You have to use a penlike stylus to enter information into many PDAs. You tap on an on-screen keyboard or enter data by writing on the screen, which may require learning a new way of printing the alphabet. Some PDAs use common alphabet characters, while others use variations. Test the handwriting recognition on several PDAs to make sure you're comfortable with how they work. Other PDAs have built-in keyboards.
External keyboards are available as accessories for many smaller PDAs.
Adaptability Some PDAs can be upgraded. You may be able to add software from the Web or other sources, and some PDAs offer more software applications than others. You also may be able to add memory or removable storage to a PDA, or connect it to an external monitor, a network, or a modem. Printers and external keyboards can be added to many PDAs as well. This brochure was prepared in December 2000.