PDA Watch Gadgets

Wasn't Dick Tracy cool? The way he could call up his main office on his wristwatch, or get all kinds of data out of it? Well, researchers are working on the technology to do this today, and you can find a PDA watch at many electronic stores for a reasonable price.

Also called a data bank watch, it can store phonebook entries, email and address information, personal scheduling notes, and many other features, as well as having standard wristwatch capabilities like time, stopwatch, calendars, and backlighting. Some of these wristwatches have additional nifty features, like a flash drive with USB connection or gaming components. Although these gadgets aren't as advanced as a regular handheld computer, they can be used to perform a variety of tasks, and you won't put them down and lose them!

Some of the newer database watches in development can be used as two-way radios or phones. Others can take pictures and record sound. It won't be long before you can do many more things with your watch besides tell time.

If you purchase one of these watches secondhand, be certain you get all the components that came with the watch originally, because many of them are not Bluetooth-enabled. IF they are not Bluetooth enabled, you'll need to have the interface cradle that came with the watch originally in order to download information. Also, be very familiar with the specifications. Some of these watches have minimal interface capability. In other words, they don't have a keyboard, so you need to be aware of the software you must have in order to download information from your computer.

You can find these watches for prices ranging fro $35 and up today. The more expensive ones, of course, are capable of the more advanced functions. Comparison shopping is a must. The same watch can be found at several different prices, and you can often find cheaper versions that will do more than the more expensive models.

PDA software for watches is usually very specialized. You will want to be sure to read the specifications for any software you try to add to your watch. Don't just assume because the software is good for a PDA, it will work with your watch.