Deciding between a Palm/handheld,
and a Filofax-type organizer

By: Robert Mizrahi

The best way to answer you, is to have you first decide whether you are more comfortable with a traditional vs. an electronic/computer oriented organizer.

For starters, a paper-based Filofax, Day-Runner, etc. is larger and bulkier. There's also a limited amount of information you can store before the binder splits at the seams. Over time, the pages can get worn, or can tear loose from the binder, since you are constantly flipping through the contents. If you would rather write things down however, this system is right for you, and these problems may be minor.

People tend to stuff all sorts of paper-related items in here as well, which may seem convenient, but can lead to further disorganization. You should also realize that should you lose the Filofax, you'll have no backup, and will have to replace the information you lose, including all those receipts you had tucked away.

The Palm Pilot, Handspring, or any other PDA, won't allow you to save all that paper, but it will contain all your vital information in one small, convenient location. You can access anything you want from the faceplate, then go from there.

The PDA, by its design, is very organized, and contains features not found in a paper-based system. Names are listed alphabetically, you can set alarms to remind you of appointments and special events, there's a calculator, a "find" feature which allows you to access information quickly, and a "note pad" for hand-written entries.

Making entries into the PDA requires you to learn their particular way of writing the alphabet, which I found to be pretty easy. You can, however use an on-screen keyboard. In either case, you'll be "writing" with an electronic stylus.

Lastly, PDA's are easily plugged into your computer so that all that data that can never be replaced, never has to be. For that matter, the included software allows you to make any entries directly onto your computer screen, and then back onto the PDA. These features are quite robust, with for example, a calendar that allows information, dates, etc. to be added and indexed by color or category. Change your mind? Just move the entry to another spot on the calendar with your mouse.

Compare that to erasing something in your Filofax that you may have written in ink, while bent over riding the subway, and you may have your answer. Then again, it all comes down to what medium you're most comfortable with, and more importantly, what you'll actually use.