| A Computer in Your Hand | | | | PDAs for computing on the go. Common PDA |
| Carrying around an address book and planner is | | | | applications include spreadsheet, word processing, |
| becoming a thing of the past. With new PDA | | | | database, financial management, and games. PDAs |
| developments, you can manage your contacts | | | | synchronize files with your computer so that you |
| and schedule, use e-mail, and even listen to music. | | | | can take your important information with you and |
| Personal Digital Assistants, originally called "Palm | | | | update it when needed. |
| Pilots," previously were used just for retrieving | | | | What to Look For |
| basic information. Today, using some of the more | | | | The two basic types of PDAs are Palm and |
| advanced models could possibly replace the need | | | | Windows Mobile devices. The Palm Pilot was the |
| to carry a laptop computer. Modern PDAs can | | | | first PDA available and its operation is very |
| play music, games, videos, write documents, and | | | | intuitive; some compared it to the Macintosh. |
| connect to networks and databases -- nothing | | | | Windows Mobile devices run an operating system |
| short of a desktop computer. | | | | very similar to Windows on desktop computers. |
| Although newer PDAs have the processing power | | | | Although Windows Mobile offers advanced |
| of a computer, they still have some limitations. | | | | features, its interface is still somewhat difficult to |
| Inputting information is done by handwriting | | | | navigate in comparison to the Palm. |
| recognition or by a miniature keyboard. Skilled | | | | When purchasing a PDA, make sure that the |
| users can input 20 - 30 words per minute, less | | | | programs on the PDA are compatible with the |
| than half the speed of a good typist on a full-size | | | | programs on your computer. Test out different |
| keyboard. PDAs with a color screen tend to run | | | | models, with keyboard and with handwriting |
| through battery life faster. Finally, because the | | | | recognition, to see which one fits your |
| small screen size the number of prograqm options | | | | preferences best. Also consider which application |
| that can be displayed, the programs available | | | | you will be using most. If you plan on using your |
| aren't as advanced because the user doesn't have | | | | PDA primarily for e-mail, get a PDA with a good |
| as much control over the program. | | | | keyboard and good battery life. If you plan on |
| Despite these limitations, the market for PDAs is | | | | taking digital photos, your main concern should be |
| continuing to expand. Students, doctors, and | | | | the quality of the digital camera and the screen. |
| business professionals are increasingly relying on | | | | |