My first handheld: PDAs for beginners

Wi-what? Blue who? As handhelds advance further with connectivity and multimedia features, it's easy to get buried under all the specs, and the first-time buyer can feel very intimidated.

But don't worry, your shopping experience doesn't have to be a painful one. If you're new to the world of handhelds or you simply want a device to store your contacts and appointments, these five PDAs offer the basics -- and all for an affordable price.

Compact and easy to use, the PalmOne Zire 31 and the Palm Z22 are solid entry-level performers that have all the PIM tools you need for organisation. But if you want a little more from your PDA, check out the PalmOne Tungsten E2 and the HP iPaq rz1710, which have a couple of extras and expansion options. See if one is right for you.

Last updated: 14th October, 2005.

Palm Z22 Read review The Palm Z22 provides an affordable, very basic, and easy-to-use PDA suitable for first-time buyers and technophobes. Screen: 160x160 colour touch screen Processor: 200MHz Installed OS: Palm OS Garnet 5.4 Dimensions (W x D x H): 68.6 x 15.2 x 103.1 mm Weight: 96.4 grams Palm Zire 31 Read review The entry-level Zire 31 should have users singing a happy tune with an affordable price tag, added memory, a fast processor, and MP3 playback. Screen: 160x160 colour touch screen Processor: 200MHz Intel ARM Installed OS: Palm OS 5.2.8 Dimensions (W x D x H): 112 x 74 x 16 mm Weight: 116 grams HP iPAQ Pocket PC rz1710 Read review With a combination of small form factor and great performance, the rz1710 is solid entry-level PDA. Screen: 240 x 320 colour touch screen Processor: 203MHz Samsung 2410 Installed OS: Pocket PC Dimensions (W x D x H): 114 x 70 x 13.4mm Weight: 120 grams Palm Tungsten E2 Read review The Palm Tungsten E2 delivers the sleek and affordable combination of productivity and entertainment in a package that should satisfy mobile professionals and consumers alike. Screen: 320x320 colour Processor: Intel 200MHz Xscale Installed OS: Palm OS Garnet 5.4 Dimensions (W x D x H): 79 x 15 x 114 mm Weight: 133 grams Acer n30 Read review Acer's n30 Pocket PC is compact and lightweight and includes Bluetooth. Screen: 320 x 240 colour touch screen Processor: 266MHz Samsung S3C2410 Installed OS: Pocket PC Dimensions (W x D x H): 118 x 71 x 13 mm Weight: 130 grams