Once upon a time, PDAs (personal digital assistants) were nothing more than electronic organizers. These handheld devices served as combination address books and calendars, but their usefulness was limited. Over time, however, companies like Hewlett Packard (HP) introduced PDAs that offered much greater versatility and power. These handhelds can play media, browse the Internet, make and receive cell phone calls, and so on.

Today's HP PDAs are called 'Pocket PCs' by their manufacturer. Home iPAQ Pocket PCs and Business iPAQ Pocket PCs are in great demand. With wireless access, even the less expensive HP PDAs allow you to access the Internet via Wi-Fi. These PDAs also function like miniature PCs (as the name Pocket PC implies) because they allow you to edit documents in Microsoft Office.

Being able to view and edit Excel spreadsheets or PowerPoint projects is one of the most freeing aspects of the HP iPAQs. Most handheld devices entice users with the promise of greater efficiency, but many of these handhelds are more likely to divert users from work than help them dive into it. HP iPAQs are as useful for the disciplined as they are for the easily distracted.

In addition to using the basic Hewlett Packard handheld iPAQ, many customers like to add on to their handhelds with PDA accessories. Accessories can include everything from leather cases to GPS navigation receivers, replacement batteries to airplane chargers and convertors.