PDA gift for technophobic wife
November 30, 2005

Submitted by: Ron via e-mail
I don't have a PDA, but my technology-phobic wife wants one for Christmas, basically to use as a calendar. Do you have any recommendations for an entry-level handheld with minimal bells and whistles for someone not very savvy with computers who only wants (at this time) a way to manage her schedule?

Bonnie Cha, senior associate editor
Good news, Ron. There are a handful of PDAs out there that are designed for first-time users and technophobes, just like your wife. They don't come tricked out with advanced multimedia features or sometimes-confusing wireless functions; they're primary purpose is to be an electronic organizer to keep your contacts, calendar, to-do list, and notes in one place. There are several models I'd recommend, and even better, they won't wipe out your entire holiday shopping budget since they're all affordably priced.

Palm Z22: This is the most minimal PDA of the bunch. The Palm Z22 is easy to use, and you get only the basic PIM functions and not much else, although you can view and store photos--a nice touch. It's also extremely compact and light, so your wife will have no problem slipping it into her purse.

Palm Zire 31: The Palm Zire 31 is the predecessor to the Palm Z22, but don't mistake it for a has-been. The PDA offers the basics plus music playback; she essentially gets two devices in one.

Finally, if you think your wife will eventually want to do more with her PDA, you might want to consider the HP iPaq rz1710, the Dell Axim X51 (entry-level), and the Palm Tungsten E2. They all have memory expansion slots, one form of wireless, and multimedia fun.

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