| The
Personal Data Assistant (PDA) has won rapid acceptance among
university students and executives who are constantly on the
move because of its ability to package a lot of different
data requirements into a palm sized device. The PDA is designed
to make a busy life easier by providing sensible connections
to all the information you need, have it at your fingertips
when you need it, and transport it to other systems.
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Once 'organised' with your PDA, you will have
all of your contact phone numbers, be collecting your emails,
process your business orders, display your photographs and
relax to your mp3 library. Many PDAs also act as a digital
recorder and have windows based compatibility for word processing
and spreadsheet financial calculations.
PDAs At the simplest end of the market, a
PDA can help you manage your daily to-do lists, keep track
of your diary and record your memos. But it's important for
people moving into using a PDA to understand that it is a
tool that is most beneficial to an already organised mind:
it won't actually do the organising for you.
But if you find you need to view and manage
documents on the go, keep track of your appointments and have
instant access to your name and address book, then the basic
functions of a PDA will probably enhance your productivity.
And of course the added bonuses of listening to your mp3s,
watching short video clips, reading ebooks and being able
to rehearse and review your presentations can only help.
PDAs with the Windows Pocket PC operating
system and gutsy memory are compatible with your normal windows
and office environments. Screen size and image resolution
can be critical if you intend to use the device for reading
books and managing text-heavy documents. While sales of PDAs
have steadily declined over the past two years, losing to
smartphone technology, the main manufacturers have advanced
the usability of PDA devices with faster processors, increases
in memory and multimedia capability.
In many situations, smartphones have been
able to replace many functions of the PDA, combining data
management with mobile phone technology. But if you want to
work with spreadsheets and web pages on your PDA, smartphones
are at a disadvantage from smaller screen sizes and data storage
capability and sometimes cost, but they obviate the need to
carry two devices.
What to look for
There's a hand-held PDA device to suit practically
every budget and need. You need to consider just how much
data you want to carry with you and how connected you want
to be. Obviously more memory, faster processor and bigger
screen attract higher price tags. You can compare brands,
models and prices by searching Myshopping.com.au using the
following specifications to guide you.
A budget basic unit might offer a processor
speed of 16 MHz, 8MB of memory and at 2.5 inch (diagonal)
screen. At the high end, you can get a 4GB micro hard drive,
WiFi and Bluetooth connectivity, 400 MHz processor, 256MB
memory, with expansion slots, 4 inch (diagonal) LCD screen
with 65,000 colours and 640 x 480 display resolution, GPS
functionality, MP3 player, digital camera and instant messaging.
In the middle of the range you will find devices
with 64MB of memory, a 200 MHz processor, 3 inch screen and
built-in microphone or audio input jack. Bear in mind that
all of these specifications and functionalities change continuously,
and devices are upgraded with new features over very short
spaces of time.
Apart from processor speed, memory and screen
size, some of the critical specifications that you can use
for cost and brand comparisons include:
Data input - While some models have a full
QWERTY keyboard built-in, you may want to consider adding
a fold-up full-size external keyboard. Entering lots of text
with the small built-in keypads or using the handwriting software
can be frustrating.
Audio input - A built-in microphone or microphone
jack is needed for recording voice memos and meeting notes
and store audio files.
Music playback - MP3 audio file playback can
sometimes need additional software.
GPS - While there are a number of purpose-built
hand-held devices for industrial applications, your PDA's
GPS capability may not be suitable for rugged outdoor activities.
Communication - Look for integrated Bluetooth
1.1 and a built-in 802.11b Wi-Fi adapter
Smartphone - Combines the functions of a mobile
phone with a data management device in a single unit. Phone
capability requires a separately purchased service contract
Audio Output - A headphone jack is essential
for listening to your audio files
Cradle/Charger - This device allows for easy
connection and synchronization with your PC while simultaneously
recharging your battery. Consider buying an additional cradle
for the office for maximum convenience. Some PDAs include
a cable or a special cradle that provides an interface with
your desktop computer to synchronize data.
Battery life - Each device will have its own
battery-life characteristics. Battery recharge life is also
dependant upon the data you are processing. You can use manufacturer's
specifications as a guide to compare between brands and models,
but these specifications are laboratory measurements and may
not reflect your actual use.
Bluetooth - This wireless technology lets
you to exchange data with other handheld devices or any other
Bluetooth enabled device such as a cell phone, fax machine,
personal computer, laptop computer, headset or printer. The
Bluetooth feature will allow you to add an external keyboard.
Digital camera - PDA cameras usually capture
low resolution images (around 1.2 megapixels), which are perfect
for emailing but not ideal for printing.
GPS - Global positioning system allows you
to navigate from any point on or near the surface of the earth.
Music/Audio - The MP3 playback quality will
depend on the bit rate of the audio file and the quality of
the built-in speaker. The audio quality is often better when
played back through a quality headset.
PDA Screen - PDA screen sizes are measured
in inches diagonally and are available from 2.6 inches up
to 5 inches on the very high-end. Larger, brighter screens
require more power to operate therefore increase battery consumption.
Processor speed - refers to the speed in which
a PDA coordinates its internal functions. Processor speeds
are measured in MHz (megahertz) and range between 4 MHz and
624 MHz. Although these specifications can change rapidly
as technology develops, it is recommended to have a processor
speed of at least 16 MHz for general day-to-day functions.
Video capture - Video playback often requires
an additional expansion card and a third-party software download,
and higher memory capability.
Web Browser - Used with a Wi-Fi connection,
lets you browse the internet as you would from a desktop computer.
Wi-Fi - Integrated 802.11b WLAN (wireless
local area network), enables you to connect to the internet
in any hot spot. Enabling the Wi-Fi features tends to consume
battery life quickly.
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