personal digital assistant

PDA overview

Personal digital assistant, also known as PDA, is a handheld mobile computing system. PDA was originally developed as an embedded system to serve as handheld personal organizer. All the PDAs offer calculation options, computer games, and clock and calendar features. Besides these basic functions, PDAs now available are quite versatile in features. PDA is used as a mobile phone known as PDA phone. It offers Internet access including web browsing, E-mail, radio or stereo use, video recording, and serves as a spreadsheet and address book. Newer PDAs offer Wi-Fi or WWAN (wireless wide area network) support.

Using a PDA

Using a PDA requires the understanding of its touch screen, and synchronizing and customizing options.

PDA touch screen

PDAs contain a touch screen that is accessed through a detachable stylus. Tapping the screen activates the buttons or menus. In most PDAs an onscreen virtual keyboard is available. PDAs for large businesses and industrial applications contain a scroll wheel that makes navigation easy. Foldable small sized keyboards can also be plugged offering normal typing functions.

PDA Synchronization

For exchange of data between PDA and other devices such as computers both the devices need to be synchronized. Synchronization allows correct data delivery and loss free data access from PDA. PDAs contain synchronizing features such as synchronize to personal computer. ActiveSync option is available in Windows Mobile handheld.

PDA Customization

PDAs can be customized in both the hardware and software. In hardware the most common are memory cards. These include Smart Cards, Multimedia Cards, and SD cards. Modern PDAs contain Bluetooth support for headsets, keyboards, or mouse. Miniature keyboards can also be attached to some PDAs. In software the PDAs allow downloading software from Internet. Special software are available depending upon PDA operating systems.

PDA Applications

Audio recording, taking pictures as cameras, serving as cell phone, GPS receiver mapping, and media player capability are all basic functionalities of a PDA. PDAs are used in hospital to record patient symptoms. This makes the treatment more feasible and efficient. In educational institutes students can record their lectures using PDAs.

Industrial PDAs

Soon after their evaluation PDAs became an important part of industrial applications. Now special PDA are available to work in Industrial environment known as Ruggedized or industrial PDAs. Industrial PDAs are used to record databases, package delivery, record keeping in hospitals, access control and security, medical treatment records, facilities management, capital assets maintenance, and wireless applications. Some common rugged PDAs for military and business applications are from DAP technologies, Symbol technologies, and Intermec.

PDA Operating Systems

Common Operating systems for PDAs include Embedded XP, Palm OS, Microsoft Windows CE or Windows mobile, Blackberry's RIM, Symbian OS, and embedded Linux. Nokia, Sony Ericsson, Samsung, and Panasonic own the Symbian Operating System also known as EPOC.