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Types of Handheld Devices

Below are the most common types of handheld devices:

Click here for a comparison chart of each device.

The information contained on this page is for general use only. It is provided by manufacturers outside UIS; and whilst we endeavor to keep the information up-to-date and correct, the large variety of models and the fast evolution of handheld-related technologies means UIS can only provide best-effort support.

Palm

Palms are pioneers of 'organization on-the-go'. These devices are easy to use and include many applications to help organize work schedules and tasks. Different Palm models have different operating systems and functions, but the majority of the overall product is similar.

The following descriptions are for the Palm Treo (the functionality of other Palms may vary).

Capabilities:

  • Many models are equipped with a full QWERTY keyboard and a touch screen
  • All Palms have e-mail capability (POP3 and IMAP)
  • All contain programs for managing your calendar, notes, tasks, and contacts
  • Most models can synchronize with PC and Mac
  • Most models can be used internationally, depending on your cellular provider
  • All have built-in data capabilities (i.e. Internet browsing)
  • All can work with office documents (Word, Excel, etc.) and have infrared ports that can be used for wireless data transfer
  • All have cameras and other multimedia applications

Limitations:

  • Certain models (Treo 750, 700w/wx) can only sync with PCs

 

Windows Mobile

Many handheld devices run on the Windows Mobile operating system. Their advantage is the ease and convenience of having Microsoft Office and other Microsoft applications such as Outlook, Internet Explorer, Windows Media Player, and Windows Live at your fingertips. Some devices that use the Windows Mobile operating system are: Palm Treo 750, Samsung BlackJack, T-Mobile MDA and Wing, AT&T 8525.

Windows Mobile devices can be classified into two categories: smartphone and the PocketPC. Pocket PC phones come with a stylus that you can use to touch the screen. Also, on these devices, the Windows flag logo appears on the top left of the home screen.

Smartphones do not have a touchscreen or stylus. On the Smartphone, the Windows flag logo appears on the bottom left of the home screen. Also, Smartphones can have either QWERTY keyboards or a 12-key keypad.

Capabilities:

  • Windows Mobile devices easily sync documents, contacts, calendar, memos, etc. from your PC. They also use MS Office (Word, Outlook, Excel, etc), and other applications such as Tasks, Calendar, etc
  • You can securely connect to POP3 and IMAP accounts, as well as Internet-based e-mails such as Yahoo, AOL, and Google
  • All have built-in data capabilities (i.e. Internet browsing)
  • Most models have cameras/camcorders and multimedia capabilities (MP3s, etc.)

Limitations:

  • Some models (i.e. BlackJack) can only open working files, but cannot edit them.

BlackBerry

This handheld has become very popular. The major difference between the BlackBerry and other handhelds is its operating system. The BlackBerry devices run on a proprietary operating system that was developed by Research In Motion (RIM), the company that produces the BlackBerry. The preferred Blackberry device for syncing with GU services is the BlackBerry 8700 series.

Note: GUCalendar does NOT sync with any series released after the 8700 series.  As of December 2008, this includes the 8800, Pearl (8100, 8200), Curve (8300), Bold (9000), and Storm (9530) series.

Capabilities:

  • The BlackBerry can be used for e-mail and web browsing
  • It can sync with your PC for applications such as calendar, tasks, memos, notes, contacts
  • It can also sync with a Mac for built-in Apple applications such as iCal and Apple Mail

Limitations:

  • GUCalendar can only be synchronized with the 8700 (and earlier) series)
  • Microsoft Office files (i.e. Word documents, Excel spreadsheets, PowerPoint presentations, etc.) can only be viewed, and not edited
  • It does not have infrared capabilities that would allow the transfer of files between other devices (i.e. handheld-to-handheld, handheld-to-PC)
  • E-mail is not sent securely
  • Messages stored in folders in your GUMail account (except for your Inbox) are not visible
  • Some models do not support multimedia capabilities.

iPhone

The iPhone is a new handheld device developed by Apple.  It runs on OS X, a different operating system from any of the other handhelds, and has a unique touch screen. It is a phone, an iPod, a camera, and a web browser all in one.

Capabilities

  • It can sync with POP3 and IMAP e-mail accounts
  • It displays photos and graphics alongside e-mail text
  • It can sync contacts, photos and videos, music, calendar, email, etc. from a PC and Mac.
  • It can be used to view and edit Microsoft Office documents
  • The visual Voicemail system allows you to listen to voice messages in any order without calling out
  • Web browser (Safari) is user-friendly and has international capabilities provided by the cellular service provider

Limitations

  • It can only be used with AT&T cellular networks
  • GUCalendar cannot be sync-ed with built-in iCal application
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