PDA Blog

Let’s review the innovative software with GPS PDA, CAD, and GIS Data especially significant in aviation routing, scheduling and delivery.

Do you know that in aviation, there has been a relative improvement for what we would call the pilot’s toys? For example, there is already a sectional chart on PDA GPS. There are also many other data beneficial for safe airplane arrivals. This PDA GPS and other program all work together to make flying much easier thereby making it more enjoyable for everyone involved in flight.

There are exciting new programs programmed with features that activate when it is loaded along with certain databases. This innovation is quite useful for the CIA. Now they can have a valuable tool for tracking civilian data that is vital for their surveillance and intelligence gathering.

Because pilots in general have no problem with being able to afford new toys, this newest PDA GPS in the industry finds itself with several new players. Its purpose is primarily to secure passengers’ large luggage, among others.

Many drivers, especially those who drive trucks and even railroad conductors, use these boards. Military pilots use them as well. Other military personnel may have used the devices as well, but the US military isn’t entirely forthcoming about past use.

Other PDA GPS devices have particular designs. A weather device transmits text information that you can search on the Internet for specifications. This PDA GPS toy is definitely handy to have around.

Another handy PDA GPS device has a main feature that helps you find your location and get directions. Being non-Windows CE compatible is a disadvantage, however. One obvious advantage of this pocket-sized unit is its distinctly small size.

There is also a unit that can be used on some handheld GPS devices or PDA GPS with capabilities for terrain CAD. Aside from aviation purposes, it is also useful in civil engineering and forestry. In addition, it can be used for routing and scheduling of mobile car washing, in aviation and even activities like hiking, fishing and diving. It can also be practical for trucking businesses. The device has NOAA features for weather and works with software known as ESRI. Versatile is the most appropriate description for this unit. This PDA GPS unit is by far the best all-purpose unit available.

Another PDS GPS tool unit that has very practical features gives out real-time data significant for flight plans. Real-time data includes information on airport forecasts and observations, area forecasts, and wind forecasts. It gives graphics and text of pilot reports, status of military training airspace that is prohibited and restricted, and position of other planes in the air through the instrumental flight plan. It also produces graphical images of ice and turbulence forecasts, and FAA advisories and alerts, among others.

This review shows that the software companies that work with PDA GPS strive to provide corresponding data for the customers’ convenience and uniformity. Let us hope that it assists you in being more up to date with the PDA GPS technology and perhaps learn more about it. Many of these PDA GPS technologies will soon be available to businesses, from small to large ones.

Traveling is always easier if you take as little with you as humanly possible. It’s always the intention while traveling to carry only to what is most necessary. This is not always an obtainable goal, especially when you are venturing into parts unknown. In addition to the usual essentials, a sizable map and navigational equipment become necessary.

With the unveiling of GPS technology, traveling with maps and huge navigational devices becomes unneeded; a traveler need only carry a GPS receiver. A GPS receiver determines one’s exact position on earth by deciphering the information it receives from GPS satellites. With the assistance of other electronic devices, the GPS receiver will precisely determine your correct location on a map.

For even more even more functions and ease of use, GPS receivers can be used with other mobile devices. The PDA is one of the most frequently used mobile products for this purpose. PDAs make the perfect partner to the GPS receiver because of their unique features, such as a colored screen to display maps and hard drive space for map storage. And PDAs are light compared to other mobile devices such as notebook computers.

There is a problem with using a PDA with a GPS device, however. They do not always integrate well. GPS receivers are normally connected to PDAs using a CompactFlash (CF) card or USB wires. Because some GPS receivers are quite large, attaching it to your PDA using CF can make it too large. Using the USB wires, however, can make your GPS receiver difficult to use and limit its usefulness.

So what could be the solution to this problem? A Bluetooth GPS reciver.

The Bluetooth Solution

Bluetooth wireless technology is the open standard for wireless communication. As long as the two electronic devices are with 10 meters of each other, Bluetooth technology will allow them to send and receive signals and transfer data. No wires are necessary.

Bluetooth GPS Recevier

The Bluetooth GPS receiver is simply a receiver that uses the Bluetooth technology and electronics to transmit GPS data to a mobile device. However, they must share the same technology. For example, if a Bluetooth GPS receiver will be used with a PDA, the PDA must have built-in Bluetooth technology.

