Carrying
around an address book and planner is becoming a thing
of the past. With new PDA developments, you can manage
your contacts and schedule, use e-mail, and even listen
to music. Personal Digital Assistants, originally
called "Palm Pilots," and now more commonly
known as PDA, previously were used just for retrieving
basic information. Today, using some of the more advanced
models could possibly replace the need to carry a
laptop computer. A modern PDA can play music, games,
videos, write documents, and connect to networks and
databases -- nothing short of a desktop computer.
Although
newer Personal Digital Assistants have the processing
power of a computer, they still have some limitations.
Inputting information is done by handwriting recognition
or by a miniature keyboard. Skilled users can input
20 - 30 words per minute, less than half the speed
of a good typist on a full-size keyboard. A PDA with
a color screen tends to run through battery life faster.
Finally, because the small screen size the number
of program options that can be displayed, the programs
available aren't as advanced because the user doesn't
have as much control over the program.
Despite
these limitations, the market for PDA is continuing
to expand. Students, doctors, and business professionals
are increasingly relying on PDA for computing on the
go. Common PDA applications include spreadsheet, word
processing, database, financial management, and games.
PDA synchronize files with your computer so that you
can take your important information with you and update
it when needed.
The
two basic types of PDA are Palm and Windows Mobile
devices. The Palm Pilot was the first PDA available
and its operation is very intuitive; some compared
it to the Macintosh. Windows Mobile devices run an
operating system very similar to Windows on desktop
computers. Although Windows Mobile offers advanced
features, its interface is still somewhat difficult
to navigate in comparison to the Palm.
When
purchasing a PDA, make sure that the programs on the
PDA are compatible with the programs on your computer.
Test out different models, with keyboard and with
handwriting recognition, to see which one fits your
preferences best. Also consider which application
you will be using most. If you plan on using your
PDA primarily for e-mail, get a PDA with a good keyboard
and good battery life. If you plan on taking digital
photos, your main concern should be the quality of
the digital camera and the screen.
Deryck
Richards is the founder and managing partner of
Desktronix. With an extensive background in computer
information systems, Deryck manages hosting and
data center operations for Desktronix. He also provides
system administration and technical support to small
businesses as he has since 2000. For more information
on Deryck Richards and Desktronix, visit www.desktronix.com.
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