A personal digital assistant (PDA) is a hand-held computer that allows you to store, access, and organize information. Most PDAs work on either a Windows-based or a Palm operating system. PDAs can be screen-based or keyboard-based, or both.
Basic PDAs allow you to store and retrieve addresses and phone numbers, maintain a calendar, and create to-do lists and notes. More sophisticated PDAs can run word processing, spreadsheet, money manager, games and electronic book reading programs and also provide email and Internet access. Some PDAs come with all of the programs included. For others, you have to acquire or purchase extra software to run these programs. Some PDAs play stereo quality music and record voice memos, while some others can with additional hardware. A modern PDA can store a detailed map of the entire United States on a Compact Flash card.
Most PDAs can exchange information with a desktop or laptop computer, although you may have to buy additional accessories.
Typically, PDAs come with cables or docking stations to connect them to your desktop or notebook computer. Connecting lets you synchronize and update the files on your PDA with your desktop or notebook computer, such as your calendar, address book, and to-do lists. Some PDAs also enable you to synchronize word processing and spreadsheet files as well as e-mail messages, and copy Web site addresses and Web pages for offline viewing on your PDA.
Some PDAs have monochrome or gray-scale displays, while others can display anywhere from 256 to 64,000 colors. Screen size will vary among PDAs and a larger screen means more readable space.
PDA screen displays are either active matrix or passive matrix. Active matrix displays generally are easier to see, more responsive, faster, and can be viewed at larger angles than passive matrix displays, although passive matrix displays will generally use less battery power.
Most PDA screens may be seen adequately in many light conditions. Many have gauges for indoor, outdoor, and power-saving modes. Some color PDAs can be set to dim the backlight if the PDA is not in use for a set time – this extends the battery life.
Some PDAs use permanent rechargeable batteries, while others use either rechargeable batteries that can be replaced or standard alkaline batteries. How long you can go without recharging or changing batteries may vary depending on the PDA. The time it takes for recharging may also vary depending on the battery. You can use the PDA while the battery is recharging.
PDAs in today’s market typically have between 2MB to 64MB of built-in memory. Two MB of memory is generally sufficient to fill address books, maintain an active calendar, take notes, and load useful programs. More memory may be necessary to store large files like digital photos or audio recordings, or to hold large software programs. You can expand memory of some PDAs with small storage cards that can be inserted into the PDA.
Today’s PDAs range from the size and thickness of 10 business cards, weighing 1.4 ounces, to the size of a paperback book weighing significantly more. The smallest PDAs have only basic information-organizing functions: they allow you to maintain address books and calendars, and create to-do lists. Complementary hardware – for example, modems, cradles and battery chargers – add to the overall size and weight of PDAs.
You have to use a pen-like stylus to enter information into many PDAs. You tap on an on-screen keyboard or enter data by writing on the screen, which may require learning a new way of printing the alphabet. You may be able to write notes in your natural handwriting. Some PDAs can even convert your natural handwriting to typed text. In some cases, you can teach the software how you typically write letters for better conversion. Test the handwriting recognition on several PDAs to make sure you’re comfortable with how it works.
Other PDAs have built-in keyboards. Some of these also let you use a stylus; the stylus substitutes for a mouse for navigating through on-screen menus and controls. External keyboards are available as accessories for smaller PDAs.
Some PDAs can record voice memos, while some others can with additional hardware.
Some PDAs can be upgraded. You may be able to add software from the Web or other sources, and some PDAs offer more software applications than others. For example, there are many games available for use on some PDAs. You also may be able to add memory or removable storage to a PDA, or connect it to an external monitor, a network, or a modem. Printers and external keyboards can be added to many PDAs as well. Some PDAs come with a standard headphone jack.
PDAs range from less than $100 to over $600. Generally, the higher-priced PDAs provide more features and functions than the lower-priced models.
What is a PDA - courtesy of Microsoft