The first time I bought my PDA, the HP iPaq rx3417, a lot of people ask me why I would spend so much on the device. I always thought that having a computer stored in your pocket would be very useful, either if its for entertainment, management, or gathering information.

For entertainment, a sufficiently powerful PDA can become an mp3 player, video player, multimedia streaming as well as a picture viewer. You can have your entire photo album or your music album at all times everywhere you go. Most PDA these days comes with a stanndard 1.3MP or 2.0MP camera which is sufficient when you don't have access to your standard camera.

Having a PDA would also help you whether you're a student, a businessmen, or even a teacher. Most of us, while working on an assignment often have to read and spend a lot of time in front of a PC. Instead of having to be stuck with a huge desktop computer or a heavyweight laptop, you would only have to carry your PDA with you. Simply save the Website page and transfer it to your PDA(either by synchronizing or by using an SD/mini SD card). You'd find it convenient to keep you filled while waiting for your pizzas or while waiting for your class to start. And yes, you can save your friends or business partner contact information.

Most universities in the United States or even in other countries usually provides a wireless internet access around the campus. Having a PDA equipped with a wi-fi adapter would really comes in handy. Check your email in the cafe and write something if you want to, read electronic newspapers while resting in the schools garden and for bloggers, you can write your entry alomost anywhere you want, you can even post a picture you just took.

Have Yahoo Messenger installed in your Pocket PC and chat all the way until you ran out of power. Install Skype for Pocket PC(I don't know if there's a version for Palm OS) and you'll find calling your friends and family at home is just as mobile as ever. No need for your laptop. Place your call anywhere where there's a wifi.

And that are just some of the features which comes pretty much very standard on most Pocket PC these days. Search online for extra software, there are programs which is useful whether you're a college student, businessmen, teacher, engineer or whatever profession you're in.