PDAs: Personal Assistants at the Touch of a Button
The personal digital assistant, or PDA, is basically a handheld computer. PDAs are battery-operated, electronic devices that act as extensions of your computer. By simply downloading information from your personal computer to your PDA, you can access important information no matter where you roam. Originally designed as personal organizers, PDAs have become more versatile and impressive over the years.
PDAs are especially useful for road warriors (those who travel a lot for business) and for anyone who wants to carry a light and compact computer extension with them as they go about their business. Students often find PDAs helpful for keeping track of class schedules and lecture notes.
Basic PDA Features
Personal digital assistants are excellent tools for keeping track of schedules, taking notes, researching and recording information. PDAs often feature:
- address book
- calendar
- clock
- computer games
- detachable stylus
- e-mail
- GPS (global positioning system)
- Internet access
- touch screen (black-and-white or full-color)
- video recording capabilities
- word processing capabilities.
The basic PDA will come with8 MB of memory and built-in extension slots for additional memory. You can generally add memory to support the following:
- Bluetooth
- cameras
- online connectivity
- voice recorders
- Web browsers
- wireless Internet.
PDAs can be purchased with either replaceable or rechargeable batteries. Generally, models will require two AAA batteries. While battery time will vary from PDA to PDA, most manufacturers state that standard batteries should last about two or three weeks with regular PDA use. Opting for a PDA with rechargeable batteries may be more convenient for people on-the-go or people who will use their PDAs frequently.
Popular PDAs on the Market
There are many different PDAs on the market, and each will have unique features. Here's a list of some of the more popular PDA brands:
- Franklin Electronic
- Garmin
- HP
- PalmOne
- Toshiba.
Average prices for personal digital assistant range from $150 to $600, although some PDAs can cost as little as $60 or as much as $2,000. The price of the PDA will depend on the model, manufacturer and PDA features.
In order to use your PDA, you will need to connect it to your computer to download information and to backup data. To do this, you will need to load the software that comes with your PDA on your computer. You will also need a special printer with an infrared port if you want to print documents from your PDA. Printers for PDAs tend to cost as much as basic inkjet printers on the market. You will likely be able to find a printer for approximately $100.
PDA Operating Systems
Although there are many different PDA brands on the market, most of them will use either Palm OS or Windows CE operating systems. These operating systems don't interface with each other, meaning a device that uses Palm OS will not be compatible with one using Windows CE. When deciding which operating system to use, you might want to choose the one that most of your colleagues and acquaintances use. This way, you know you will be able to exchange information and network with them.
PDA Accessories
Here are some of the accessories you might want to consider buying to use with your PDA. Prices for the following accessories will vary depending on manufacturer and model.
PDA Warranties
Warranties for PDAs vary tremendously. You can obtain these warranties through your PDA manufacturer or through your PDA service provider. There are also outside sources that offer PDA warranty options.
Most PDAs will come with a 30-day exchange policy. If, however, you want additional protection for your PDA, you can purchase an extended warranty. You can typically buy a three-year warranty for between $40 and $50. These warranties typically cover only your PDA parts. If you damage your PDA through misuse, your warranty will not cover the cost of a new PDA.
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