Best PDA Devices of 2025

Rebecca Cantu Avatar
Rebecca Cantu
Last Updated: Jan 4, 2025

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Once hailed as the pinnacle of portable technology, Personal Digital Assistants (PDAs) paved the way for the ubiquitous smartphone era. While the tech landscape has evolved dramatically, with smartphones virtually rendering PDAs obsolete, there remains a unique charm and functionality to these old-school gadgets that captivate enthusiasts and collectors alike.

eBay, known for its vast inventory of products, still hosts a range of these vintage PDA devices, resonating with both the nostalgia of the past and the need for specialized tasks even today. From the early Newton OS-based devices like the MessagePad series to the Palm OS that once reigned supreme, there's a rich history encapsulated in these tiny machines.

Whether it's the Siemens Notephone, Motorola Marco, or the Psion Series that caught your fancy, each PDA holds a story of innovation and tech evolution. Not forgetting the other noteworthy contenders in the miscellaneous category, like the Casio NX-6000 or the HP iPAQ PE2050x, each PDA has its unique characteristics and quirks that differentiate it from the other.

In today's context, it's interesting to juxtapose the capabilities and utilities of these PDAs against modern smartphones. While the latter offers a seamless amalgamation of entertainment, productivity, and connectivity, PDAs, with their limited functions, come off as charmingly singular in purpose.

At a Glance: Our Top Picks

HP iPAQ 111 Classic Handheld Cover #TOP 1
HP iPAQ 111 Classic Handheld
ftb score rating icon 9.9
Sharp Zaurus SL-5500 PDA Cover #TOP 2
Sharp Zaurus SL-5500 PDA
ftb score rating icon 9.8
Palm TX Handheld Cover #TOP 3
Palm TX Handheld
ftb score rating icon 9.6

Top 10 PDA Devices

#TOP 1

HP iPAQ 111 Classic Handheld

HP
Silver
HP iPAQ 111 Classic Handheld Cover
HP iPAQ 111 Classic Handheld (FA979AA#ABA) (110 Series)

The HP iPAQ 111 Classic Handheld (FA979AA#ABA) (110 Series) is a handheld PDA with Windows Mobile 6 Classic operating system and 3.5-inch touchscreen. It has Wi-Fi networking (802.11b/g), Bluetooth connectivity, and an expansion slot for optional SD/SDIO memory cards. It also comes with Microsoft Office Mobile, Outlook Mobile, Windows Media Player 10 Mobile, and a slip case. Customers appreciate its long battery life, infrared communication ability, and universal remote capability.

What We Like
Long battery life
Infrared communication ability
Universal remote capability
Microsoft Office Mobile
Windows Media Player 10 Mobile
#TOP 2

Sharp Zaurus SL-5500 PDA

SL-5500
Sharp Zaurus SL-5500 PDA Cover
Sharp Zaurus SL-5500 PDA

The Sharp Zaurus PDA is a compact handheld computer that runs on Linux and Java, ensuring smooth performance with its 206 MHz Intel processor and 64 MB RAM. The device features a vibrant, high-resolution color screen that supports over 65,000 colors, making it perfect for viewing photos and videos. You can easily access its integrated QWERTY keyboard, allowing for quick typing whenever you need to jot down notes or messages. Additionally, enjoy MP3 music and MPEG video playback, enhancing your entertainment options on the go.

What We Like
Compact and portable
Vibrant color display
Integrated QWERTY keyboard
Supports multimedia playback
#TOP 3

Palm TX Handheld

Palm
1047NA
midnight blue

The Palm TX Handheld is a sleek and stylish device with 128 MB of flash memory and a big 320x480 screen. It has built-in wireless connectivity via Wi-Fi (802.11b) and Bluetooth, and an expansion slot that supports MMC, SD, and SDIO memory cards. It also comes with Palm Desktop Software for Windows and Mac. It is a great device for managing emails on the go and accessing files on your office desktop PC.

