I am a grad student looking into a PDA with a bluetooth attached keyboard for taking notes in class

Question

I would like an alternative to lugging around a laptop with me. I have a phone, so I don't need that feature. Something that connects to the internet easily, with an MP3. Most importantly, something that I can take notes with using a roll up keyboard. Also, a brand that will last a couple years would be nice. PDA's don't have the best reputation. Any recommendations on brands?

Answer 1

Palm TX.  Although this model came out in 2005, I haven't found a better PDA.  It has a large screen, an SD card slot (2GB works; don't use HC [high-capacity] cards, not sure if 4GB works), and mp3/video player (bundled software).  Bluetooth capable.  And yes, as this is a PDA (versus Smartphone) I don't need a data plan to access internet as long as I can find a hotspot --- your university ought to be wifi throughout.  The browser on the TX is just OK, though.

The price should be around $250, maybe less -- new!  However, the Palm company isn't doing so well.  To me, this doesn't matter so much.  I really like how the TX works and the availability of freeware.

Tons of freeware are available, like financial and scientific calculators -- I even have a graphing calculator.

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Oh yeah: with Documents-To-Go (also included), you can create or edit Word, Excel, and PowerPoint documents.  PDF viewer also comes with.

Answer 2

Blackberry curve has a QWERTY keyboard. And it's extremely reliable. You won't need a bluetooth keyboard after you experience the ease of use on that phone.