PDAs

Basics

While it may teach you a few tricks, or answer some nagging question about document formatting, that little paperclip that annoyingly dances around Microsoft Word is not a Personal Digital Assistant.  Actually, a PDA compresses mobile computing power and essential programs into a fun yet functional package almost necessary for everyday life. The efficiency and organization a PDA offers make it an indispensable tool for business professionals everywhere. Modern PDAs do not simply provide applications for simple calculation, appointments, or even checking email. New devices debut each quarter with larger screens, faster processors and more memory than the last batch. The number of units manufactured that do not include integrated Wi-Fi or Bluetooth diminishes daily yet even those are capable of wireless communication via several common standards of expansion slots. Additionally, several PDAs incorporate media players for music and video files. Some come with advanced graphics chips by makers such as ATi, a provider of powerful graphics cards for desktop and notebook computers.  With games, mobile internet, and the ability to sync with Outlook and other PocketPC adapted programs, PDAs can prove very entertaining and nearly as useful as a much larger notebook computer.

                                                                

The Great Debate                                                                                                                                  

Much like the incessant debate that pits MACs against PCs, a similar battle plays out between the major operating systems for handheld devices with Palm OS and Windows PocketPC vying for market share. Just as in the larger competition, no single system may ever quash its rival even if years from now one platform ends up controlling only 3% of the market share (Wink, wink Apple.) Some proponents of the Palm based devices state that it crashes less frequently or that learning the system requires far less effort than the Windows based pocket platform. Also, because of its longer history Palm sports thousands more available programs many of which are free or cheaper than their PocketPC counterparts. However, in my opinion, everyone makes the decision as to what OS is right for them long before they consider purchasing a PDA. Outside the graphic design and animation fields, the dominance of Windows based PCs makes devices which seamlessly link and share data with them invaluable.

Features

Regardless of which operating system you prefer, each platform constantly undergoes revision and updates. Windows Mobile 2003 for Pocket PCs and Palm OS5 makeup the newest versions of the software currently available, though Microsoft will release Windows Mobile 5.0 in the Fall of 2005. Additionally, some PDA brands like the now discontinued Sony Clie line ship with a version of the Symbian Operating System. Aside from the operating system, a wealth of features and options differentiate these handheld computers from one another.

Text Input

Digital Keyboard- Most OSs support software which adds a keyboard image to your PDA screen to allow letter selection during typing.

Graffiti Pad- The original text input method for PDA’s can still prove useful for note taking and memos as it converts your handwriting to text.

External QWERTY keyboard- This standard layout hardware keyboard available on some units can make emails and text messages a breeze to punch out quickly.

Voice Recorder- Now transcribe your notes in your exact words. Some of the hottest PDAs come with a built-in speaker/mike for recording messages and notes.

Integrated Communication

Bluetooth- This short-range wireless data transfer mode ships standard with several units or comes as an aftermarket adapter option.

Wi-Fi- The very popular wireless standard now available in PDAs offers greater support, range and faster transfers. Like Bluetooth, WiFi comes built-in or as an adapter in Compact Flash or Secure Digital format.

IrDA- This transfer format cannot compare with current WiFi technology though it offers a convenient method for syncing a PDA and PC with or without a docking station.

New for 2005!
GPS- New devices like the Mio Mitac 168 and the HP Mobile Messenger represent a series of PDA's with unprecedented functionality. Not only are they fully equipped organization tools, but some of the latest handhelds also feature GPS systems built-in!

Storage Media/Expansion Slots

PDAs can also accommodate up to several gigabytes of program and data storage through memory cards in formats like Secure Digital, Compact Flash, and MultiMedia Cards. Manufacturers also design peripheral devices like digital cameras, FM radios, and even GPS systems in these specifications for use with compatible PDAs.

RAM/ROM

RAM- Like your notebook or desktop computer, PDAs utilize Random Access Memory to store information. Generally, the more Megabytes of RAM available to your PDA, the faster your programs will run. Amounts of RAM in PDAs vary from 16 to 128 MBs.

Display

The current display standard supported by nearly every Pocket PC on the market calls for a 240x320 pixel 64,000 color transflective TFT display. However the Toshiba 800 series broke ground as the first PDA to offer the VGA standard display of 640 x 480, though this luxury feature moves the Toshiba to the far side of the PDA price spectrum.

Extras

In addition to normal email and note taking, new PDAs running Microsoft Windows PocketPC 2003 can also run Pocket versions of Microsoft Office programs like Excel. They can transfer files like PowerPoint presentations to different PCs and locations. Furthermore, some units can record and playback video clips or photo slideshows. Others even come with built in cameras. The functionality of Pocket PCs continually increases as designers incorporate more features and programs into new devices. As the adapted technology progresses, the gap between the Pocket PC and the notebook computer narrows. new PDAs running Microsoft Windows PocketPC 2003 can also run Pocket versions of Microsoft Office programs like Excel. They can transfer files like PowerPoint presentations to different PCs and locations. Furthermore, some units can record and playback video clips or photo slideshows. Others even come with built in cameras. The functionality of Pocket PCs continually increases as designers incorporate more features and programs into new devices. As the adapted technology progresses, the gap between the Pocket PC and the notebook computer narrows.

PDA Feature Set Key Diagram	Palm Lifedrive $499	Dell Axim x50v $424	iPAQ hw6715 $500 +
Operating System	Palm OS	Windows Mobile 5.0	Windows Mobile 5.0
Text Input	soft keyboard, graffiti pad	soft keyboard, voice recorder	Integrated/backlit keyboard, microphone, speaker
Built-In Communication	Bluetooth Wi-Fi	Bluetooth Wi-Fi	Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, GPS PHONE
Storage/Media Slots	SD SD I/O MMC 4GB hard drive	SD SD I/O MMC Compact Flash	SD/IO SD MiniSD
RAM/ROM	64	64/128	64/128
Display	320x480 transfelctive Stretch Display	3.7" transflective VGA TFT with 64,000 colors	240 x 240 square transflective screen
BONUS	Landscape/Portrait View	Feature packed PDA	Hardware keyboard, Bluetooth and WLAN
OVERALL	CAPABLE	COMPATIBLE	COMMANDING w/Bragging Rights

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Conclusion
 

PDAs clearly incorporate a wide range of features and customizable options to suit every user. Consumers less familiar with computers may find the Palm OS much simpler to learn, while those who enjoy seamless compatibility with Windows programs will undoubtedly prefer a handheld running Windows Mobile. Though a debate about the best operating system for PDAs continues to rage, their ability to organize and positively affect everyday life remains unquestioned.

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