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They’re not mutually exclusive, a PDA can have both, but in the mid-level price range, most PDAs offer only one or the other. First off, it’s important to understand the difference between WiFi and Bluetooth. WiFi comes in a number of flavors, the most common being “b” (802.11b), and offers high speed internet connections via hotspots and wireless routers. Bluetooth, another wireless standard, offers short-range connections between devices. It’s commonly used to pair two devices, like a Bluetooth Keyboard or phone, the latter which can be used as a modem to go online.

Maybe the question isn’t as simple as Bluetooth or WiFi though. Some buyers are still wondering if the premium for a wireless enabled device is worthwhile. The answer really depends on your lifestyle and how important access to information is, whether it’s a corporate intranet, email, a desire to sync without wires or just access to the web. Wireless functionality is included with every high-end PDA and is quickly becoming a requirement for the mid-range as well, much like notebook computers, where it’s difficult to find one without WiFi as an option.

Once you’ve decided wireless if of importance, the type is the next variable. There are only a few devices that offer more than one standard, so it’s important to understand the options to ensure a good choice is made. If you’re looking at PDAs that don’t double as mobile phones, the built-in options include Bluetooth and WiFi.

WiFi

Many PDAs now include WiFi, or 802.11b. The b standard is the most common, nearly all wireless routers support this standard. WiFi will work with wireless setups at work or home in addition to hotspots like those provided nationally at places like Starbucks from T-Mobile. There are a number of other competitors in the marketplace, along with thousands of free hotspots around the country. The key with WiFi is understanding that connection speeds are usually very fast, but outside of these hotspots there’s no way to get online. So if you’re in a small city that doesn’t have ready access to hotspots, then WiFi may not be as useful as it is to someone in New York city, where hotspots are a dime a dozen.

Bluetooth

HP and palmOne have fully embraced Bluetooth in the US. Other PDAs have it as well, but some companies like Sony have started to put Bluetooth only in foreign models where Bluetooth is much more popular. The point of Bluetooth is to connect devices directly to one another, like a peer to peer network. While Bluetooth PDAs can connect to Bluetooth computers, keyboards and other accessories, perhaps the real power is leveraging a Bluetooth phone as a modem to gain internet access. The bonus here is that you can get online anywhere you have a mobile phone connection, but speeds are much slower than WiFi and some phone providers are just now starting to offer Bluetooth enabled phones. You also need a data plan, which can be affordable or very expensive depending on the service provider.

Which way to go?

Personally if I had to choose one or the other I’d take Bluetooth. I live in Cincinnati where hotspots aren’t prevalent and when I’m at home or work I have regular access with my ultra-portable notebook. In my case, T-Mobile offers affordable data plans and supports dozens of Bluetooth phones. So, while my wife spends just a few more minutes at Target or the mall, I can be productive by pulling down and responding to email or goofing off by browsing the web.

My business partner Andrew on the other hand is the exact opposite. He lives in NYC and frequents Starbucks. He has a hotspots account with them through T-Mobile which offers him fast access while he’s within range. He’ll often spend an hour or so there catching up on email or browsing PDA friendly websites. In his case, the speed and availability of WiFi makes it a no-brainer.

The decision on which way to go with Wireless Options is very important and can be quite daunting if you’re not close to the technologies. Hopefully this little overview gives enough insight about the two technologies to make an informed buying decision.