The main purpose of a personal digital helper ( PDA ) is to act as an electronic organizer or day planner that is portable , promiscuous to use and capable of share information with yourPC . It ’s supposed to be an extension of the PC , not a replacement .
PDAs , also calledhandheldsorpalmtops , have decidedly evolved over the age . Not only can they manage your personal information , such as contacts , engagement , and to - do lists , today ’s equipment can also colligate to the cyberspace , act as global positioning system of rules ( GPS ) devices , and run multimedia system software . What ’s more , manufacturers have compound PDA withcell phones , multimedia players and other electronic gadgetry .
As its capabilities continue to grow , the received PDA equipment is changing . In this article , we take a look at the PDA – where it ’s been , how it is converging with other devices , and where it ’s steer . We ’ll also examine how PDAs work and give you some pointers on how to take one .
The Birth of the PDA
predecessor of the modern PDA let in the Psion Organiser and the Sharp Wizard . These early devices , which were signify to be portable computers , make out out in the mid- to late1980s . They included smallkeyboardsfor input , a small video display , and basic feature of speech such as an warning signal clock , calendar , telephone set pad and calculator . funding for specialized software such as games and spreadsheet was also included . The Psion Organiser II , released in 1986 , was specially popular and more than half a million were sold .
In 1993 , Apple introduced the Newton MessagePad at a price of $ 700 . It provided users with an electronic notepad , to - do listing , calendar , telephone logarithm and address file applications . Some of the Newton ’s innovations have become standard PDA features , admit a atmospheric pressure - sensitive display with stylus , handwriting recognition capability , an infrared port and an expansion time slot . However , the Newton MessagePad was too big , expensive and complicated , and its handwriting realisation program was poor . Apple discontinued the Newton in 1998 .
The original PalmPilot was introduced in March of 1996 by Palm Computing ( owned by U.S. Robotics at the time ) . It cost less than $ 300 , range on its own Palmoperating system , fit in a shirt pocket and synchronized with consumers ' personal computer . The PalmPilot ran for weeks on AAAbatteries , was easy to use , and could lay in thousands of touch , assignment and notes . Part of its little sizing was due to the want of a keyboard . user used a stylus and theGraffitilanguage to remark data point .
Not to be outdone , Microsofthad been working on various forms of portable computer science , including PenWindows and tab figurer . In November 1996 , Microsoft releasedWindows CE , its first operating system for roving devices . A number of manufacturers , such as HP , Compaq and Casio , dramatize it for what was dub the Handheld PC – the first Windows - based competition for the PalmPilot .
In the next department , we ’ll look at the types of PDAs on the market place today .
Types of PDAs
Traditional PDAs
Today ’s traditional PDAs are descendents of the original PalmPilot and Microsoft Handheld PC devices . Palm devices go thePalm OS(operating system ) , and Microsoft Pocket PCs runWindows Mobile . The dispute between the two systems are few than in the past .
Palm PDAs
Most Palm gadget are made by palmOne , which offers the Zire and Tungsten product lines . The company formed in 2003 when Palm Computing take on Handspring , Inc. Sony , which create the Palm - based CLIE , stopped producing PDAs in 2005 .
Known for their ease of use , Palm OS PDAs have :
Pocket PCs
Pocket PC is the generic name for Windows Mobile personal digital assistant . Their standard features include :
Smartphones
Asmartphoneis either acell phonewith PDA capabilities or a traditional personal organiser with added cell phone capabilities , depending on the form component ( style ) and manufacturer . Characteristics of these devices include :
Well, it doesn’t look like a PDA…
Related machine let in ultraportable data processor , smart watchesand multimedia players . Ultraportable computers range in weightiness from less than a pound to about three pound sterling , fall with a full desktop operating system ( such as Windows XP ) , and include a small keyboard . Smart watch offer some PDA single-valued function in a wrist watch form factor . Microsoft ’s SPOT ( Smart Personal Objects Technology)-based watches , for good example , can receive MSN Direct information such as weather and intelligence . They can also welcome calendar information and personal messages . Some multimedia players can combine the role of a PDA with multimedia system feature , such as adigital camera , anMP3 playerand a TV thespian .
In the next section , we ’ll await at what PDAs do and how they do it .
PDA Features
Even the most canonic personal digital assistant manage stock personal selective information management ( PIM ) functions , run app software program and synchronize withPCs . Here are some additional details about these canonical feature .
Handle Standard PIM Functions
All PDAs come with some kind of personal info management ( PIM ) software that typically handles the following tasks to keep you organized :
Run Application Software
PDAs can go specialized computer software program :
Synchronize With PCs
Because PDAs are designed to complement your PC , they postulate to ferment with the same information in both place . If you make an appointment on your screen background computer , you need to transfer it to your PDA ; if you jot down a phone number on your PDA , you should upload it afterward to your PC .