The Bluetooth GPS receivers used with the Bluetooth capable PDAs offer many advantages over an ordinary GPS unit, which is connected to the PDA using CompactFlash or USB wires. These advantages include the ability to use wireless connections between the devices. Without wires to limit positioning between the Bluetooth GPS receiver and the PDA, you can place the two devices at their most advantageous locations. For example, if you are using your Bluetooth GPS receiver in your car, you can place the device where it has a clear view of the sky. Then you can place your PDA on your dashboard and have optimum screen visibility. Because the wires are not used to connect the two devices, their positioning will not hamper your driving. Also, because you won’t need to use Bluetooth’s CompactFlash slot, you can use it for other things, such as storing maps or software to optimize the GPS navigation.

Aside from these two advantages, the Bluetooth GPS receiver units have other features, although most of them are brand or unit specific. Generally, Bluetooth GPS receiver units now have pre-stored US maps, point-of-interest (POI databases and route recalculation functions.

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. 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.

In summary

You may like to consider whether you are a novice (that is, new to PDA technology), an entrepreneur or a technophile, and make your search based on your level of understanding of the technology involved. As a novice, you will be searching for a basic unit, as a technophile you will be looking for all the bells and whistles. An entrepreneur will be searching for the most adaptable capabilities. The following might assist.

Choose amongst functionalities. Consider you need for mp3 players, or video players, or web browsing. Doubling the functionality of your PDA may reduce the need to have to carry another device around in order to enjoy the benefits offered.

How much internet access do you need? Bluetooth connectivity can give you mobile phone enabled internet access, Wife can give you access from hot spots, and simple cable connection to your desktop computer can let you read your emails on the road.

Go for maximum memory for money. Memory determines how much data your PDA can process and store, and its ability to handle applications. Memory can be boosted in many devices using expansion slots and flash memory cards.

Once you have purchased an Ipaq PDA you next step will be to find a nice bag or case to carry it in. You want to protect your investment with a durable case. You should also make sure that your new case meets your needs. Bag-like cases offer you space as well as safety. Learning about the different styles will help you chose a case or bag that meets your needs.

There are some really good reasons to buy a case or bag for your Ipaq PDA. The main reason may be to protect the PDA from breaking. If you have a sturdy case it can protect your PDA if it is accidentally dropped or stepped on. You can also protect your PDA from weather conditions if you are going to be using it outside often. Water damage to a PDA can be fatal.

You will probably get a generic case from the manufacturer with your PDA. It will most likely be simple and constructed of cardboard and plastic. It may work for simple protection, like keeping your screen from getting scratched, but for more serious protection you need to get another sturdier case. The investment you make in a new case or bag is well worth the protection you get for your investment in your PDA.

The types of cases vary from soft to hard covers. You can also get extra storage. There are soft covered cases that open up like a book with your PDA on one side and room on the other for a notepad. There are hard cases that offer the most extreme protection against any possible harm. Bag type cases are soft and look like a mini duffel bag. They not only house your PDA, but offer many different storage areas for your cell phone, a small snack, car keys or whatever you need to take with you.

These bag type cases reduce the need for you to carry a purse or other bag and use only your PDA case. Another thing you may want to look at is how your PDA fits into the case. If you are going to want to use your PDA while it is in the case and it is a generic case that is not made specifically for your Ipaq then you may end up with problems.

Buttons could be covered, the screen covered or speakers not clear so the sound is muffled. If you hook connections into your PDA often you should make sure you can do so while it is in the case if you intend to keep it in the case while using. Check how easy it is to put your PDA in and take it out of the case. Chose a case that offers you the features you need.

Going over why you need a PDA case or bag and looking into the different options in cases will help you chose the best case for you. Be sure to consider how you use your PDA and if the case will effect how you use it. It doesn’t hurt to try on your PDA case and give it a practice round to see how it will work if you actually buy it.

The following information in this article should be exactly what you are looking for and I hope it helps you.

Buying a PDA as with most computer related products can sometimes be quite confusing if not sometimes very frustrating. With so many different makes and models to choose from how do you choose the right one?

Well, hopefully we can help you with that decision. Here I’ve put together some smart buying tips for getting your first PDA that should get you going in the right direction. Let’s take a look at these tips now and get you started on the right.

Smart buying tip #1: Cost. You need to take the cost into consideration since the prices on PDAs vary widely depending on what you want. Keep in mind that a PDA basically is an organizational tool. But you can do much more with them as well, like access the internet, play games, download music, e-books and even pictures to name a few. So depending on what you want your pda for you need to plan on what you are going to do with it. Then plan on what price you can afford. Now don’t go crazy when you buy a PDA, remember more money doesn’t always mean a better PDA. If you aren’t sure as to what a PDA is worth that you are planning to spend, then read various PDA reviews to see what others think of the product. Key point here, PDA reviews are vital resources that can help you to successfully determine which PDA will meet your needs. Please use them in your research.

