My husband bought his first handheld PDA in 2001, and since then, he’s owned about four different models. I’m not into small electronic gadgets, so I’ve never owned any type of electronic personal organizational tool. My laptop has a handy notepad on the desktop, and I use this tool to jot down ideas and assignments. I also have an old-fashioned day planner - that I never write in.

Although I’ve fought this necessary evil for years (this being the need to rely on a handheld device to keep my work life in order), I think it’s time to breakdown and buy my first PDA.

Personal organizational tools have come a long way. And if you’re a telecommuter or run a home-based business, a handheld PDA can help organize your business and personal life. These neat little tools are more than an electronic day planner. Aside from the fact that a PDA can function as a cellular phone, you can:

• Synchronize your handheld PDA and personal computer/laptop, which let’s you backup or transfer information

• Use your handheld PDA to access the Internet

• Buy a portable keyboard, printer, and other accessories to create a mobile office.

And let’s not overlook the non-business features: listen to audio files, download movies and games, take photographs, text message, etc. Once I’m ready to cough up the cash and buy my PDA, I’ll likely wonder how I survived without it.

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