Microsoft OS PDAs

The Bottom Line: On paper, the Mio DigiWalker P550 looks to be an attractive gadget for the mobile professional, combining the capabilities of a PDA and GPS into one device. However, its poor battery life and subpar navigation skills tell a different story.

Specs: Microsoft Windows Mobile 5.0, 64 MB, Samsung 400 MHzS3C2440, IEEE 802.11b, IEEE 802.11g, Bluetooth 2.0, 2.8 in x 0.7 in x 4.5 in, Stylus, Touch-screen, 4-way joystick

The Bottom Line: Though the Pharos Drive GPS 140 has an accurate receiver and good Bluetooth integration, it will require patience on your part as it suffers from somewhat sluggish performance and an unintuitive interface.

Specs: Microsoft Windows Mobile 5.0, 64 MB, Samsung 400 MHzS3C2440, Bluetooth, 5.8 in x 1.1 in x 3.5 in, Touch-screen

The Bottom Line: The HP iPaq rx5900 Travel Companion delivers a sleek all-in-one navigation, productivity, and entertainment device to mobile professionals; we just wish it had better battery life.

Specs: Microsoft Windows Mobile 5.0 Premium Edition, 64 MB, Samsung 400 MHzS3C2442, IEEE 802.11b, IEEE 802.11g, Bluetooth 2.0 EDR, 3 in x 0.6 in x 4.7 in, Stylus, Touch-screen

The Bottom Line: Maps and personal data go hand in hand with the Pharos Traveler GPS 525, a PDA that effectively combines organization with navigation to not only find where you are but also point you where to go.

Specs: Microsoft Windows Mobile 5.0, 64 MB, 300 MHz, Bluetooth, IEEE 802.11b, 2.3 in x 0.7 in x 4.3 in

The Bottom Line: The Asus MyPal A636 is a PDA with a built-in GPS receiver that puts maps and directions on an equal footing with appointments and e-mail. While it delivers accurate directions and long battery life, it's a bit sluggish.

Specs: Microsoft Windows Mobile 5.0, 64 MB, Intel 416 MHzXScale PXA272, IrDA, Bluetooth, IEEE 802.11b, 2.9 in x 0.7 in x 4.8 in, Stylus, Touch-screen, 5-way navigation button

Editors' Take: The I-mate PDA-N is packed with features, and you'll pay for every one of them.

Specs: Microsoft Windows Mobile 5.0, 64 MB, Samsung 300 MHz, IrDA, Bluetooth, IEEE 802.11b, 2.3 in x 0.7 in x 4.3 in, Stylus, Touch-screen, 5-way navigation button

The Bottom Line: Light, thin, and ready for just about anything the business world can throw at it, HP's iPaq rx1950 is a strong performer but falls short with lack of Bluetooth and low memory.

Specs: Microsoft Windows Mobile 5.0 Premium Edition, 32 MB, Samsung 300 MHzS3C2442, IrDA, IEEE 802.11b, 2.8 in x 0.6 in x 4.5 in, Stylus, Touch-screen, 5-way navigation button

The Bottom Line: The HP iPaq hx2790 is a PDA for those who are looking for a traditional, businesscentric approach to ultraportable computing and don't mind paying for it.

Specs: Microsoft Windows Mobile 5.0 Premium Edition, 64 MB, Intel 624 MHzXscale, IrDA, Bluetooth, IEEE 802.11b, 3 in x 0.6 in x 4.7 in, Stylus, Touch-screen, 5-way navigation button

The Bottom Line: The Dell Axim X51 series offers a nice combination of features, but we were disappointed by the subpar battery life.

Specs: Microsoft Windows Mobile 5.0, 64 MB, Intel 624 MHzXscale, IrDA, Bluetooth, IEEE 802.11b, 2.9 in x 0.7 in x 4.7 in, Stylus, Touch-screen, 5-way navigation button

The Bottom Line: The Dell Axim X51 series offers a nice combination of features, but we were disappointed by the subpar battery life.

Specs: Microsoft Windows Mobile 5.0, 64 MB, Intel 520 MHzXscale, IrDA, Bluetooth, IEEE 802.11b, 2.9 in x 0.7 in x 4.7 in, Stylus, Touch-screen, 5-way navigation button