Anybody using a PDA or handheld for info ?

[NYJimbo]

So many times clients ask me stuff I cannot recall and wish I could pull it up on a pda or handheld. Do any of you do this?. What machine do you recommend. I really want to pack a knowledgebase on it and make it so I can copy or back it up to/from a desktop without alot of work. Its got to be something I can structure into different topics or subjects and maybe have some apps to do minor calculations or database lookups, storing prices or catalog part info, etc..

Thanks..

 

[jamesejr7]

So many times clients ask me stuff I cannot recall and wish I could pull it up on a pda or handheld. Do any of you do this?. What machine do you recommend. I really want to pack a knowledgebase on it and make it so I can copy or back it up to/from a desktop without alot of work. Its got to be something I can structure into different topics or subjects and maybe have some apps to do minor calculations or database lookups, storing prices or catalog part info, etc..

Thanks..

In the past I purchased a Dell x51v PDA in which I have synchronized to my Outlook program (I have all my business and client contacts as well as important dates and information, etc.)

I think its a good idea to load it up with information (and it is quite easy to copy documents, info, etc. to the PDA. I have internal memory as well as a SD card for additional storage). Although I do use my laptop as well, its not always on and in case the battery goes out this serves me as a neat reminder/orginizer when I'm on the go. I actually got this device from ebay brand new for less than 200 dollars. I'm sure there are a lot of options out there if you really want it, however i don't think its a major necessity.

Good luck,

James

 

[Brandon]

I have a Blackberry Curve for this. Its a phone/organizer/computer in your pocket. Thousands of free apps for Blackberry devices and a lot of support on the net. I used to have a Treo for this but am definitely addicted to my crackberry. It really comes in helpful when I want to look something up on Google and don't want to use my laptop. Just my .02

Good luck...

 

[thecoldone06]

Thousands of free apps? I haven't found very many that are free. Which apps do you use?

 

[TimeCode]

Thousands of free apps? I haven't found very many that are free. Which apps do you use?

Yeah, I got my curve about 3 months ago and haven't loaded a thing onto it... What've you got for us?

 

[tartis]

I have been in IT for many years and I could not live without my Palm Treo. I keep everything known to man in the thing. I can even run a credit card using PayJunction if needed using my PDA.

 

[jamesejr7]

I have been in IT for many years and I could not live without my Palm Treo. I keep everything known to man in the thing. I can even run a credit card using PayJunction if needed using my PDA.

Hey,

I was looking into PayJunction or Propay to offer credit cards as well. What do you think of PayJunction?

Thanks

 

[Brandon]

Whoops, I guess your right about the apps being free. I shouldn't of said thousands are, there are a few though. Some of the apps I use are

Google Sync: Syncs my blackberry calendar with Google Calendar, Free Download

Beyond411: Directory Assistant, Free Download

Opera Mini: secure web browser, Free Download

Password Manager: Included on the OS

MemoPad: Included on the OS

Viigo: RSS Reader, Free Download

Gtalk: Google Talk IM, Free Download

And of course Google which has an answer to everything. Its not an App but a great tool.

By the end of the year the new OS will have Docs2go which you will be able to work with Word, Excel, PDF files on your blackberry. The email should support full html too.

Couple good websites for support are:
crackberry.com
howardforums.com

Hope that helps

 

[multiplexed]

As far as what device you want, first check which software you want, then purchase a compatible device.

I would want a device to sync my customer database, outlook calendar, mileage tracking, time tracking, turn by turn GPS directions, "possibly" quickbooks, some word & excel documents, maybe internet access, and whatever else I can find.

You can do all of the above with most any PDA. But the customer database I want (maximizer) is better on windows mobile. Outlook is better as well.

I've used many PDA's in the past, but I haven't used a PDA in the last 5 years or so. My understanding is that windows mobile now has a lot more 3rd party apps than palmos, so that's another plus for windows mobile.

Anyway, choose your apps and features, then purchase a compatible device.

 

[bmetman]

I currently use an hp w/ windows. I also had a dell pocket pc and both did everything I could ask. I haven't purchased one in a few years so I can't answer for the gps but word, excel and outlook were all easily synced.

 

[Bryce W]

Im running an Ipaq 6965 and I am happy with it. Runs on Windows Mobile, has GPS, syncs with outlook nicely and has a full qwerty keyboard which is great for writing in details quickly (such as taking down client details when you are on the road).

 

[tartis]

I was looking into PayJunction or Propay to offer credit cards as well. What do you think of PayJunction

I have used PayJunction for 3 years with no problems. You can take cards using your computer, PDA, or phone. The back-end user interface is also very good and easy to use. I also have setup a way for business customers to pay me online for invoices using a credit card.

 

[thor999]

I have used PayJunction for 3 years with no problems. You can take cards using your computer, PDA, or phone. The back-end user interface is also very good and easy to use. I also have setup a way for business customers to pay me online for invoices using a credit card.

Would you be so inclined as to provide us with a tutorial on that? I sure would appreciate that! Sounds like the best service to accept credit card payments! Also, how do you guys feel about the new Sprint Instinct, as opposed to a Palm Treo?

 

[tartis]

Would you be so inclined as to provide us with a tutorial on that? I sure would appreciate that!

What kind of help are you looking for? There is a demo on the Payjunction website. www.payjunction.com

 

[Pc Fixed Right]

What are their processing rates? Cost of eqipment and consumeables?

 

[Wheelie]

I have been in IT for many years and I could not live without my Palm Treo. I keep everything known to man in the thing. I can even run a credit card using PayJunction if needed using my PDA.

Ditto - could not live without my Treo. Has everything (except radar detector!)

 

[abe]

I can't live without my palm centro I use docs to go for documents and sync to outlook.

 

[kris.mcdougall]

verizon smartphone

I use a XV6800, I think they even have the 6900 out now. It's a Windows Mobile Device and it works great. I have the data package with it so I can look stuff up online and download apps. It takes a miniSD card so I can hold tons of info on it. It also has mobile office so I can create and edit workflow documents and whatnot. The only trouble I have is the battery life is not all that great. I have to charge it about every other night or i'll run it totally out of juice.

 

[quantumdrift]

Hi all, I'm new to the site and am very impressed with what I have been seeing so far.

I have been doing the tech thing for a while and have always found PDA's very useful for having contact info and other customer details with me for quick reference.

I have used everything from the original Palm Pilot through a number of iPaq's to a Treo and now an iPhone. As we all know, technology progresses in leaps and bounds, but I was not expecting the iPhone to be as much of a game changer for me as it was.

The GPS/Maps feature is self explanatory. I am able to sync with outlook for contacts and such as always, but with the iPhone's built in abilities and a few third party apps I am able to do so much more without having to pull out the laptop. The full web browser makes it much easier to find information on issues using google or other online resources, I am able to connect to my customer database and access any information I have on past problems and such, I keep a database on the phone itself of rare/strange problems I have come across, and I also keep up to date copies of common programs that, with a third party program, I can send right to the customer's computer for install. There are also the common types of network tools that I use on the iPhone that I have been using on other PDA's for some time (ping, traceroute, ip mapping, etc.).

And for paperwork I just connect to my private web server and fill out the invoice and a copy is entered into my database as well as emailing a PDF copy to the customer automatically.

Sorry for being so long winded and potentially sounding like an Apple fanatic, but I have just found this thing to be so useful.

 

[Wheelie]

... but I was not expecting the iPhone to be as much of a game changer for me as it was ...

Thanks for the (long-winded) review. That's exactly what I've been wanting to hear. A reason to get the new iPhone!