[SamAdams76]

My company actually saved money last year by recalling all PDA devices, phasing out desktop computers and handing out IBM Thinkpad laptops. Those PDA devices were essentially worthless. With the laptops, you can do everything either from the office or from the field. We can even connect to the Internet with them using our Nextel phones so Internet is always available no matter where we are.

When you consider that most PDAs that are internet capable go for $599 (plus extra per month for connectivity) and you can now get state-of-the-art laptops for under $1000 with wireless connectivity using phones you already own, not to mention the money saved by eliminating desktops, converting to laptops is a no-brainer.

[new cruelty]

Sounds like a smart move on your company's part.

I prefer using a laptop for mostly the same reasons you mentioned. On projects requiring field surveys using CAD floor plans and symbols, I prefer using a tablet PC over a PDA.

[Aquinasfan]

When you consider that most PDAs that are internet capable go for $599 (plus extra per month for connectivity) and you can now get state-of-the-art laptops for under $1000 with wireless connectivity using phones you already own, not to mention the money saved by eliminating desktops, converting to laptops is a no-brainer.

Makes sense to me. Plus you have a readable screen.