Mohit Sharma asked:


PDA’s are Personal Digital Assistant that brings technology in the palm of your hand. They are also known as small or palmtop computers. They are used as mini portable computers for carrying around and working on Operating Systems (OS). Earlier PDA’s were mostly touch screen and only later turned into color. Now PDA’s have combined with mobile phone technology to give out Smart phones, which serve multiple purposes pertaining to mobile usage and even computers handling.

Smart phones have no rigid definition to their identity. A phone supporting an OS and making use of higher end applications which aren’t used by most mobile phones or combine more user friendly applications relating to entertainment or utility are considered as Smart phones. These self defined Smart phones have come a long way. E-mails and using office applications on phone have become a regular feature for these devices. They are now starting to include GPS (Global Positioning System), i.e. providing detailed map of a place in your cell. This for the first time is introduced by Nokia in India. Though GPS was not permitted in India a bill has been recently passed and the usage is now allowed. With GPS even the tiniest turn can be detected and one would not be lost in the webbed road connections of India.

Smart phones also offer enhanced entertainment options. The gaming softwares and the games they offer are far more superior to what is offered by mobile phones. The camera quality also differs drastically. The display quality of some of the Smart phones exceeds more than 3 mega pixels and offers good imaging options. The music player is also advanced and offers better quality music while termed as serious contender for mp3 player market. The phone allows usage of computer applications like viewing PDF files and even editing them. Presentations and flash can now be done on the go and there is no need to carry your laptop for the same.

These palm pda phones have a touch screen option or a facsimile keypad or QWERTY keyboard style or even can have simple keypad style to offer. These phones are usually a bit bulky as they have a large screen display. The phones are used for emailing and full options of emailing including attachment of files are included. These phones are priced beyond 12-15k and are user friendly utility cum lifestyle phones.

Jim Brown asked:


The Personal Digital Assistant which is popularly known to yuppies as the PDA broke light in just about the same era as the mobile phones started shrinking. It was in the early 80′s that we saw the first PDA brought by the pioneers in electronic office components. But its design was too bulky because of its keyboards and buttons. It did not proved to be a feasible portable device because of its weight and size.

In the early 90′s a company producing computers made the first touch sensitive pda giving the old design a diet; it lost a lot in weight and trimmed its body by removing the keyboard buttons but beefed up its price that it was almost the same as an entry level laptop. It had its own handwriting recognition software which was not effective because the strokes where hard to master. Then again, the portable computing world experienced another flop.

In the late 90′s a company manufacturing computer peripherals perfected the market’s need-a reasonably priced, compact and easy to use pda. With this gadget; office work will never be the same though the early PDAs weren’t built to be a portable substitute for computers since it only kept contacts, task lists, and planners. Only a handful of information can be kept in its minute memory.

When the big players of the computer industry started to chip in to the pda market, everything evolved overnight. PDAs cannot substitute the personal computer or the laptop but its core functions can be of great help for people on the go. Computer peripherals have extended its development to the pda market. As the growing demands of users who want to have an all in one device, pda manufacturers have improved its core into the “pocket personal computer” also known as the ppc.

The ppc pushes the envelope of portable computing to the next level by shoving in faster, more powerful microprocessors. With these powerful devices, music and video can be played with smooth and crisp resolutions. Third party applications can now be installed, extending the PDAs feature to more than just a personal information manager. Installing the right application software, bookkeeping, funds management software, dictionaries, encyclopedias, reference and entertainment e-books can be all uploaded by a few clicks of the mouse.

The next generation PPCs are packed with large megapixel digital camera and mobile phone features which have connectivity to almost all types namely WiFi, EDGE, and 3.5G. It has pairing connections such as BLUETOOTH, IR, and USB ports for ease in connection with other devices. The latest line of PPCs now can achieve high streaming video conferencing.

Computer peripheral manufacturers have supported the growth of PPCs in the past few years by making compatible hardware devices such as folding keyboards, AV out connections, removable memories, and etc. This has helped on the go users a lot to make their ppc experience easy and comfortably as possible. Pocket PC’s can only be used when a regular pc or laptop is not available but in the end the user still needs to pair the device with the latter in order for it to save the new data.

Gen Wright asked:


ny are confused by the wide-ranging spectrum of mobile phone models and capabilities. For those seeking a phone with the greatest expanse of functionality, there is no better choice than a smart phone.

The smart phone is simply a cellular phone that offers higher capability above the average mobile phone. This simple definition is unfortunately complicated by the lack of an industry standard definition. One may see a smart phone as one that offers a complete keyboard with internet and email functionality, and some may only view a smart phone as a phone with a full operating system (OS) and applications.

