSince a PDA is really just a small, hand-held computer, your buying decision should be based on some of the same considerations you make when purchasing a desktop system:
1RAM 2Speed 3Expandability 4Price
There are two major competing operating systems in the PDA worldThe most popular uses the system developed by Palm - these include the Handspring Visor, the Sony Clie and of course, the Palm PilotThe other major OS is called PocketPC - this is a Windows-based environment developed by Microsoft to compete with PalmIt is somewhat easier to exchange information between PocketPC handhelds and Windows based software - but at a pricePocketPC requires more system resources - the popular Compaq iPaq H3650 features a minimum of 32 MB of RAM, which makes these devices slightly heavier and more expensive than the ones that run the Palm OS.
The folks at ZDNet have created a guide to help you decide which PDA models are best for youWhile you're there, you can view a list of the most popular models and user reviews and even shop online for the best prices: l
Using Your New PDA
All PDA models come bundled with the two most important organizing functions: Address book and CalendarIf you use Microsoft Outlook on your desktop computer, you can import all of your current entries with ease via your new handheld's syncing function.
Creating new entries is also a cinchYou have the option of tapping an on-screen keyboard with your stylus or "writing" the text using your device's built-in handwriting function (called "Graffiti" on Palm based systems)Graffiti takes a little bit of getting used to, but it's pretty easy to masterMost users tend to fluctuate between the two entry systems.
There are thousands of third-party software programs that you can download into your new PDA - many of them are freeMy personal favorite is AvantGo, which allows me to carry the movie listings from every theater in my local areaThese update automatically whenever I sync my handheld to my desktop.
Each of the major PDA manufacturers carries software linksYou'll also find much to choose from at these sites:
http://www.palmgear.com http://www.handango.com/ http://www.pilotzone.com/ http://www.zdnet.com/downloads/ http://www.memoware.com/
Bear in mind that you are limited by the amount of RAM included in your deviceIf you find yourself running out, you should look into adding a new memory module.
Technology writer Mark Kellner offers the following advice on getting along with your new PDA:
1Synchronize and backup at least once per day2Watch your batteriesThe more inexpensive models tend to use AAA-sized batteries - make sure you have a steady supply3Protect your device with a caseChances are, your new PDA came with a catalog of third party vendors offering a wide variety of productsCheck them out4Get a screen protectorThese are thin sheets of plastic that use static to adhere to the screen
I received my new Handspring Visor as a Christmas gift and I love itBecause it fits right into my handbag without adding much weight, it is as constant a companion as my wallet and cellular phoneI'm trying out some expense tracking and vehicle expense software, as well as a diet and exercise log and feel good about my prospects of meeting this year's resolutions..I'll let you know in a couple of months!
About the Author Donna Schwartz Mills writes about the specific needs of work at home parents at her website, The ParentPreneur Club "For Parents Who Want Choices, Not Office Politics." The latest news, tips, and tools you need to help grow your home based business while raising a family< http://www.parentpreneurclub.com > Subscribe to our weekly newsletter: < mailto:subscribe@parentpreneurclub.com > |