The Palm Pre is out. Without a doubt the most revolutionary handset since the release of the first generation iPhone, the Pre challenges old ways of thinking in the mobile space. It’s contact integration, multi-tasking, and refinement are second to none.

What does this mean for the old-fashioned Palm Handheld, and mobile computing in the scientific world?

For nearly 15 years, Palm’s stand-alone PDAs were the number one choice for physicians, business travelers, and scientists working in the field. But with the launch of the Pre and the final end of the line for Palm’s remaining PDAs, the TX, Tungsten E2, and Z22, it’s clear that Palm is leaving this market behind, with these products having been removed from the Palm website several months ago. Major retailers no longer have them in stock.

It’s been a long time coming. Palm’s OS and PDA hardware haven’t been updated since 2005. But to many, it comes as a shock that the go-to mobile device is essentially gone.

But wait, you say, what about the smartphone? Can’t it do anything a PDA can?

In a sense, yes. But there are a particular set of qualities that make a stand-alone PDA irreplacable.

#1 Cost

One of the number one issues with using a smartphone as a device for running mobile applications is the high cost involved. And in many applications, cell phone service is not even required, let alone wanted. The addition of a camera to virtually every cell phone is an added liability that many corporations want to avoid. And with the cost of a PDA at well under $300, with no monthly fee, the stand alone PDA is obviously far more budget friendly when constant communication is not a necessity. And in the workplace, with the prevelence of WiFi, information can easily be pushed out to the device.

#2 Screen Size

With the screen size of a smartphone averaging around 3 inches, and most PDAs sporting 4 inch or larger displays, it’s important not to negate the benefit of a large display in a compact device. When viewing spreadsheets of data, taking notes, or measuring solar data with equipment such as the SunEye, having a larger screen is never a bad thing. The largest screen availalbe on a phone, the 3.8 inch LCD on the $600 HTC Touch HD, is still smaller than of that of many PDAs.

#3 Battery LIfe

With no cellular radio to power, most PDA users regularly experience 3 to 4 days of battery life, and with moderate use, a full week of power. When working in the field, having to stop and charge up a power-hungry smartphone every night is clearly not an option.

However, the smartphone is not without it’s benefits. There are times when always-on internet access can be irreplacable, and having a phone integrated into a mobile device makes communication far easier.

But in many applications, the value and functionality of a PDA is ideal, and this once-dominant category of devices will be missed by many.

Be sure to read the Engadget Review of the Palm Pre to learn more about this fabulous new device.