# Why do I need a PDA?

**URL:** <https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-do-i-need-a-pda/165137>\
**Category:** In My Humble Opinion\
**Created:** [March 30, 2003, 2:22am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-do-i-need-a-pda/165137 "2003-03-30T02:22:56Z")\
**Posts on this page:** 1\
**Page:** 3

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**Author:** ![Ferret\_Herder](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/f/e47774/32.png) [@Ferret\_Herder](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Ferret_Herder)\
**Post date:** [March 31, 2003, 5:27pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-do-i-need-a-pda/165137/41 "2003-03-31T17:27:04Z")

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I tried using regular planners, notepads, etc., but I just wasn’t motivated to keep using it, keep it updated, etc. I love gadgets, though - so I bring my PDA everywhere and use it. I have a horrible memory, so when a thought strikes me of something I should remember (movie to rent, groceries to buy, appointment to make), I write it down. With the sheer amount of data I have saved in there - everything from vaccination records (which I needed for work at the hospital I’m currently at), references, book lists, and so forth, I’d need a pretty big planner to keep it all in. (And I know that for certain, I’ve tried.) My PDA is compact and light, and I can back up the data at home and at work.

I play games on it during my train commutes, or look over my shopping list in the store.

I have a scientific calculator and a units conversion application for when I see patients. My boss has a prescription drug reference guide loaded onto hers.

You don’t **need** a PDA. I do, though; it makes my life a lot easier.

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