To save space in RAM, you can load certain program applications or files
onto SD or CF memory cards. If you save important or confidential files and
applications to removable memory cards, and keep them separate from your
PDA, you still have that data if your PDA is lost, damaged, or stolen.
Considering your wireless options
A PDA or Pocket PC with an open CF type II or SDIO slot (see the previous sec-
tion) can, in all likelihood, be easily adapted for wireless capability. However,
several manufacturers are offering an increasing number of units with inte-
grated wireless capabilities. This, as Martha Stewart would say, is a good thing.
Having built-in wireless connectivity can considerably simplify your Web surf-
ing experience and, even though it might add a bit to the bottom line at the
outset, I believe the extra convenience is well worth the extra cost. Besides, if
you decide to go with a unit that lacks integrated wireless, you're still faced
with purchasing a wireless adapter, and they don't just give 'em away.
Another good reason to choose a Pocket PC or PDA with integrated wireless
capability is that your expansion slots will remain free for other purposes.
If you choose, however (like so many others before you), to ignore my sage
advice and purchase a PDA or Pocket PC lacking built-in wireless connectiv-
ity, never fear. I explain how to make that device Wi-Fi-capable in "Adapting
Your Laptop or PDA for Wireless," later in this chapter.
Customizing with a browser,
mouse, and keyboard
You can choose from a wide variety of hardware and software options to
make your PDA a trusted and worthy traveling companion -- so you might as
well start with a Web browser, a mouse, and a keyboard.
Web browsers installed on handheld devices are somewhat different from
those on PCs. Because the screen is so small, it's difficult (if not impossible)
to squeeze the contents of a Web page into the tiny space in a way that ren-
ders it readable. Several solutions have been tried, with varying success.
Your browsing options depend on the operating system on your device:
A Pocket PC with the Windows Mobile OS: On a new Pocket PC, at
least, your default browser is Pocket Internet Explorer (PIE). If you've
got a Pocket PC with WM 2003SE installed, you can choose from several
good alternate browsers, including NetFront 3.2, ThunderHawk, and
Skweezer. (I'm sure that other alternative versions, such as NetFront 3.3,
will soon be available for WM 5.0 as well.)
Chapter 3: Gearing Up
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