Every one of us has a different life style. Some of us are at home most of the time. Some go to the office or factory every day and commute back when the day has ended. Some travel by car, bus, train, plane or boats to distant locations. What ever your life style is, you'll want to match a PDA Protective Case to your pocket pc in order to keep it safe from being damaged. This is not an issue to be taken lightly as PDA's are delicate instruments and are often getting scratches, bumps and even get broken. A proper PDA Protective Case will minimize the risk of that happening.

Before we match a PDA Protective Case to your life style, let's take a short look at the PDA Protective Cases that are available to the pocket pc owner:

1. A leather case. This is the fanciest and most luxurious case, that's also the least protective one. A leather PDA case is often equipped with more than purpose, and will also have room for your credit cards, ID's and the like

2. A hard plastic case - this case is cheap, and makes it possible to entirely protect your PDA, because your device will be inside a hard case.

3. A hard aluminum case - this one is similar to the plastic case but it looks a lot better and doesn't have a "cheap" look. It will also last a lot longer that the plastic cover.

4. The transparent plastic cover - this one covers your PDA all around, but the screen is visible through a transparent plastic cover. This cover is very practical and it allows you to keep working on your PDA while it's still inside the cover.

OK, so now that we covered the main cover types, which PDA Protective Case is for you?

If you travel very light (like to the office and back every day), and need a good looking PDA, go for the leather case. If you travel heavily, and you're used to putting your PDA into a bag, you'll do wisely if you opt for the hard plastic/aluminum cases. These provide maximum protection to your PDA and will make sure nothing happened to it. If you're a type of person who works on his/her PDA all the time, even while you're riding a train or flying, get the transparent plastic cover. This will help you get your work done without risking your PDA.

IF you've been around a PDA for more than a few seconds, you understand that this device is a great invention. It has very little disadvantages. But one distinct disadvantage is the fact that it's almost impossible to write more than a few words on the PDA's keyboard. It's too small and completely un comfortable. That why the PDA keyboards were introduced to the market. It's a simple solution. You get yourself a portable, wireless keyboard, sync it with your Palm iPAQ, or whatever PDA you're using and that's it. You now can type all day long like you do on your PC and get all that fed right into your PDA for later use. And the keyboards are not expansive - less than $50 will get you a great wireless keyboard that will serve you well.

There are quite a few keyboard models on the market, and it's best to do a little research before buying. You'll be wise to check a few parameters before you buy yourself a PDA keyboard, to make sure you're choosing the right product.

1. Is it wireless? Most keyboards on today's market are wireless. Sure you can get one with a wire but it makes no sense. Why limit yourself? You'll want to use the keyboard in all kinds of situations, maybe with the PDA tucked down inside your handbag? Go for wireless - the price gap in insignificant.

2. Is it comfortable? Not all keyboards are nice and comfortable, and not all of them are agronomic. If possible, try to use a few keyboards before buying. Choose the one that is the most comfortable for you, even if costs a little more. You'll thank yourself later.

3. Does it allow you to type as fast as you like to? If you chose a keyboard that is comfortable for you, typing fast will be easy.

4. What kind of power source does it need? Most keyboards need a few standard batteries to operate. Make sure your chosen keyboard doesn't need anything exotic.

5. Installation - make sure the installation process is easy. Make sure your version of the PDA and it's Operating System support this keyboard. This sounds trivial but you'll be amazed how many times people over look this.

Getting a portable keyboard will make your life a lot easier that having to get along with out one. In fact, many users claim that buying a $45 keyboard to add to their PDA saved then investing $1200 in buying a new notebook computer. So consider getting that keyboard - you'll never understand how you managed without it.

Once you have purchased an Ipaq PDA you next step will be to find a nice bag or case to carry it in. You want to protect your investment with a durable case. You should also make sure that your new case meets your needs. Bag-like cases offer you space as well as safety. Learning about the different styles will help you chose a case or bag that meets your needs.

There are some really good reasons to buy a case or bag for your Ipaq PDA. The main reason may be to protect the PDA from breaking. If you have a sturdy case it can protect your PDA if it is accidentally dropped or stepped on. You can also protect your PDA from weather conditions if you are going to be using it outside often. Water damage to a PDA can be fatal.

You will probably get a generic case from the manufacturer with your PDA. It will most likely be simple and constructed of cardboard and plastic. It may work for simple protection, like keeping your screen from getting scratched, but for more serious protection you need to get another sturdier case. The investment you make in a new case or bag is well worth the protection you get for your investment in your PDA.

The types of cases vary from soft to hard covers. You can also get extra storage. There are soft covered cases that open up like a book with your PDA on one side and room on the other for a notepad. There are hard cases that offer the most extreme protection against any possible harm. Bag type cases are soft and look like a mini duffel bag. They not only house your PDA, but offer many different storage areas for your cell phone, a small snack, car keys or whatever you need to take with you.

These bag type cases reduce the need for you to carry a purse or other bag and use only your PDA case. Another thing you may want to look at is how your PDA fits into the case. If you are going to want to use your PDA while it is in the case and it is a generic case that is not made specifically for your Ipaq then you may end up with problems.

Buttons could be covered, the screen covered or speakers not clear so the sound is muffled. If you hook connections into your PDA often you should make sure you can do so while it is in the case if you intend to keep it in the case while using. Check how easy it is to put your PDA in and take it out of the case. Chose a case that offers you the features you need.

Going over why you need a PDA case or bag and looking into the different options in cases will help you chose the best case for you. Be sure to consider how you use your PDA and if the case will effect how you use it. It doesn't hurt to try on your PDA case and give it a practice round to see how it will work if you actually buy it.

This article was written by Charlie Cory, who is the owner of Pocket PDA. Getting handheld computers in the palm of your hand. Pocket PDA provides advice about pilots, ipaqs and their peripherals.

Visit his website about pocket pda handhelds now.