Smart buying tip #2: PDAs come in various sizes and so it is important that you find one that you will be comfortable to you in handling on a regular basis. It is important to note that, some PDAs are very tiny while there are others that are considered large but they are smaller than a laptop. Go out to your nearest electronics store and sample a few and if you feel that a tiny device is comfortable then get a small device, if not then a larger PDA may be better.

Smart buying tip #3: Just to reiterate on tip number 2. PDA size and its keyboard are very important factors in choosing a PDA. A PDA keyboard that has keys designed too close together or are small and difficult to use can be very aggravating and no one likes to be aggravated. Now, this is especially true for those that have problems with fine motor skills or have a repetitive motion injury which could make using a tiny handheld PDA near impossible to use. So, thoroughly examine the usability of a PDA’s keyboard before you make your decision.

Smart buying tip #4: If you would like to or plan to use your PDA for internet access, then it’s highly recommended that you invest in a PDA that offers wireless internet access. After all the whole idea in enjoying the use of your PDA is the portability that this product provides and using cell phone dial up, even though it is more secure, is no less costly than wireless access.

Smart buying tip #5: If your intentions are to carry quite a few files or images on your PDA, you may want to consider buying a PDA with a larger size installed memory even though you can purchase an expanded memory card. PDAs are small, handheld devices, and there memories are a bit limited. But in the long run it is cheaper to get a PDA with sufficient installed memory and expand later if you need to than to buy one with less and buy an additional expanded memory card.

Now, if you keep these tips in mind, there is no doubt that you will easily find a PDA that will serve its purpose and you will be happy with. Now all you need to do is start your research and your sampling of PDAs. Visit the nearest electronic dealer to determine what PDA you want and get your life organized today!

Are you considering the purchase of your very first PDA? If so, what should you look for? How much should you spend? What features should you get?

Before making the final decision to purchase a PDA, have you thoroughly researched what they can do, and if you really need one or are you just intrigued by having a new gadget like your friends? Let’s start with this question. One of the first and still major uses for a PDA is an appointment book or calendar. If you are currently using an appointment book like a Franklin Planner, the PDA can certainly replace this. One advantage of a PDA over an appointment book is that changes don’t require constant erasing and re-writing. A PDA is usually backed up on your PC, so there is always a back-up.

A new PDA does not have to be purchased every year like a Franklin Planner, so in the long run it will be cheaper. This plus the previous mentioned advantages may be enough to make the switch. Of course there are many other features and uses for a PDA besides an appointment book, among which are:

• Address book
• Calculator
• Internet Access
• Notes and document management
• Games
• GPS

Given that you are ready to go forward with the purchase, your choice of a PDA model will depend on what you need it for—what you want it to do. Following are some of the important considerations:

Memory – If you plan to use your PDA for storing large documents and other reference works, then you’ll need the corresponding amount of memory. Also check to see if the memory can be expanded. You’ll need to consider the other software that you might want to run on your PDA.

Size – All the features do you no good if you don’t bother to bring the PDA with you due to its bulky size.

Input Options – If you plan on using the PDA to take notes with, a compact external keyboard is essential. The built in stylus input is designed for small amounts of data only.

Battery Life – Again, dictated by your specific needs.

Finding the best place to purchase your PDA can be done easily with online shopping portals. Ebay of course always has offers. One thing to consider for a PDA is a buyers protection plan that is offered by many local retailers. Normally these end up costing more than they are worth, but just one drop of your PDA onto a hard surface can destroy it. If you are buying a high end PDA and will be running around with it daily, a buyers protection plan may be worthwhile.

Personal Digital Assistants or PDAs are truly useful devices, they are hand held devices which remind you of appointments, store your business and personal records and can even double as a phone. By putting a GPS system on your PDA it can even give you direction and location information.

Just How Accurate Do You Have To Be?

Before investing in a GPS system for your PDA, ask how accurately it should operate. All units use data from the GPS satellite network, but the accuracy of the information relies on the PDA clock hardware.

The satellites are fitted with expensive atomic clocks which have great precision. PDA GPS units have less accurate clocks. Unless you have to know your position with detailed accuracy, say around 12 inches, you can choose a PDA GPS unit with the less expensive time piece and still find it extremely useful.

The GPS device transmits signals to the GPS satellite network, transmitting a timestamp, and the available satellites compare that with the timestamp from the signal which was previously received. The satellite then figures in how long it took to receive the signal, comparing this time calculation and the relative location of the other satellites. This is how it triangulates your earth based position. Information from a minimum of three satellites is required to collate all of the information required to advise your location. Another satellite adds enough accuracy to calculate altitude.

How Will You Use Your GPS?

Decide how you need to use a PDA GPS and get the features you need.

