Many people are opting for a smartphone ![[WikiPedia]](http://www.mikeyp.com/css/external.gif)
instead of a PDA these days, but for me, a PDA is still an essential tool. Most smartphones and PDAs handle calendar and contact management, but these devices can be much more useful with additional software. Here is a list of PDA applications that I consider essential on any smartphone or PDA.
The key requirements for a PDA spreadsheet are good Excel formula compatibility and seamless synchronization with Excel files on a host PC. I used TinySheet for years until it became yet another app abandoned by Iambic Software. Now I use Sheet-To-Go version 8 (included in Documents-To-Go 8), which is a huge improvement over the 4.0 version I used years ago.
A full-fledged word processor isn't really needed on a PDA, but the ability to sync, read, and do minor edits to a Word document is essential. WordSmith is my word processor of choice, only because I've been using it for years without any problems. Word-To-Go version 8 is just as good.
A major reason to have a PDA is to replace a pocket pen-and-paper notepad. Generic memo pad software is no match for a good journaling or note-taking app like DayNotez from Natara Software. DayNotez is a fantastic app with easy note categorization and search filtering that finally allowed me to stop carrying a traditional Moleskine notebook everywhere.
Like generic memo pad software, generic To-Do list software is too basic. I use two different list management apps: SplashShopper and Bonsai. SplashShopper is not only the best shopping list app for PalmOS, it also acts as an excellent generic database for cataloging lists of all kinds (wine collection, software, etc.). Bonsai is the ultimate software for task management. It allows you to manage multiple to-do lists, and even acts as a project management and outlining tool. Both SplashShopper and Bonsai have full-fledged companion apps for Windows that sync with the handheld versions.
Since so many web sites and work computers have different password requirements, I have a million passwords to track. I keep them all listed in SplashID, a secure and convenient locker for all of my passwords, as well as frequent flyer numbers and software reg codes. Also includes a companion app for Windows.
An alarm clock with multiple alarm presets, a multiple time zone display, and support for .wav and .mid sound files is extremely handy. Sony used to bundle the excellent and aptly named World Clock with their Clie handhelds. These days, I use ClockDeluxe from Deluxeware.
All of the software I use is made for PalmOS handhelds and synchronizes with Windows XP (Natara just released a Windows Mobile version of DayNotez, SplashID is available for several mobile platforms, and both SplashID and SplashShopper now have Mac OS X companion apps). I'm willing to use other platforms, as long as I can be sure to have all of the essential apps listed above.
