Handheld computers are phenomenally powerful. Aside from the obvious display restrictions, they can do most of the things PCs do. I find the handwriting recognition to be generally excellent, and even my PC can't do that. Voice recognition can also be surprisingly good.
One thing to consider in your purchase is how much battery life you'll need. If you'll be continuously taking notes in the field, or playing a lot of audio, check the device specs to be sure the battery is sufficiently robust. At least one Pocket PC, the Dell Axim X3, has an optional oversize battery you can use as the main source of power or as a backup. Also, if you expect to use it outdoors a lot, check the legibility of the display in daylight if that's at all possible. Display qualities have improved consistently since PDAs first came on the market, so you can expect a newer device to be more brilliant than an older device in the same product line. The debate between Palm and Pocket PC advocates is as fervent as a holy war, so all I'll say is that you should match the capabilities of the various devices against your practical needs. Also check the convenience of the buttons, controls, and casing in a naturalistic setting. Does it slip from your hands in cold weather? Can you scroll with gloves on? Does the cover protect it from moisture and impact while allowing quick access?
My company develops software for handheld computers, and I've wondered if there's a market for a bird identification program that would allow random access to illustrations (e.g., photos, range maps) and audio (e.g., bird calls, expert commentary). It's technically possible to convert an entire pocket-size printed field guide into an interactive handheld program. I'd be interested in anyone's thoughts about the viability of such a product.
Arthur