GPS systems designed to be used while driving a car, come with spoken instructions advising which direction to turn, how far from destination and other pertinent information. The safety aspects of spoken instructions rather than glancing at a device continually are obvious.

If you only need a guide while walking about, the less expensive and advanced alternatives may be suitable.

Generally, a the most advanced PDA GPS systems come equipped with maps which continually update your location on a updating map, also giving verbal instructions such when and where to turn next. Less pricey options let you transfer non updating maps via your PC or Mac and compare your position relative to your destination.

In the life that is becoming more mobile, there is a necessity of using devices that can help people to accomplish their activities. Beside handphones, there is another modern technological device that becomes more popular day by day: Personal Digital Assistant (PDA). It may be known by different names - handheld organizer, Palm Pilot and iPac is an invaluable tool to help you manage your activities.

This handheld device does not function only as agenda but can also be used to perform many other tasks that usually can be done by a personal computer: from serving as meeting schedule alarm and calculator, for writing and reading a book, storing address book, playing video games, SMS, correspondencing with emails, surfing the Internet, enjoying music, to capturing digital image.

PDA has passed through many improvements. Now the monitor can display objects with million colors, the processor can execute processes a lot faster, the memory card can store more data, and many more.

Here is a list that can help you get the right PDA model that will fit your needs:

1. Primary Functions

Ask yourself what is the main purpose of a PDA for you. Do you need to keep track of your schedule better, or to be able to categorize and prioritize your daily tasks? Do you need to show clients some photographs or videos? Do you listen to downloadable audio books or mp3 music, or do a lot of self-development reading?

2. Secondary Functions

Beside the above functions, are there other functions you will need? For you who like travelling, there is PDA with GPS feature. PDA Ipaq 6900 is an example that offers this feature. Consider also whether you will need something like built-in microphone or sound.

3. Physical Size

Think carefully whether you prefer to own a PDA which is small enough to fit into a shirt pocket or small purse, or do you plan to use a book-style cover that can also hold other items? Although smaller size PDA is very popular, some people prefer to use a bigger one.

4. Applications To Run

This will determine a number of factors, including the processing power and memory you will need, and the type of operating system – Windows CE, Palm OS, Pocket PC and Psion. If you want to use Windows Media Player 10, you can choose a PDA Phone Dopod 900 that has 128 MB ROM and 64 MB RAM hardware support.

5. Camera

PDA devices as well as cellular phones are just some of the technological devices that have a digital camera feature. But if you have already had a digital camera and don’t have a plan to buy a PDA with this feature, it is better if you notice the type of its expansion card. If you get the one that has an expansion card with the same type as your digital camera, you can transfer digital images from the camera to your new PDA later.

6. Wireless connection

Does the PDA need a wireless connection to the internet or to other equipment, even to your computer? If you are in the business field, this can be very beneficial, especially if you like to check your email throughout the day. Some PDAs have bluetooth and Wi-Fi facilities. Bluetooth presents a great way of exchanging data between two wireless devices. You can enjoy wireless communications with short distances of up to thirty feet. Wi-Fi can reach distances up to some kilometres.

The term cell phone is becoming nondescriptive of today’s portable devices. The units available lately do more than just make and receive phone calls. With the ever decreasing price of electronics, things such as cameras, GPS, calendars, and contact managers have become available even on the cheapest of models. There is such a fine line between the function of a cell phone and a Personal Digital Assistant, that maybe the term “cell phone” will fall by the wayside!

How to choose a cell phone? First of all, any communication outside the device will have to be paid for. Cell phone plans are a whole different topic. But, it is partlly related because some of the functions of these cell phones or PDAs require communication with the internet or other online service. Primarily, you want a device to talk on. A good place to start shopping is the many forums that are related to differeent models. Enter terms like “cell phone review” or “cell phone forum”. Many times there are subforums related exclusively to a certain brand or model. If you browse through these forums, you will find many dislikes and likes of many different models. Although consider this- many people post their negative experiences far more than their postive ones in forums. So, keep that in mind that there are no perfect electronic devices. Notice features discussed such as holdability (is the device TOO small or big), sound clarity, reception, how easy to use the menus system of the cell phone. These are key factors. Your device might open your garage door for you. But if you despise using it all day becasue it is uncomfortable to hold or has bad reception, then do not go for it.

