Lions, and tigers, and bears, oh my!
Well, I would like to start by congratulating you on your decision to help those over-seas. Just thinking of what you, and your PDA, will endure...high temperatures, extreme humidity, sand storms, downpours, and long hours...makes me wanna check out the TDS Recon. With being sand/water proof, shock-resisant, operable at temps of 140F, and a 15-hour battery, its recommendation from PC Magazine is outstanding. Since they didn't list a price, I ran a quick search...it's going at $850+ on ebay. Unfortunately, all other ruggedized PDAs I know of are in a similar price range, but with less-impressive reviews.
There is hope, however. Since most current PDAs will fit your needs, you just need to find a way to protect it. I would highly recommend The Otterbox...at just $45, this waterproof, crushproof PDA case will repel even the most fierce over-seas environment. Since it's air-tight, rain, humidity, and sand won't be a problem (although you should still keep it out of the sun as much as possible). Plus, you can use it while it's in the case...you only have to take it out for charging. (Too bad they don't make a similar case for humans!
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Now that you have the weatherproofing, you just have to find something to stick in it. Since your laptop won't fit, I recommend the Palm Zire 72 at $299 (the lower-priced Palms lack e-mail and video capabilities, and are not so good with storage and audio) or Dell Axim X30 ($199-$297), depending on your preferred operating system. The Zire isn't the fastest, but it is geared for easy use, and is more than capable of playing MP3s. It also features Bluetooth (for both wireless syncing and using a portable keyboard) and a built-in camera (always nice to add a few good pictures to your journal). The Axim line features both average and fast processors (better featured for playing movies), as well as various wireless capabilities. In addition, the WindowsMobile OS may be more appealing if you have a Windows PC.
However, note that the maximum operating temperature of these PDAs is 104F (but 140F for storage), and that the average battery life is just a little over 4 hours of constant use. Thus, I recommend purchasing an ''extended'' battery, which can provide 8+ hours of use...very helpful if you don't get a chance to recharge. Also, make sure you have plenty of good power-converters...otherwise you risk frying your new digital accessory.
I wish you the best of luck, and God bless.
John
My husband and I are moving to Bangladesh this August as Peace Corp volunteers. I've come to terms with the fact my PowerBook is impractical but I'm interested in purchasing a PDA and keyboard peripheral for the following:
* Keeping a journal
* Typing emails to later transfer to a PC and send
* Possibly listening to MP3s or even watching low-fi movies
* Storing contact info and calendars
The catch is that we need something that survives well in a uber-humidified environment and has lasting battery power. Oh - and $350 or less is our preferred price range. Recommendations?
Thanks in advance for your help!

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