A Computer in Your Hand
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," 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. Modern PDAs can play music, games, videos, write documents, and connect to networks and databases -- nothing short of a desktop computer.
Although newer PDAs 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. PDAs with a color screen tend to run through battery life faster. Finally, because the small screen size the number of prograqm 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 PDAs is continuing to expand. Students, doctors, and business professionals are increasingly relying on PDAs for computing on the go. Common PDA applications include spreadsheet, word processing, database, financial management, and games. PDAs synchronize files with your computer so that you can take your important information with you and update it when needed.
What to Look For
The two basic types of PDAs 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.
About The Author
Deryck Richards is the founder and managing partner of Desktronix. With an extensive educational background in computer information systems, Deryck currently manages hosting and data center operations for Desktronix. He also provides system administration and technical support directly to small businesses as he has since 2000. His areas of expertise include networking, Windows, Linux, and Macintosh systems and he is the author of The Guide to Technology for Small Business. For more information on Desktronix, visit www.desktronix.com.
If you ask most people what frustrates them most about... Read More
The first step is: Start > My DocumentsSo you have... Read More
Digital Video Disc or as it is sometimes referred to... Read More
Cookies, not the kind that Mom makes, but the computer... Read More
Save money. Save 10-15% on utility bills per month. Work... Read More
Are you stymied by the vast offerings in cheap mp3... Read More
Perhaps not yet, but the handwriting might be on the... Read More
Wouldn't you be shocked to find that your personal sensitive... Read More
I would like to tell you about a magic home.... Read More
Flow Text Around a GraphicQuestion: I have inserted a photo... Read More
Feeling overwhelmed in selecting a new TV? With all the... Read More
I do a holiday letter every year and send them... Read More
Maintaining your computer is extremely important ? especially if you... Read More
Your first step in removing dangerous infections from your computer... Read More
In the early days, Personal Digital Assistants (PDAs) were not... Read More
Most people think that all you have to do to... Read More
For those seeking to buy their first flat panel TV... Read More
One of the most confusing parts of beginning your Cisco... Read More
There are plenty of articles out there about how to... Read More
First and foremost before I begin my ranting it is... Read More
Sometimes your PC will start acting strange for no apparent... Read More
Want to save money while promoting your web-based business? Of... Read More
Viruses, software failures, power failures, human errors, hard drive failures... Read More
This is the third in a series of articles highlighting... Read More
Lost & Found for the 21st CenturyIn today's hectic world... Read More
Tech support tells me to type 'regedt32' as opposed to... Read More
You probably heard of the new Firefox browser version 1.0... Read More
The registry is where the computer stores information about the... Read More
Have you ever tried to remove Spyware off your PC... Read More
Just The Facts, Ma'mPalm pilots are all the rage now.... Read More
You will need the following:1. 1.44MB FDD (floppy)2. NVFLASH utility... Read More
Are you frustrated with your PC?Is it feeling sluggish or... Read More
The basic language of the internet is html. If you... Read More
You use Ctrl+Alt+Del to see what's running on your PC,... Read More
In this era of Internet, most people are frequent users... Read More
Most people download and save so much information on their... Read More
Each of the items in the checklist below is part... Read More
I've worked my way from the CCNA to the CCIE,... Read More
With the new technology used to transfer information to from... Read More
In the 1950's and 1960's Polaroid's instant cameras were all... Read More
How long do you think DVDs have around? 20 years?... Read More
1. Empty the Temp directory regularly. To do this, make... Read More
There have been some questions on anti-skip protection on mp3... Read More
Want to save money while promoting your web-based business? Of... Read More
With renting methods such as online DVD rental and pay-per-view,... Read More
If you utilize a computer at home or work it... Read More
Choose Not To ConformPalm pilots and pdas are constantly growing... Read More
If you use a computer, you need to know more... Read More
Computer is an electronic machine work on the instructions of... Read More
Have you ever thought about building your own computer system?... Read More
Heading off on vacation soon?Then perhaps you're tempted to take... Read More
What led them to this choice, as all four studios... Read More
Not sure what Windows registry is or how it works?... Read More
Buying a receiver is one of the most important decisions... Read More
Your first step in removing dangerous infections from your computer... Read More
This tip is on sharing files and folders on a... Read More
Feeling overwhelmed in selecting a new TV? With all the... Read More
IntroductionMac OS X is the most technologically advanced operating system... Read More
So you've got some spyware, ad-ware, or viruses on your... Read More
The best way to get the gaming computer that you... Read More
The year is 1981. IBM has just released the Personal... Read More
In the first part of this home lab tutorial, CCNA... Read More
If you're like me, you occasionally find the ubiquitous mouse... Read More
JVC developed and used a high-performance reflective film to produce... Read More
Introduction In this article I will clearly spell out the... Read More
Understanding digital camera prices makes finding the best camera value... Read More
Personal Technology |