GPS PDAs

A GPS is a Global Positioning System which is basically a device which shows your current location on Earth to a high degree of accuracy. These devices are mainly used commercially as high-end maps which offer detailed directions to a plethora of locations in the country. The Garmin Nuvi 350 is an example of such a GPS device. Finding accommodation, food outlets, gas stations, and more is very easy with this device because it contains maps and points of interest.

The PDA can be described as a tiny personal computer that fits into your pocket. Nowadays, PDAs have gained audio capabilities which allow them to be used as mobile phones too - an extremely popular example is the BlackBerry, owned by RIM. Celebrities always boost the popularity and sales of merchandise and the Blackberry is no exception.
Therefore, GPS PDAs are PDAs which have the added function of being GPS enabled. This means that one can find maps and directions on them too. An example of this device may be the Garmin iQue300 which holds the honor of being the first PDA to include GPS technology. Its GPS system was a Garmin and its PDA Operating System was that of Palm OS 5. A bonus feature in this product was that it could locate contacts stored on the phone through voice activation.

There will probably always be a debate on which is more preferable. Are a GPS and PDA as two separate gadgets a wiser choice or should one opt for a converged device?

Regardless of your choice, there are always benefits and drawbacks. Two separate devices will definitely work out to be more expensive. Also, while hiking or pursuing any activity outside the car, a bulky GPS will be more of a problem than a help (unless you buy a GPS suited for the outdoors, which in turn will be more expensive). If you want to use GPS regularly, you'll be better off with one GPS PDA device. On the other hand, a converged unit may be more distracting for the user especially if he is using the phone and the GPS at the same time. A PDA also have a tiny screen, which could make reading the map quite cumbersome.

Your needs will drive your choice. If you are technophobic and want to keep using your PDA as a minicomputer and a phone; separate units are better for you. But if you want to go easy on your wallet and don't mind a little more complications, then a GPS PDA phone maybe your best choice.