PDA Guide

A guide to PDAs


Personal digital assistants (PDAs) are handheld computers with many features including calculator, calendar, Internet connectivity, E-mails, address book, word documents and excel spreadsheets.

The latest PDAs have colour screens and audio and can be used as mobile phones, web browsers or media players. These PDAs can access the Internet and company intranets and networks through Wireless Wide-Area Networks.


Operating System

The main operating systems currently used in PDAs:

Palm - Developed by PalmSource for PDAs, it is designed to be similar to Microsoft Windows. Palm OS consists of basic applications including an address book, clock, note pad, sync and security software.

Microsoft Windows Mobile is a compact operating system combined with a suite of basic applications for mobile devices including Pocket Word, Pocket Excel and Pocket Outlook.


Synchronisation

PDAs can be sychronised with contact databases, e.g. Microsoft Outlook, on personal computers or remote servers. Synchronisation ensures that the PDA has an accurate list of contacts, appointments and e-mail, allowing users to access the same information on the PDA as the host computer.

Most PDAs come with the ability to synchronize to a personal computer. This is done through synchronization software provided with the handheld, such as HotSync Manager, which comes with Palm OS handhelds, or Microsoft ActiveSync, which comes with Windows Mobile handhelds.

Software

Like a personal computer, it is possible to install additional software on most PDAs. Software can be bought or downloaded from the Internet and stored in a memory card slot or hard drive. PDAs with Bluetooth can also utilise devices like headsets, mouse and keyboards.

Touch Screens

Touch screen PDAs, including Windows Pocket PC devices, usually include a stylus. Activating buttons or menu choices can be performed by using the stylus. Text can be inputted through a virtual keyboard or using handwriting recognition.

Rugged PDAs

Businesses and government organisations rely on rugged PDAs for mobile data applications. Applications include supply chain management in warehouses, direct store delivery, route accounting, medical treatment and record keeping in hospitals.

References: Information obtained from www.wikipedia.org and www.amlabels.co.uk