What We Like
Big 320x480 screen
Built-in wireless connectivity
Expansion slot for memory cards
Compatible with Windows and Mac
#TOP 4

Palm Tungsten T2 Handheld

Palm
P80860US
Blue
Palm Tungsten T2 Handheld Cover
PalmOne Tungsten T2 Handheld

The Palm Tungsten T2 is a compact and feature-rich handheld device designed to enhance your productivity. With its Bluetooth capability, you can easily access email and the Internet wirelessly, giving you freedom and flexibility on the go. The device comes with 32 MB of memory, allowing you to store important documents and files without worry. Additionally, you can enjoy MP3 and video playback, making it a great option for entertainment during breaks. Whether you're using it for work or leisure, the Tungsten T2 offers a convenient and powerful solution.

What We Like
Wireless email and Internet access
Ample memory for storage
MP3 and video playback
Compact design for portability
#TOP 5

PalmOne Zire Handheld

Palm
P80707US
PalmOne Zire Handheld Cover
PalmOne Zire Handheld

The Palm Zire Handheld is a budget-friendly PDA device that offers the trusted Palm organization and style. It is designed to be easy to learn and use, even for those who have never used a handheld before. With its mini-USB connector, you can easily transfer and backup your data to your computer. The Palm Zire Handheld is perfect for keeping your addresses, appointments, and important information safe and secure. Additionally, it comes with a rechargeable battery, eliminating the need for constant battery replacements. Setting up and using this device is a breeze, making it a great choice for anyone looking for a reliable and user-friendly PDA device.

What We Like
Affordable price
Easy to learn and use
Mini-USB connector for easy data transfer
#TOP 6

GENERIC Handheld PDA Organizer

GENERIC
TUNGSTEN E2
GENERIC Handheld PDA Organizer Cover
Handheld PDA Organizer with Bluetooth, OS 5.4

The GENERIC Bluetooth PDA Organizer is designed for those who need a compact and portable solution for staying organized. Its sleek design makes it easy to carry wherever you go, ensuring you can manage your tasks on the move. With Bluetooth connectivity, you can effortlessly sync and share information with other devices, enhancing your productivity. The intuitive interface allows you to navigate the features smoothly, making task management a breeze. Plus, its versatile functionality supports both personal and professional organization, helping you keep track of everything you need in one handy device.

What We Like
Compact and portable design
Seamless Bluetooth connectivity
User-friendly interface
Versatile organizational capabilities
#TOP 7

HP iPAQ RX1950 Pocket PC

HEWLETT PACKARD
FA629A#ABA
HP iPAQ RX1950 Pocket PC Cover
HP iPAQ RX1950 Pocket PC

The HP iPAQ RX1950 is a versatile pocket PC designed to meet your mobile needs. Its 3.5-inch TFT screen displays vibrant 16-bit colors, making it easy to view photos and documents on the go. With built-in 802.11b wireless LAN, you can connect to the internet effortlessly, allowing you to browse and stay connected wherever you are. The device features a touch-screen interface along with a five-way navigation button, giving you multiple ways to interact with your applications. Powered by the Microsoft Windows Mobile 5.0 Premium operating system, it provides a user-friendly experience for managing tasks and information efficiently.

What We Like
Vibrant color display
Wireless internet connectivity
User-friendly navigation
Powerful operating system
#TOP 8

Bisofice KP36 Handheld PDA Terminal

NYK7679717015591QK
Bisofice KP36 Handheld PDA Terminal Cover
Bisofice KP36 Android 11.0 Handheld Mobile PDA Terminal Machine Data Collector Inventory Machine NFC Function 4G WiFi BT with 4 Inch Touchscreen 1300W Rear Camera for Small Business Warehouse

The Bisofice KP36 PDA offers a user-friendly Android 11.0 system paired with a powerful 8-core processor, ensuring smooth operation and compatibility for all your business needs. Its dual high-resolution cameras—500W front and 1300W rear—allow you to capture clear images, making it easier to manage inventory. With versatile network support, including WiFi and 4G, you can stay connected and access data seamlessly. The built-in 1D/2D scanner reads various barcodes, streamlining your inventory and logistics tasks. This device is perfect for anyone looking to enhance efficiency in their work environment.

