Getting Started

Just getting started with handhelds? Here are some of the things that you will need to think about and resources that will help.

First, you'll need to decide:

Palm vs. Windows Mobile (Pocket PC)
What hardware you need
What software you need
What other resources you need

Palm vs. Windows Mobile (Pocket PC)

There are two main operating systems that different handhelds run: the Palm operating system (OS) and Windows mobile (also known as Pocket PC or Windows CE). They are completely separate operating systems, much like Windows and Mac. Which one you choose may depend on several things, including personal preference.

The Palm OS was developed by Palm, and all Palm handhelds run the Palm OS. Other manufacturers, such as AlphaSmart and Sony, have also licensed the Palm OS. A list of Palm OS devices is available here. One of the big advantages of the Palm OS is the large number of software applications, especially for education, that are available. In addition, some people find it more user friendly than Windows Mobile. A common myth about the Palm OS is that it is not Windows-compatible, but in fact, Palm OS devices are compatible with Microsoft applications, including Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.

Windows Mobile is an operating system developed by Microsoft. Handhelds from HP and Dell, known as Pocket PCs, run Windows Mobile; a list of Windows Mobile devices is available here. Some people prefer Windows Mobile because it is from Microsoft. It also has some more advanced multimedia features such as support for Flash content.

When you are deciding which operating system to go with, a primary consideration should be how you are going to use your handheld and what software applications you need. Many applications are available on only one platform or the other, so make sure that you check that you can do what you want to on the platform you choose.

Hardware

Once you choose your platform, you'll need to choose a device. Here are some of the main considerations you should make:

Price - Of course, we all want to pay as little as possible, but there is trade off between price and some of the features described below. Sometimes, what seems like the best deal really isn't once you add on everything you need to make the device useful for your needs.
Display color and resolution - The least expensive handhelds may have black-and-white and/or low resolution displays. Color, high resolution screens are much easier to read and are worth the extra expense.
Expansion - Most handhelds come with some kind of expansion port or slot that allows you to add on extra memory or other accessories. Make sure the handheld you select has expansion, and preferably a widely available, non-proprietary type, such as SD.
Memory - Check how much internal memory the device has. While basic text-based applications require very little memory, multimedia applications require much more. Also, Windows Mobile takes more memory than the Palm OS, so it isn't an “apples to apples” comparison.
Flash memory - Some newer handhelds have non-volatile flash memory. This means that you don't lose your data when your battery goes dead - a very useful feature!
Battery life - Check the estimated battery life of your device. Also, remember that using wireless will significantly affect battery life.
Bundled software - Look at what software comes bundled with the handheld. In particular, check if an Office-type suite is included. (All Pocket PCs come with this, but not all Palm OS devices do. It can be a fairly costly addition if not included.)
Wireless - Some handhelds have wireless capabilities built in, while others can have wireless added on. There are various kinds of wireless, such as Bluetooth and wireless Ethernet. See our wireless overview for more information.
Special built-in options - Some handhelds come with built-in digital cameras or voice recorders.
Availability of accessories - If accessories, like keyboards, science probes, or barcode scanners, are critical to you, make sure they're available for the handheld you choose.

Check here for a list of both Palm and Windows Mobile handhelds and their specifications.

Software

There are many general, as well as education-specific, applications for handhelds. There are programs geared for administrators, teachers, and students.

Here is a list of 101 GREAT Educational Uses for Your Handheld Computer.

Below are some links for various categories of education-oriented handheld software:

Administrative Applications
Teaching and Learning Applications
Productivity Tools
Communications Applications
Multimedia tools
Expansion Modules
Other Cool Applications
Free Downloads

(Please note that we have not tested all of this software ourselves.)

If you have used other software that you'd like us to post, s end us the link.

Administrative Applications

Principalm (from Discovery Software) provides access to the information you need from your Student Information System on a handheld computer. Whether you are in the school hallways, on a field trip, or away from the office, you have easy access to the most important information about each of your students. This program provides access to student name, picture, ID number, class schedule, home address and phone, grade and track, gender, birthday, homeroom number and teacher, counselor, locker number and combination, and emergency contacts. This software is available on a site license basis. Also available bundled with handhelds, SD cards, SD card reader/writer, and on-site installation and training. Download a free demo here.

T-Observe (from DDH Software) is a classroom observation tool designed to help administrators gather data from classroom visits. This tool was created using HanDBase, and its design was influenced by a variety of state standards for the teaching profession, the National Certification Standards, and the input of school principals.

Learner Profile to Go (from Sunburst) software that lets teachers objectively assess classroom learning, evaluate student portfolios, and collect anecdotal records is now available on the Palm.