Synchronization software on the PDA works with companion computer software that you set up on your personal computer . Microsoft Pocket microcomputer devices expend ActiveSync and Palm OS gadget use HotSync synchronization software . On your computer , you also need an program like Microsoft Outlook or the Palm Desktop that holds PIM entropy on the personal computer side .
The beauty of synchronizing is that you always have a backup written matter of your data , which can be a lifesaver if your PDA is broken , steal , or completely out of magnate .
Common PDA Functions
Today , most PDA incorporate wireless and multimedia social function of some type . mapping found on most ( but not necessarily all ) devices include :
Bells & Whistles
high-pitched - end PDAs offer multimedia system , security and append - on features not found on less expensive devices :
In the next section , we ’ll look at the computing gadget that power a PDA .
The PDA Computer
Microprocessors and Memory
Like stock desktop and laptop computers , personal organiser are powered bymicroprocessors . The microprocessor is the brain of the PDA , and it coordinates all of the functions according to programmed instructions . Unlikedesktop PCsandlaptops , PDAs use modest , cheaper microprocessor . Although these microprocessors tend to be slower than their PC opposite number , they ’re adequate for the tasks that organizer do . The benefit of small size and price overbalance the cost of tedious speeds .
A PDA does n’t have ahard phonograph record . It salt away basic programs ( address book , calendar , memoranda pad and operating system of rules ) in aread - only computer storage ( ROM)chip , which remains intact even when the machine shuts down . Your data and any programs you add subsequently are stored in the gadget’srandom - access retentivity ( Aries ) . entropy in RAM is only useable when the gadget is on . Due to their design , PDAs keep datum in RAM safe because they continue to take in a little amount of power from the batteries even when you turn the twist off .
Less knock-down personal organizer have low-down measure of RAM . However , many lotion program take up significant store space , so most models have more retentiveness . Also , Pocket PC devices loosely require more resources and have evenmoreRAM . To bring home the bacon additional retentivity , many PDAs admit removable flash media sum up - on cards . These are ready to hand for store bombastic files or multimedia system content , such as digital photos .
Some newer PDAs , such as the Palm Tungsten E2 , useflash memoryinstead of RAM . flash lamp store is non - volatile , which intend it preserves the data and applications it store – even when all battery power is depleted .
Operating Systems
Theoperating systemcontains the pre - programmed instructions that tell the microprocessor what to do . The operating systems used by PDAs are not as complex as those used by PCs . They have fewer didactics , which require less memory .
personal organiser and smartphones typically have one of two types of operating systems : Palm OS or Windows Mobile . However , RIM wee-wee a specific OS for itsBlackBerrydevices , and the Symbian O lock some smartphones .
In the next section , we ’ll look at the other component that make up a PDA .
PDA Battery
So far , we ’ve wait at the PDA ’s microprocessor , memory and operating system . Now let ’s look at the other parting of a PDA .
Batteries
PDAs are powered bybatteries . Some manikin utilize alkaline ( AAA ) bombardment , while others practice rechargeable batteries ( lithium , nickel note - cadmium or nickel note - alloy hydride ) . The battery life depend on what kind of PDA you have and how you use it . Here are some of the thing that can debilitate batteries :
barrage life can change from hours to months , count upon the PDA model and its features . Most PDAs have index direction systems in place to extend the electric battery spirit . Even if the batteries are so low that you may no longer turn the auto on ( it will give you passel of monition before this happens ) , there ’s usually enough power to keep the RAM refreshen .
If the batteries do lean completely out of succus or if you dispatch them , most devices have an internal backup battery that bring home the bacon short - term power ( typically 30 minutes or less ) until you instal a renewal . If all power sources are run through , personal digital assistant lose all of the datum in RAM . This makes backing up or synchronise your personal organizer extremely important .
In improver to battery power , many organiser add up with AC arranger to run off household electric currents . A auto adaptor is also in general available as an add-on .
LCD Display
PDAs use anLCD ( liquidity - crystal display)screen . Unlike the LCD projection screen for screen background or laptop computers , which are used solely as output twist , personal organizer use their screens for outturn and input . The LCD screen of personal digital assistant are smaller than laptop computer screens , but vary in size . Almost all PDAs now offer coloring material display .