What We Like
Powerful processor
High-resolution cameras
Multiple network support
Efficient barcode scanning
#TOP 9

Brodit 511230 Passive Phone Holder

511230
Black
Brodit 511230 Passive Phone Holder Cover
Brodit 511230 Passive Holder with Tilt Swivel for Mobile Devices

The Brodit Passive Phone Holder keeps your mobile device securely in view while you drive. You can easily adjust the holder's width to fit your phone, ensuring it stays upright for optimal reception. This feature allows you to maintain a clear line of sight to your device without distraction. Additionally, you can connect accessories like hands-free devices or charging cables while your phone is in the holder, making it convenient for long trips. Designed to fit a variety of devices, this holder is perfect for both bare phones and those with protective skins.

What We Like
Easy access to phone
Adjustable width for devices
Supports charging and hands-free
Stable upright position
#TOP 10

PenPower WorldPen Scan Go

SWPSGO01EN
Black
Standalone Use
PenPower WorldPen Scan Go Cover
PenPower WorldPen Scan Go | OCR Reading Pen | Text to Speech for Dyslexia| Pen Scanner for Data Input | Pen Translator | Wireless Standalone | LCD Touchscreen | Wi-Fi Connection

The PenPower Scan Go is a versatile digital scanning pen designed to enhance your reading and learning experience. With its text-to-speech feature, you can scan words or sentences and hear them read aloud, making it easier to understand and pronounce different languages. The built-in dictionary and thesaurus allow you to quickly look up definitions and hear the correct pronunciations, which is particularly helpful for those with learning difficulties or language learners. You can also easily send scanned text and audio recordings to your computer via Wi-Fi, streamlining your study and work process.

What We Like
Text-to-speech functionality
Built-in dictionary and thesaurus
Wi-Fi integration for easy sharing
Supports multiple languages
Best PDA Devices Feature Image

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What is a PDA device used for?

A PDA device, or personal digital assistant, is a small, mobile, handheld device that provides computing and information storage capabilities. It is commonly used for personal or business purposes, such as keeping schedules, calendars, and address book information easily accessible.

2. Do PDA devices still exist?

While smartphones have become ubiquitous, PDA devices still exist and are favored by some users for their digital day planner functionality. Initially popular among business users, PDAs continue to offer good business software options.

3. What is a PDA device healthcare?

In healthcare, Personal Digital Assistants (PDAs) are pocket-sized computers that can access the internet, send and receive data, and store large amounts of information. These devices have the potential to assist nurses in improving the quality of care they provide in hospital settings.

4. Can you take pictures on a PDA device?

Some PDAs are equipped with built-in cameras, allowing users to take photos or even shoot short videos.

Editor's Notes

During our pda device research, we found 24 pda device products and shortlisted 10 quality products. We collected and analyzed 8,445 customer reviews through our big data system to write the pda devices list. We found that most customers choose pda devices with an average price of $193.57.

The pda devices are available for purchase. We have researched hundreds of brands and picked the top brands of pda devices, including HP, Sharp, Palm, GENERIC, HEWLETT PACKARD. The seller of top 1 product has received honest feedback from 1,147 consumers with an average rating of 4.8.

Written by
Rebecca Cantu Avatar

Rebecca Cantu grew up in a family-owned retail store for home and kitchen products. She worked online and gave assistance to people to buy ideal products for their sweet home after graduating from Northwestern University with a marketing degree. She has been writing content for online shopping guides since 2011 with her professional knowledge and natural sensitivity of appliances.