Put your family tree on your PDA

If you haven't considered buying a PDA for genealogists, then read on! Here are some reasons why you should consider a PDA or Smartphone.

Share your family tree on your PDA.

Can carry all your data with you wherever you go.Imagine a tree for the whole family with you, all dates and locations that are difficult to keep in mind: the easiest way to display your family tree is on family tree software for handheld computers. Examples are: Pocket Genealogist, Gedstar Pro, GedWise, my roots and PAF Viewer.

I use Gedstar Pro because it is written specifically for software I use on my computer-master genealogist (TMG) and runs on a Palm, which I have a PocketPC Pocket Genealogist version ... and it's probably better-it has more features and more regularly., you can see your data, notes, check the research tasks and much more. Some programs load data back to your computer, although you have to think hard about whether you want it, it may be dangerous.

What else can be done using a PDA?

Pocket PC is a small computer, it can do almost anything! Course screen a lot less and is more restrictive in what you can do with it.Keyboard, if any, is also much less, so hard to make a lot of writing.You can install the database and perform data entry on your Palm device, for example, gravestones in a cemetery or catalogue in a library or archive.

You can use for notes on lectures with foldup keyboard-I did it myself with excellent results final word document can then be uploaded to my computer and then print-it is much easier to read than my usual Scribble!

Many, if not all, PDAS have voice mail feature: you can record voice notes, ideas and inspirations to follow later. you can record an interview (with permission) from family members or others.

Here is a list of other stuff, the pocket computer to do it:

Calendar
On to lists
Calculator
Notepad-quick handwritten notes
Your own documents
Notes library catalog
List of what you already (books, music, movies, plants)
What else?
Trade lists-not only the products!
Books on your wish list
Train schedules in a worksheet, or you can download with RTA
E-books
Guides
Expense tracking
Dictionaries and thesauruses
Foreign languages
Travel
Time zone
Cultural tips
And much more
Games
Music
Photos of kids/grandkids show people
Movies (small, although an extra memory card can contain lots of data)
Many of them you can do other things
Photograph
Phone
Internet
Send an email

Riley Carole-genealogy researcher in Sydney, Australia, she explored her own ancestors for many years and has published her own pedigree work during its Web site at http://www.caroleriley.id.au/ available for advice about your own family tree of brick walls at http://www.heritagegenealogy.com.au