It used to be that every division officer worth his salt carried a small, green, U.S. government-issue "wheelbook" notepad. Handy for keeping track of personnel notes, phone numbers, and the like, these notebooks were pervasive and essential.
Although these notebooks are not completely extinct, you are much more likely today to see someone with a personal digital assistant (PDA). In fact, PDAs in the military are nearly ubiquitous-from landing signal officers using Palms to score fellow pilots to sailors keeping track of equipment maintenance. The latest generation of these pocket computers are wonders of convergence, coupling personal information managers with cell phones, cameras, and web browsers. With a proliferation of new PDA technology on the market, it often is difficult to make sense of all the choices and tradeoffs.
The big question is what kind of functionality you are seeking. Do you want the Cadillac-with tri-band phone, camera, 802.11 (Wi-Fi wireless access), personal information manager, Internet access, and Global Positioning System? Or are you looking for something to keep just your schedule, phone numbers, and some notes? Regardless of the platform you choose, almost all devices synchronize contacts and your schedule with Outlook. The key is whether you want a "connected" device-one that can access a cell, Internet, or Wi-Fi network. Basic PDAs (such as the Palm Zire) will run you about $100; the most expensive, connected devices are about $600, not including the monthly service fee (an additional $30-$100 per month).
The three major competing platforms today are Palm, PocketPC, and Blackberry. The most well known PDA manufacturer is Palm. It essentially created the PDA category (after a failed attempt by Apple and a few others) in the mid-1990s and continues to be the category leader. Its devices traditionally have been the simplest to use and the least buggy. With the purchase of Handspring, it now has one of the hottest platforms on the market: the Treo 600. This sleek little device is a full-color Palm system that couples a tri-band world phone, Internet (and e-mail) access, and a camera. With special software it can receive "push" e-mail in the same way as the Blackberry. The Treo allows users to access functions through the traditional touch-screen and a tiny keyboard. At $600, they aren't cheap-but they are cool and eminently useful.
PocketPCs are manufactured by a variety of companies, although the leader is Hewlett Packard (formerly Compaq). PocketPCs generally couple a powerful processor with a windows-light environment (called WinCE). The software allows true multitasking and the ability to keep open more than one program at a time (unlike the Palm). Some people like the similarity between their PocketPCs and their computers, but others complain the PocketPC is too complicated and prone to crashing. Hewlett Packard's latest iPAQ PocketPCs are known for their sharp design, extremely bright screen, and integrated Wi-Fi and Bluetooth access. Depending on the feature set, iPAQs cost around $200-$500.
Blackberry, manufactured by Canada's Research in Motion, is the ultimate e-mail device. With a small form factor and chicklet keyboard, the device receives e-mails automatically, and thoughtful software design makes responding a snap. Unlike traditional Palms and PocketPCs, e-mail on the Blackberry is pushed to the device automatically. There is no need to login to retrieve mail. Extremely addictive, they are sometimes referred to as "Crackberries"; if your command has them, take a look at how many people are reading e-mails at your next staff meeting. The latest iterations of Blackberry (the 6230 or the 7230) feature color screens and integrated cell phones. In addition, the Blackberry's calendar and e-mail automatically synchronize with your office computer-an extraordinarily important feature if you travel frequently. A Blackberry will set you back $300-$500, depending on the model. In addition, you will have to sign up for the Blackberry service plan through your cell carrier; make sure your IT group supports the Blackberry server.
One of the best features of the PocketPC and Palm devices is your ability to add software, images, music, and movies. Thousands of third-party software programs are available to make your handheld even more useful. "We've been amazed at the number of military-specific applications created for the Palm platform and the great feedback we get from military personnel around the globe using them under all kinds of conditions," said Ken Wirt, PalmOne's senior vice president of marketing. From aviation checklists to pocket chess to maps of Iraq, there is a program for nearly every interest and avocation.
Investing in personal technology might not make you a better leader, but it certainly will make your life easier. Investing in a digital "wheelbook" should keep you connected, organized, and entertained.
Mr. Michel is the president of Military.com, a company focused on connecting service members, veterans, and their families to all the benefits earned in service to America. he is a former naval officer.