Quizzler Instructor Bundle (from Pocket Mobility) is a set of teacher tools that make using the Quizzler program even easier and more powerful. This includes Quizzler Pro (a deluxe version of Quizzler with extra features); Quizzler Maker (an easy-to-use desktop tool to build quizzes); Quizzler Gradebook (to grade and collect class scores); and Quizzler Math (to generate mathematics quizzes). Download a free demo here.

The mCLASS mobile classroom assessment platform (from Wireless Generation) provides a variety of tools to facilitate observational assessment, with a focus on early reading. Included in this suite are mClass: Reading, mClass: TPRI, mClass: DIBELS, and mClass: QRI.

There are a variety of great gradebook and attendance tools available for handhelds. These programs save teachers considerable time by allowing for data recording anywhere, anytime. They sync up to the full-featured desktop versions of the software for reporting and analysis. Handheld gradebook software is available from Easy Grade Pro, Making the Grade, Excelsior, GradeQuick, Micrograde, Gradekeeper, and Learner Profile.

Teaching and Learning Applications

Inspiration for Handhelds (from Inspiration) is a wonderful graphic organizer tool that supports brainstorming, outlining, and countless other applications. This is a great program to use from early elementary all the way through adult. The software includes many useful templates and syncs to Inspiration on the desktop.

Electronic books or ebooks are books that are stored in an electronic format and can be viewed on handheld computers or other electronic devices. These are very useful in the classroom and can save money and make texts more accessible to students.

Quizzler (from Pocket Mobility) is a quiz and flashcard application. You can download quizzes or make your own. Best of all, the basic version of this program is free! Download a free demo here.

ImagiMath (from Imagiworks) is a suite of applications including ImagiGraph, a mathematics visualizer, ImagiCalc, a full-featured calculator, and ImagiSolve, a mathematical worksheet and equation solver.

ImagiProbes (from ImagiWorks) enable students to collect and analyze scientific data through data probes connected via Bluetooth to Palm handhelds; includes software and Sensor Interface. (Sensors must be purchased separately.)

LearnStar is an interactive educational program that fosters real-time group interaction in a collaborative competition format. LearnStar offers thousands of K-12 activities in 25 subject areas, correlated to state standards and tests. These activities are displayed for the class in an engaging multimedia format, with students submitting their answers through handheld devices, giving teachers real-time feedback on student mastery.

Discourse (from ETS) is a tool for instruction and formative assessment. With this system, teachers can monitor each student's learning and progress as it occurs. This system runs on networked desktop computers, laptop computers, or Pocket PC handhelds.

powerOne Graph (from Infinity Softworks) turns your handheld computer into a powerful graphing calculator; has 230 built-in math, science, and graphing functions that make it a cost-effective alternative to hardware calculators.

Scholastic Wireless is a handheld application that provides educational content for students and planning tools for teachers, including the News Zone, Best Lessons, and an Events Calendar.

The Handheld Learning Environment (from GoKnow) is a suite of handheld programs designed to support inquiry-based learning. It includes PAAM (classroom synchronization manager ), FreeWrite Pro, PiCoMap Pro, Sketchy Pro, and FlingIt Pro. Also included are 50 lesson plans to support these tools.

Productivity Tools

Documents to Go (from DataViz Inc.) is a Microsoft Office Companion that allows you to use Word and Excel files on your Palm OS handheld; supports viewing, editing, and syncing.

Quickoffice (from Cutting Edge Software, Inc.) contains a word processor and reader that supports advanced formatting and has seamless integration with Microsoft Word, as well as an Excel-compatible spreadsheet application that includes over 60 built-in functions and includes a chart program. Components are also available separately as Quickword and Quicksheet.

WordSmith (from Blue Nomad LLC) is an advanced word processor, doc viewer and enhanced memo pad that supports cut, copy, paste, multi-paste, select all, undo, redo, find, bold, underline, italics, paragraph formatting, font names, styles and sizes, superscript, subscript, strikethrough and more; synchronizes and integrates with Microsoft Word.

TinySheet (from iambic Software) is a spreadsheet program with enterprise class features, including 80 built-in functions. It supports color, drag and drop features, separate sheets and workbooks, auto-sizing of columns, re-sizeable rows, buttons to copy, cut and paste cell data, support for date and time cells (with 11 related functions), new advanced formatting capabilities, and 15-level undo capability; also offers seamless and direct synchronization with Excel.

Pocket Word (from Microsoft) is a Windows Mobile companion to Microsoft Word on the desktop PC; lets you perform a variety of word processing tasks; features include Spell Check, Find and Replace, rich font formatting, and bulleted lists; also lets you view and edit Microsoft Word attachments that you receive in email. (Included with all Windows Mobile handhelds.)