PDA display have the following feature film :
Input Methods
organizer vary in how you input data point and commands . Some devices use a stylus and feeling cover alone in combination with a handwriting realisation program . Using a plastic style , you draw characters on the machine ’s display or dedicated writing expanse . package inside the PDA converts the characters to letters and act . On Palm twist , the software that recognise these letters is calledGraffiti . Graffiti ask that each alphabetic character be recorded in a sealed way , and you must utilise a specialized alphabet . For example , to write the missive " A , " you draw an upper side - down V. The letter of the alphabet " F " looks like an inverted L. To help Graffiti make more precise guesses , you must draw missive on one part of the screen and numbers in another part .
Pocket PC organizer volunteer three hand - recognition applications : Transcriber , Letter Recognizer and Block Recognizer . Letter Recognizer and Block Recognizer are like to Graffiti and require specialized first rudiment . By contrast , Transcriber recognizes your " regular " handwriting , as long as you save legibly . It is like to the script recognition capableness constitute on Tablet PCs .
If you ca n’t get the hang of PDA script , you could use a miniature onscreen keyboard . It looks just like a regular keyboard , except you tap on the letters with the style . In addition , many gimmick now let in a modest ( and usually cramped)QWERTYkeyboard . Some of these require you to use your thumbs to eccentric . And you may use a full - sizekeyboardby connecting it to the PDA via Bluetooth or aUSB port . Each model also has a few buttons and seafaring dial to bring in up applications and scroll through files .
PDA Display and Input
Buying a PDA
If you ’re in the market for a PDA , the main dubiousness you should consider is , " What will I be using this for most of the fourth dimension ? " If you ’re looking for basic PIM functions and arrangement , you probably do n’t ask wireless connectivity . On the other hand , if you travel frequently and want to appease in touch via eastward - mail , you take Wi - Fi capability or asmartphonewith cellular datum service .
Because most people use a personal digital assistant as a personal computer accessory , synchronization is an significant circumstance . Look for a gadget that easily synchronizes with the PIM software you apply on your calculator . For illustration , if you have a Macintosh computer or you do n’t use Microsoft Outlook , a Palm OS gadget may be more to your liking .
The equipment ’s data point entry method is another of import considerateness . If you plan to use your PDA for tocopherol - ring armor or other schoolbook - heavy applications , conceive a build - in keyboard . If you may , try out the keyboard before you corrupt .
The size of it and physique of the gadget and its display are also important considerations . The gadget should be comfortable to view as . The display size of it and clarity should also meet your expectations . As with the keyboard , it ’s serious to make a trip-up to a store that sell the devices you ’re concerned in so you may try it out before you purchase .
If you are interested in a multipurpose gadget that combines feature such asGPS , anMP3 player , ordigital camera , wait for a gadget that has these feature integrated . instead , you could opt for a equipment with an SDIO slot and use compatible SDIO peripherals . If you be after to use legion applications or store enceinte files , search for a gimmick that accepts flashgun memory media cards .
accessory to look at let in an additional battery , a car or travel charger , earphone , a carrying grammatical case , a charge plate screen shielder and add - on keyboards .
If you ’re interested in a smartphone , many of the considerations for purchase acell phoneapply . Some of the most important affair to jibe admit service supplier ' coverage area , the extra cost for cellular data service ( if any ) , and the length of the service contract . For more information , seeHow buy a Cell Phone Works . You should also consider the capabilities of the unlike smartphone operating system , such as Symbian , BlackBerry , Palm OS and Windows Mobile Pocket PC speech sound edition .
The Future of PDAs
Traditional PDAs come along to be less popular than they have been in the past tense . Several manufacturers have go the PDA market , let in Sony and Toshiba . sale of traditional organiser have declined in late long time , allot to IDC ’s Worldwide Handheld QView press loss dated February 2 , 2005 .
For the future , PDAs need to keep to add to their essence PIM functions for hold out . The emergence and gaining popularity of saucy phones and devices that combine other features such as wireless Internet , GPS and multimedia capabilities seem to back this trend .
For solution to frequently necessitate questions about PDAs , go over out the FAQ on the following page .
PDA FAQ
Here are solution to some ofttimes asked questions about PDAs .
Why would I need a PDA?
A PDA might be helpful if you :
How much do PDAs cost?
PDAs range in cost from about $ 150 to $ 1,000 , depend on the features you decide to buy . Most are in the scope of $ 300 to $ 500 .
Can my PDA work with my desktop or laptop?
PDAs are designed to work with desktops or laptop and to make the information in your full-grown computers portable . So you postulate to keep the data up - to - date . PDAs have features that make this easier for you . The communication between PDA and PC is referred to asdata synchronizationorsyncing . This is typically done through a serial or USB port on the PDA . Some personal organiser have a cradle that they sit in while hooked up to the microcomputer . Many PDAs also have an infrared communication port wine that use infrared ( IR ) lightness to beam entropy to a personal computer or another PDA . Some PDAs also offer wireless method to transplant data to and from a PC / PC net through a wireless einsteinium - mail /Internet service provider like those available on new models of cell phone . Finally , some PDAs offer up telephone modem accessory to channelize files to and from a PC / PC web .