Smart phones, as a whole, carry the ability to function as much as a cell phone as a PDA.

Most have complete email capability, web browsing, calendar support, and contact support. Extended functionality offered by various manufacturers and models include GPS or A-GPS navigation, multimedia playback, document reading or editing, integrated camera, touch screen, etc. The smart phones available on the market today are characterized by their respective operating systems, which are:

* Windows Mobile

* iPhone OS

* Symbian OS

* RIM Blackberry

* Palm OS

* Linux-based OS

Windows Mobile is a platform developed by Microsoft that supports mobile devices including smart phones. It is close in appearance and features to the desktop Windows operating systems, including a very large selection of third party applications. Windows Mobile applications can add an unlimited functionality to a smart phone within hardware limits, but some examples are Skype support, instant messaging over AIM or other protocols, RSS feeds, and media players that extend the built-in file format ability.

The iPhone OS is built by Apple to run on their iPhone. The iPhone OS is actually a stripped down, but complete version of the original OS X operating system. This OS supports media playback identical to the iPod line, but with a layout designed to take advantage of the iPhone?s multi-touch screen. It also supports a portable version of the iTunes store, third-party applications through an application store, a full version of the Safari web browser, full e-mail support with HTML and attachment viewing, maps via Google, YouTube, calendar and contacts support, photo viewing, etc.

The Symbian OS is developed and owned by Symbian Ltd., and while similar in functionality to the Windows Mobile operating system, enjoys 65% of all smart phone market share. This OS has all of the basic smart phone features that any other smart phone has, but also an extensive library of third party applications that provide the phone with nearly unlimited functionality (with respect to hardware limitations). Some phone manufacturers that utilize the Symbian OS are Nokia, Motorola, and Sony Ericsson.

The Blackberry, Palm, and Linux-based operating systems are the last three operating systems employed by smart phones today, and share the main functionality of all other smart phones, as well as third-party applications. These systems are similar in their narrow smart phone deployment. The Blackberry OS only runs on Blackberry devices, and the Palm OS runs primarily on the Treo devices. The Linux-based systems are unique in that it is not its own platform, but rather a base for other platforms used by Samsung, Panasonic, NEC, and Vodafone, to name a few.

Jim Brown asked:


Having someone to organize all your appointments would be a professional’s dream. But unfortunately not everyone can afford the monthly expenses of having a personal assistant to tag around with. Managing all your contacts and tasks can be a mess, especially if that reliable old notepad doesn’t sound any alarm for an important task you need to do or worst an important business meeting with a sensitive client.

Owning a personal digital assistant or a PDA has been a must for people who are constantly up on their toes. It has been a commodity for almost all professions nowadays since it satisfies the common office needs. Basically a PDAs function is a personal information management device. These keeps critical information such as contact numbers, addresses, birthdates, anniversaries, important dates, notes and a task or schedule manager.

With numerous brands and models in the PDA market today, choosing which model and brand to buy can be mind boggling. A thing the buyer should know before buying is that a PDA is just a peripheral that still needs a full blown computer for it to function well. A PDA or a pocket pc cannot at this stage rival the capabilities of the computer. Though it may have applications that can be of the same with a full blown pc, it is just for temporary substitute for the mean time. Application made for PDAs and pocket pc only carries the core component and lacks big time on other features.

The first question is “what are the user’s current needs?” followed by “what are the possible near future needs?” Since PDAs come in all types and sizes, the use needs to be broken down into several segments of use.

Entry Level Users

A PDA user of this level only needs the core PIM or personal information management applications such as task scheduler, contacts, notepad manager and PDF file viewer. The user may be at the office most of the time but needs an instrument to remind him of his tasks and appointments.

Mid-Level Users

Users of this level may be constantly out of the office and may need to bring along data that is crucial for meetings and presentations. The type of PDA needed for this user needs to process more than just the PIM task but also other third party application software. Probably it might also be helpful to buy a PDA with a built-in digital camera. Be sure to buy a PDA unit that can pack in extra memory and batteries. A recommended feature would be an extended removable memory card slot and a removable battery slot so it would be easier to change batteries.

Expert-level Users

This level is the hardest to please. These are on the go users that you can seldom find in offices. They pack gadgets to keep them on track of everything -pretty demanding need for such a small computer component. They constantly need live up to date information that is crucial in their day to day dealings.

The PDA they need are the top of the line pocket pc. Probably the user might need a phone to go with that gadget since mobile phone offers 3G connectivity. This technology can get users to connect to the internet 24/7 at virtually anywhere. This class of gadgets is packed with Wifi, video conferencing feature and a QWERTY keyboard layout for users that need constant data entry.

