It used to be that every division officer worth his salt carried around
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 they 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 question 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 "Crackberrys"; 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 and 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.
Christopher Michel is CEO of Military.com, the nation's
largest military membership organization. Military.com
connects over 3 million members to the lifelong
benefits of military service. Members trust Military.com
for career, education and financial services. Prior
to founding Military.com, Chris served as a Naval
Flight Officer in the United States Navy. While
on active duty, Chris flew as a P-3 Navigator, Tactical
Coordinator and Mission Commander in support of
maritime interdiction operations in the Red Sea,
NATO enforcement operations in the Adriatic, and
counter-narcotics missions in Central America. Following
his operational tour, Chris worked in the Pentagon
as Aide to the Chief of the Naval Reserve. He holds
degrees from the University of Illinois and Harvard
Business School.
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