Once you have a list of a few models, consider the other functions of the cell phones and what you really need. DO you NEED a camera? Many are just toys. Some models today actually have 1.3 megapixel cameras in them- just like the first digital cameras. How about ringtone quality? Is that important? Some are just “FM synthesized” and give you your typical blleps and bloops arranged into a song. Other have full polyphonic instrumentsplaying the tones. Others play a section of a real song. Do you drive a lot? Some phones have what is called Bluetooth. This is a wireless protocall for connecting to other dvices that are close by. It is excellent for using in your car that has a Bluetooth receiver in it- you can have a handsfree setup with no wwires! Some cars are coming with this function already, but there are kits to add it to any car. Most exciting is the ability to accept memory cards and store MP3s and even movies! The screens are small, but with amazing quailty! Notice, these are just options that enhance the user experience- but sound quailty of the voice and reception far outweigh these options.

Do you have data needs? Some devices have either a Palm Pilot or Windows CE computer in them. These are great if you use these types of devices and want to carry one device. Maybe you are carrying a laptop soley for using somelike like the ACT! Contact manager. Well there is a Palm version of that so you can take all you ACT! data with you, without ther laptop. Maybe you need to be up to date on the latest news? These devices typically also have a small web browser in them, so you can connect to the internet. Granted, you cant get the same webcontent a real computer could due to the screen size, but you can still get the information you need, send an email, receive email, etc. The downside is the size and the cost. They typically are twice the size of a nice compact phone, and sell in the $350+ area. Also, keep in mind that these data services cost extra money. So, if you need these functins, you might start your quest by lookin for cell phone companies that have better priced, or unlimited online service along with your cell minutes. Then you might have to chose a phone from that company’s linup.

If you spend the time thinking about what you need and attack the project the right way, you will end up with something you will wonder how you ever lived without. Today’s cell phones and PDAs have become integrated heavily into or society. Enjoy your cell phone and use it responsibly! Some states have laws that you cannot hold a cell phone in your hand while driving, so you might want to consider the Bluetooth option or a car kit. Remember, turn your ringer down in the movies or other quiet public place!

The must-have features of PDAs in today’s market.

PDAs, or Personal Digital Assistants, have quickly evolved in recent years from mere handheld electronic organizers to gizmos with the ability to manage emails, send instant messaging, and even play media files like mp3s and video. With the help of technological advances in electronics and mobile communication, PDAs these days have become smaller, lighter, and armed with more uses than your Swiss army knife.

A vast majority of new model PDAs utilise one of two major OS (operating system) provided by either Palm OS or Microsoft’s ever popular Windows Mobile OS. Other operating systems are also used, yet these two rule the OS market. The users’ needs actually determines which OS best fits their PDA. Palm OS offers a simpler approach, compared to MS Windows Mobile OS which basically looks like an exponentially compressed version of the desktop Windows OS. Windows Mobile OS can run multiple programs simultaneously, although only one application can be shown on the screen at one time.

Bright color screens have become a common sight in PDAs, even for low-end models. Even so, another attribute, screen resolution, has been used to differentiate one PDA from another. Windows Mobile displays has once claimed to have the highest-resolution screens available in the market with a 320- by -240- pixel resolution, up until Palm OS- powered PDAs started offering 320- by -320 or even 320- by -480- pixel resolution screens. Both screen resolutions are still marked as good, compared to standard or old models showing only 160- by -160. Whatever the resolution is in a PDA, it is still advisable to check the unit out, in person, before considering buying one to make sure that the PDA will show images that are as sharp and crisp as possible.

Modern PDAs are now with built-in batteries that can be recharged by placing the unit in a specially- modified docking cradle, which is being sold together with the unit, or simply by connecting the PDA by means of a syncing/ recharging cord. The battery’s life is basically dependent on the PDAs screen size, resolution and its relative brightness. Other factors include certain applications being run, like a music/ video player, or when utilising mobile connectivity devices, like Wi-Fi (Wireless Frequency) and/ or Bluetooth.

New models of PDAs are now equipped with cameras like ones in camera phones. PDA cameras enable users to take photos of any object in moderate lighting. Picture resolution ranges from 640 by 480 pixels (VGA) to 3 or even 5 MP (Megapixels) in some newer units. Previous devices have built in LED flash in to light up the scene. But high end models these days are now equipped with Xenon Flash, making picture taking with PDAs battery – friendly.

GPS (Global Positioning System) also became popular with PDAs, as makers like HP (Hewlett – Packard), Pharos, and Garmin International started creating models with built – in GPS receivers together with navigation software designed to provide maps and voice-based directions. PDA makers don’t normally provide models with both integrated GPS and Wi-Fi, but more and more companies are starting to put these two technologies together in a single unit together with Bluetooth and cell phone radios too.

Going back to choosing the best PDA, the best basis of selecting a PDA is how the buyer intends to use it. Everything will come down to the person’s needs, the very reason why numerous models of PDAs are created with a wide variety of features to serve them better.