Yung Trang asked:


by Yung Trang

Purchasing a smart phone or PDA may seem like a luxury, but for many they are essential tools of productivity. For those pressed for time, or who are frequently away from a home or work computer they rely on heavily, these devices quickly pay for themselves in efficiency.

Features of PDAs and Smart Phones

Personal Digital Assistants offer many of the same tools and toys of a PC in a handheld size. (If they also function as a mobile phone, they’re called smart phones.) Usually sporting a Microsoft Windows or Palm operating system, most of them support:

· Reading email

· Address books / contact managers

· Instant messaging

· Listening to music

· Shopping on the Web

· Editing spreadsheets

· Writing documents and letters

· Reading ebooks

· Creating presentations

· Shooting and viewing quality photos and videos

· Playing computer games

· Bluetooth and Wi-Fi wireless technologies

· Global Positioning (GPS) software

· Synchronization with MAC or PC

· Voice-activated dialing

Keep in Mind

· Size and quality of the screen are very important – especially for those with limited visual acuity. Larger screens mean a larger price tag.

· Touch screens are convenient for those who struggle with small keyboards, but require more concentration and dexterity to use accurately. They must be reset frequently for proper alignment. Many handheld games still must be played using keys rather than a stylus.

· Smart phones are heavier than cell phones, and those with larger screens tend to be heavier. The extra weight often requires the use of a headset and carrying case.

· Keyboards tend to be either very small, sometimes with a unique key layout, or larger with the standard QWERTY layout.

· A faster documented processor speed doesn’t always mean faster real-time speeds. Be sure to test and compare devices.

· 3G technology offers broadband speeds for surfing the web.

· Storage space on PDAs is usually minimal, but expansion slots allow for removable storage. Storage cards can offer as much storage as you need at additional cost.

· Cameras should be at least 1.3 megapixels for reasonable quality, and being able to zoom makes a big difference.

· A PDA with integrated phone, Bluetooth, Wi-Fi and GPS keeps the number of necessary devices and wires to a minimum and maximizes mobility.

· GPS may cost extra to use.

· Removable lithium cell batteries are easy to replace without having to go to a service center.

· Most cell phone companies require that smart phone owners have a PDA package at additional cost – the device cannot just be used as a phone at a lower rate.

· Many websites are not yet able to display properly on PDAs and smart phones.

Christa Kowalczyk asked:


The Personal Digital Assistants better known as the PDA’s are new age electronic devices that store all your personal information and data and process it whenever you need it.

These devices are not only about storing and retrieving data but they come with a variety of options for added functionality and convenience.

These devices are equipped to give you more functionality than processing data and these new functionalities include handwriting recognition, networking, wireless communications, MP3 players, phone etc.

This device can be classified by considering its functionality and the operating system or OS it uses. More features like the Memory and processing speed also help us to determine different types of PDA’s.

But in general you will find the PDA’s classified as hand-held PDA’s and palm-sized PDA’s. The only major differences between these two being size, display and mode of data entry.

The hand-held PDA’s, if compared to the palm-sized PDA’s, tend to be larger and heavier.They have larger liquid crystal displays (LCD) and use a miniature keyboard, usually in combination with touch-screen technology, for data entry.

Whereas, the palm-sized PDA’s are smaller and lighter. They have smaller LCDs and rely on stylus/touch-screen technology and handwriting recognition programs for data entry.

When you stat looking for a PDA device what you need is device with the most compatible operating system. The Windows Pocket PC OS is the most popular as it is compatible with most of the Desktops. The size does matter.

The small sized PDA device is easier to carry and use. While considering a PDA note that a choosing a big screen will ensure that no unnecessary strain is put on your eyes.

The best PDAs are loaded with the most useful applications and are Internet ready to keep you on move. RAM is an essential factor for choosing a PDA device. The one that have more RAM helps you to process data faster and run more applications.

Some of these devices come with memory slots so that you can insert a compact flash or secured memory stick to increase its storage capacity. The handheld device is well equipped with networking capabilities. It helps you to get connected with LAN’s and other wireless networks.

A handheld model is designed to give you the freedom of accessing important data without the geographical limitations, and with added convenience. So it can be used by those who have to spend most time out of the office and carrying a laptop every time is not a possibility. In fact in some occasions it is more useful as it is handy and can be carried in the pocket.

It is very useful with some of its interesting features like handwriting recognition software, which make using it even more convenient. It helps you in a great deal to stay connected to the Internet and can function as a mobile phone as well.

This combination is great for the people who need to communicate a lot and at the same time require data at their fingertips. It is also a great entertainment tool with music and video player, which makes it a great companion everywhere.