PERSONAL DIGITAL ASSISTANTS (PDA)

==Definition==

A lightweight, hand-held, usually pen-based computer with multifunctional capabilities. PDA’s are used as personal organisers, handheld computers and communication devices. (www.devx.com/wireless/Door/11305)

History

Previous, less developed forms of PDA’s were introduced in the mid to late 1980’s in the forms of Psion Organiser and Sharp wizard. The predominant functionality of these was organizational and included calendars and alarm clocks. This original format of PDA’s often came with a small keyboard. Current PDA’s are comparable to designs that were released in the mid 1990’s. The original Palm Pilot (released by Palm Computing in 1996) was small in size, and had large amounts of storage space for its time. In 1996 Microsoft also released the first handheld PC.

==Uses==

PDA’s are most commonly utilised for individual social and learning situations. Established in the mid 1990’s, but reaching its fruition over the past few years, PDA’s have been developed as a multifunctional device serving the needs of different demographics and lifestyles. They are most commonly used for the storage of personal information such as contact details, appointments and to-do lists. However PDA’s have been recently developed to also “connect to the Internet, act as global positioning system (GPS) devices, and run multimedia software.�?(www.howstuffworks.com) PDA’s are designed to be easy to use, and while having the ability to share information with PC’s, “it's supposed to be an extension of the PC, not a replacement.�?(www.howstuffworks.com)

==Types of PDA's==

There are two primary types of Personal Digital Assistants both with slightly varying functions, formats and programs: Traditional PDA’s and Smartphones.

Traditional PDA The format of traditional PDA’s have developed from Palmpilots and Microsoft hand held PC devices. Currently, palm devices run the Palm OS (operating system) and Microsoft pockets run Microsoft mobile. “The differences between the two systems are fewer than in the past.�? All PDA’s have standard Personal Information Management (PIM) software which handles organizational tasks including contact information, appointments and to do lists. PDA’s can also run specialised software applications including pocket versions of Microsoft word, excel and internet explorer (for pocket PC’s) or Dataviz documents, palmOne media and versaMail email software (for palm devices). “All types of devices can run other kinds of software including games, multimedia, expense, diet and exercise, travel, medical, time and billing and reference.�?(www.howstuffworks.com/pda.htm)

Smartphones A smart phone is a Personal Digital Assistant also with the capabilities of a mobile phone. These devices include: a combination of mobile phone and PDA features, a mobile service provider, internet access and a number of different operating systems.

In addition to these, other wireless electronic devices including Ipods, MP3 players and mobile phones have some of the functional capabilities of PDA’s.

== References==

Carmack, C. and Freudenrich,C. (2005) How Stuff works www.howstuffworks.com/pda.htm, accessed 10 October 2005

Wireless Glossary (2005) www.devx.com/wireless, accessed 10 October 2005

Jasmine McCormack 20:57, 27 Oct 2005 (EST)