| A personal digital assistant (PDA) is a small | | | | devices like smart card readers, RFID and |
| wireless device capable of transmitting and storing | | | | barcodes. |
| pages, data, and voice, as well as fax and email | | | | Many students of medicine are now using PDAs. |
| messages. It is also called a palmtop, pocket or | | | | It is a suitable tool in providing information for a |
| handheld computer. This device can function as a | | | | "just-in-time" basis. PDAs improved the quality of |
| cell phone, web browser and a personal organizer. | | | | patient security, quality care and health care |
| Its many important uses make PDAs increasingly | | | | accessibility. |
| popular in the event of digital advancement | | | | PDAs can also aid in diagnosis, studies and the |
| nowadays. | | | | selection of drugs used by patients in order to |
| Most PDAs make use of a stylus (pen-based | | | | effectively improve communication with hospitals. |
| device) and touch screen technology that can | | | | Educational institutes started the trend of |
| integrate handwriting recognition features. Newer | | | | integrating PDAs into teaching practices. It is being |
| versions have voice and touch screen features | | | | used in classroom to increase and maximize |
| for easy access of the device. PDA can function | | | | portability of technology. PDAs have become a |
| as a cell phones, web browser and media player in | | | | vital learning tool for students and teachers for a |
| one. | | | | shared learning experience. This allows digital note |
| The data in PDAs should be synchronized in a | | | | taking, spell check and class notes modification. |
| computer. Whatever happens to your PDA, the | | | | Electronic textbooks and class materials can be |
| data in your computer will serve as backup files. | | | | uploaded to meet instructive needs. |
| PDA can handle many personal tasks to help you | | | | Additional functions of PDA have incorporated |
| be more organized. It can store contact | | | | simple programs such as thesauri, dictionaries, |
| information including names, addresses, emails and | | | | encyclopedias, word processing and digital planning |
| phone numbers. It can also help with your to-do | | | | lessons. |
| lists and in taking down notes. It can function as a | | | | PDAs are also used for pre-flight planning of glider |
| calculator or alarm clock. | | | | pilots in order to assist navigation for |
| Many PDAs are fixed with differential global | | | | cross-country competitions. GPS is being used to |
| positioning system. It provides real-time | | | | show tracks, map displays, airspace hazards and |
| automobile navigation as a standard for new cars. | | | | other strategies. It can also be used by music |
| GPS can display routing, traffic conditions, along | | | | enthusiasts to play file formats like MP3 players |
| with mobile radar guns. TomTom, iGO and | | | | during exercises. Road rally enthusiasts can use |
| Garmin, are in fact, the most popular software in | | | | PDA for calculating speed, distance, time and GPS |
| America and Europe. | | | | navigation. |
| Enterprise Digital Assistant is also called as | | | | People with disabilities have been beneficially |
| ruggedized PDAs for mobile data applications. It | | | | provided with organizational and task management |
| has been used for many businesses and | | | | functions. Persons with hearing, speech, vision and |
| government organizations. Other applications | | | | mobility impairments can use PDAs with limited |
| include package delivery, warehouse supply chain | | | | capabilities. |
| management, parking enforcement, accounting, | | | | Many people are looking forward to the |
| security and access control, meter reading, capital | | | | convenience and innovative uses of PDAs. More |
| asset maintenance, wireless waitress applications | | | | and more features are being studied to enhance |
| and record keeping. All these applications integrate | | | | its capabilities according to today's needs. |