Personal Digital Assistants: Keeping You Organized
With life so hectic, it is hard for people to keep track of everything. Many people have turned to technology to help keep their lives organized. One popular gadget is PDAs, which stands for "personal digital assistants."
Research suggests that by 2008, seven percent of the U.S. population (approximately 20,000,000 people) will own PDAs.
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PDAs are handheld personal organizers that have many functions:
- address book
- calculator
- calendar
- clock
- e-mail
- Internet access
- playing games and multimedia.
How Do PDAs Work?
PDAs are powered by microprocessors, which act as the brain and coordinate all PDA functions. PDA microprocessors are smaller and cheaper than those in laptop and desktop PCs but are adequate for their job. PDA operating systems contain fewer instructions, which require less memory, so they are not as complex as PC operating systems.
PDAs work by storing basic programs, such as a calendar, address book, memo pad and operating system, in a read-only memory (ROM) chip rather than a hard drive. Random-access memory (RAM) stores data and programs that are added later. RAM information is only accessible when the PDA is on. Some new PDAs use flash memory instead of RAM. Flash memory preserves data and applications even when all battery power is depleted.
Many of the newer PDAs accept flash media add-on cards, which are removable and can store multimedia content and large files. Most PDAs now incorporate multimedia and wireless functions.
PDAs are battery operated, and battery life depends on the PDA model and features. Many PDAs have an internal backup and many come with an AC adapter.
PDA Components and Accessories
Additional software can be installed on a PDA, depending on the model. The most common addition is a memory card slot, which enables PDA users to obtain additional storage space.
Personal digital assistants come with a stylus or a touch screen with keyboard for entering information. PDAs can be synchronized with Microsoft Outlook or a similar contact database on a PC in order to ensure that the PDA has a current schedule of appointments and a current list of contacts and e-mail addresses.
Synchronization is performed through a USB or serial port. Some personal digital assistants have a cradle to rest in while hooked up to the PC. Synchronization is helpful in case of theft or loss of the PDA.
PDA accessories include an additional battery, a carrying case, an add-on keyboard, a plastic screen protector, headphones and a car or travel charger.
Who Uses PDAs?
PDAs are used by a wide variety of people, not just businessmen keeping track of meetings and clients. Students use them to keep track of classes, deadlines, tests and appointments. PDAs are also utilized for digital note taking. Textbook publishers are now releasing electronic textbooks that can be uploaded directly to a PDA, eliminating the need to carry textbooks.
Many people appreciate their PDA's alarm function, which alerts them to appointments. Physicians and other medical professionals often use PDAs to select drugs for their patient and to take notes regarding patient care. Many more uses will become available as PDA use increases and as the devices evolve.
A personal digital assistant is a helpful tool to have if you can’t afford a laptop or need e-mail or word processing capabilities when away from a computer or while traveling. A PDA provides appointment reminders for people who are on the go and away from their computer or datebook.
How Much Do PDAs Cost?
PDAs typically cost from $99 to $1,000, depending on the features, with most costing between $200 and $500. Older models with a black and white screen cost less than a new model with a color display, wireless capabilities and the newest "bells and whistles."
The Future of PDAs
Today, PDA sales are declining, due to "smart" cell phones that have many of the functions of a PDA. PDAs will eventually merge with cell phones and communicate via voice and text through a cellular network. As computer technology advances, PDAs will have more memory and become faster.
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