This is a very difficult question to answer. Here is a comprehensive list of
some of the variables one needs to consider when making a large handheld
purchase:
Cost, memory, warranty, processing power, numbers and types of peripherals
(probes, keyboards, cameras) available for given model, durability, battery
life, wireless capability (802.11 and BlueTooth) or lack thereof, new vs.
discontinued or refurbished, etc.
Complicating matters further are the often-changing price drops and rebate
offers occurring when new models are about to appear on the market. Here are
some GENERALITIES, and a couple of things to be aware of:
1. Most of what your students are going to do in year one of an
implementation will not require a top-of-the-line handheld. Remember too,
that there are hardware add-ons that can make a non-wireless handheld gain
wireless access, and handhelds without cameras able to take digital
photos.
2. Generally speaking, purchasing the cheapest model might leave you
disappointed. At times, it is a better value to get higher-end refurbished or discontinued handhelds.
3. READ warranty info carefully. Some models of handhelds carry a year
warranty. Some are 90 days. For SOME, you have to register to activate the
warranty!
4. Not all handhelds support the same software, although they claim to be compatible. Be sure to test all software students will be using on the given model before you make a
large purchase.
5. Depending on these and other considerations, you may wish to contact Walt Coatsworth for the most current advice in preparing your grant or
implementation.