Pocket Excel (from Microsoft) is a Windows Mobile companion to Microsoft Excel on the desktop PC; lets you create, edit, and view spreadsheets created on your desktop or on your handheld; similar to the desktop version, includes features such as zoom, spreadsheet templates, split screens, and formatting. (Included with all Windows Mobile handhelds.)

MiniCalc (from Solutions in Hand) is a spreadsheet program that supports b/w and color, 82 built-in functions: financial, scientific, statistical, and more, custom function list, multi-sheet workbooks with an unlimited number of worksheets per workbook, external links within the same workbook or to other workbooks, data search by value or formula, maximum precision of 15 significant digits, password protection, maximum grid size of 256 columns x 9999 rows, beaming, and more; includes an Excel-compatible charting program; and seamless data synchronization with Excel.

HanDBase (from DDH Software) is a relational database application that has powerful viewing, editing, filtering, sorting, searching, printing, exporting features, and more. HanDBase Plus supports two-way synchronization conduit. There are many pre-configured databases available in this format.

JFile (from Land-J Technologies) is a database application that includes advanced filtering screen, categorization of databases, printing via PalmPrint, font choices, up to 50 fields per record, up to 4000 characters per field, scrollbars for fast navigation, and more; sync software and other utilities available. There are many pre-configured databases available in this format.

MobileDB (from Handmark) is a database application that is designed for efficient access to any table or spreadsheet, includes ability to beam, rename, and lock databases, up to 20 fields and 1000 characters per field, and may include databases to be searched in the Palm global "find." There are many pre-configured databases available in this format.

SmartList to Go (from DataViz) is a relational database application that supports a wide variety of features including up to 80 fields, optimized filter and sort, form designer, radio buttons, security and more. It includes desktop software or sync manager. There are many pre-configured databases available in this format (called SmartLists).

TealPaint (from TealPoint Software) is a paint and sketch application that features color and grayscale support, multiple image databases, image templates, background locking, basic animation functions, dithered thumbnail images, scrolling, magnified draw mode, freehand draw tool, line draw tool, erase tool, paint bucket, text tool, polygon tool, 16 draw patterns, 12 brushes, cut/copy/paste images, undo, and more.

Communications Applications

Eudora Internet Suite (from Eudora) is a free email and browser bundle for the Palm OS. (Individual components are available separately as well.)

AvantGo is a great application for the Palm, CE, or your mobile phone, that lets you download customizable, up-to-date information and applications to your handheld.

Multimedia Tools

The Media program (also called Photos on some models) comes with many Palm handhelds and lets you view photographs (or videos on some models), use Palm Desktop to import photos to your handheld.

You can take photos with some handhelds, either through a built-in camera or an add-on module. Add-on cameras are available from Veo and HP.

The RealPlayer® for Mobile Devices lets you play MP3 audio on your handheld. This program requires an SD card. See K12 Handhelds’ MP3 page for more information about using your handheld as an MP3 player.

Kinoma Player lets you play video on your Palm OS handheld. Kinoma Producer lets you convert videos to the Kinoma format. (These programs come with some Palm handhelds.)

TealMovie is a handheld audio/movie player for the Palm OS and includes a Windows AVI/Quicktime converter program.

Windows Media Player lets you play audio and video files on Pocket PC handhelds and comes with most Pocket PC handheld devices.

Expansion Modules

The SDIO In-Hand Scan Card Bar Code Scanner lets you scan bar codes with Palm or Pocket PC handheld devices with SD expansion slots. This is great for inventories, equipment check-out, or other bar code applications.

The EMTAC Bluetooth GPS allows you to receive GPS data wirelessly. By sending GPS position data over Bluetooth, you can position the receiver for the best possible reception all without wires.

The Palm Wi-Fi card lets you add wireless Ethernet (802.11b) access to certain handheld models through the SD expansion slot. You can access the Internet, get email, sync wirelessly, or even transfer files through wireless Ethernet.

Other Cool Applications

Plucker is a fabulous and free web clipping program and an ebook reader, all in one. This tool lets you conveniently send web pages to your handheld, complete with pictures and links. There are also many free ebooks available in this format.

Memoware is a great site with hundreds of free ebooks for a variety of platforms.

K12 Handhelds Ebook site has more information on using ebooks and even making your own. In addition, reference works, like encyclopedias, dictionaries, and thesauruses are available as ebooks.

Other Resources

Here are some additional resources that may be useful to you as you are getting started using handhelds:

Grant information
Classroom solutions
Case studies on how other educators are using handhelds
Free software
More resources