PDAs or Personal Digital Assistant are electronic devices that act as mini computers. These palm sized devices were originally intended to act as a personal organizer, their basic features include a clock, date book, address book, memo pad, task list and calculator. Latest versions of PDAs include high-end features like web browsers and media players with expandable memory. Some PDAs even have mobile phone capabilities and touch screen color display screens.
Extra functions for PDAs include audio recording capabilities, camera, GPS functionality for maps, and internet access using wireless technologies like GPRS and WLAN. PDA software can also be upgraded by hooking it up to a PC. A PC connection can also be used to transfer other data between the two devices. Different PDA’s work on different operating systems, often depending on the manufacturer. This is often a major determinant in a consumer’s buying decision. Palm, Inc uses the Palm OS, Microsoft uses the Windows Mobile OS, Blackberrys use the RIM OS, while Ericsson PDAs use the Symbian OS. One can even install free Linux-based operating systems like GPE and Qtopia.
For customers on a budget, great deals are to be had on used or refurbished PDAs. Some popular PDA device manufacturers include Palm, HP/Compaq, Apple, Blackberry, Dell, and Sony. Today, PDAs are often referred to as ‘Palms’, or ‘Palm Pilots’ owing to the popularity of the PDAs originally manufactured by Palm, Inc. |