Which operating system is best for PDAs?
Eachoperating systemhas its advantages . The Palm OS is the marketplace loss leader , so there is a lot of software program spell and being train for it . But developers are working on package for the PocketPC systems , too . Palm OS takes up less retentivity and runs faster , and user say it is easier to use . PocketPC easily supports colour displays , graphics , standard Windows packages ( Word , Excel ) , and other gimmick ( such as built - in MP3 players or MPEG motion-picture show players ) . PocketPC takes up more memory and is slow , and user say it is more complicated .
Other Common PDA Questions
If my PDA is stolen, which seems possible since they are so small, is there anything I can do to protect my personal data?
If you keep your PDA data contemporize with your desktop computer , you ’ll always have a back - up written matter . So if you drop off your PDA , you ’ll still have the datum . you could also do several thing to lock up your PDA ’s selective information . In most models , you may expend word trade protection . There are security programs available , too , that can keep someone from get to your data point . And some applications supply encoding .
How does a PDA work with the Internet?
One affair that PDA makers have done to make their devices knead better for Internet access is a process calledWeb clip . Instead of downloading whole Web pages , Web press clipping slices out bite of text entropy and sends it through the airwave to your PDA . news program headline , phone numbers , e - mail and other entropy can be transmitted this way .
Can handheld computers get viruses?
Viruseshave taint some PDA manakin . The Phage virus , for example , overwrites some of Palm ’s executable files . Several caller have devised anti - virus software for PDAs . If you download computer programme from the cyberspace , you could be vulnerable to virus . You have to watch out for the same things that you would if you downloaded a single file to your background computer . Be conservative about downloading a file or programme that comes from a origin you do n’t know . To receive out more about computing machine viruses , readHow Computer Viruses Work .
How quickly will a PDA run out of memory?
The information usually stored on PDAs does n’t take up much memory – it ’s mostly text without images , so you may store a lot before you run out of room . Some PDA require more memory for their operating system ; and if you use your organizer for einsteinium - mail or accessing the Internet , you ’ll need more memory . If you worry about having enough , you could choose a example that has expandable computer memory .
If I buy a PDA today, how soon will it be outdated?
PDA development , like the quietus of the computing populace , moves very quickly . The exemplar available today have more functions and can be less expensive than the theoretical account uncommitted a few years ago . Eventually , PDAs will merge with cellular telephone earphone and expend a cellular web to pass on via voice as well as textbook . It is also potential that personal organiser will become faster and have more memory as computer engineering advances . The cay to buying a organiser that suits you is to consider what you will employ it for , then bribe the framework that will fill that demand . imagine of the function rather than the form . For example , if your primary motivation is for an personal organizer to keep your appointments and contacts , you will be able to use any effective PDA for yr to come . If you are the kind of someone who develops " figurer invidia , " then you might look for an upgradeable manikin and watch for the late software .
On the next varlet , you ’ll find out about PDA software programs that ’ll make your job simpler and easier .
PDA Software
Most PDAs come with asyncprogram that synchronizes and update information on both your computer and yourPDA . Microsoft Pocket PCs use software package called ActiveSync ; Palm OS products use HotSync ; and BlackBerry has Desktop Software .
For all PDA , the process of downloading and installing new software is more or less the same :
PDAs have always been an indispensable dick for the busy executive . Today ’s PDA software allows professionals to say form as well as connected . They can knead no matter where they are .
Most PDAs get standard with an office app suite ( word central processing unit , spreadsheet , etc . ) , a Web internet browser and an e - mail service program . travel executive can open up eastward - mail adherence with their PDA , edit documents and send them back to associates while on the route .
Now that most PDA have Internet connectivity , PDA software program applications leave access to substantial - time online data .
Some of the professionals using PDA computer software applications are :
[ Sources : Handango , Sage Software , CollectiveMedand Orbitron Technologies ]
But PDAs are n’t used just for business . The same computer software can be used to download and play games like chess , Sudoku and backgammon .
There ’s also PDA software that allows you to record DVDs for playback on your hand-held equipment , and other programs that turn your PDA into a portable pic record album , MP3 participant or eBook reader .
So , if you apply your PDA for business or pleasure , just remember that there ’s software package work behind the scenes to make it all potential .
For more information about PDA package and related to matter , check out the links on the next Sir Frederick Handley Page .
