Do you remember when computers were first coming out and changing the way businesses operated?  Pretty soon, it wasn’t just businesses—computers and the internet have changed the way that people live their everyday lives.

The same thing is happening again with PDAs.  PDAs, or Personal Digital Assistants, are mini computers that fit into the palm of your hand.  The capabilities of PDAs are practically unlimited!

In The Beginning

Personal Digital Assistants, also known as pocket computers or palmtop computers, did not always have such a wide array of features.  When the digital instruments were first introduced, they were designed to be merely personal organizers.  These personal organizers had a simple range of features, such as a notepad function, calendar, and calculator. 

The Evolution Of PDAs

As PDAs became increasingly used for business purposes, more features were added to allow the user to have access to almost every form of communication available—right at their fingertips!  Today, PDAs can access the Internet, receive and send Emails, play mp3 files, create spreadsheets, play games, record videos, act as cameras, and even act a phones!

Standard Features

There are a few features that every PDA needs in order to function.  Typically, PDAs use a touch screen to enter data.  A stylus is used to interact with the touch screen.  For business use, PDAs typically have a full keyboard as opposed to a touch screen.

PDAs also have a memory card slot for storing information.  Most early PDAs did not have a memory card slot, but it has become a standard feature.  Personal Digital Assistants now typically have a Secure Digital (SD) or Compact Flash slot.  Some even have a USB port to accommodate USB flash drives.

The final standard feature of a Personal Digital Assistant is Bluetooth or WiFi for connectivity.  This is how the device is able to access email and the Internet anywhere, at any time.

Customizing Your Personal Digital Assistant

Just like your personal computer, there are many ways that you can customize your Personal Digital Assistant.  Custom software is available for download, so you can download features and settings that meet your needs and preferences.  Additionally, you can download your favorite games for your PDA as well. 

The settings for the display on your PDA can be changed to allow for a custom picture, background, or sound.  Additionally, you can purchase a wide variety of external accessories that will set your PDA apart from the rest.

What Will They Think Of Next?

Five years ago personal computers were the thing to have.  Now, technology has provided a new tool for society to obsess about.  Whatever will they think of next?

Handheld computer devices, also known as PDAs (Personal Digital Assistant) are quickly becoming a necessity for millions of people around the globe. The ability to replace your address book, calendar, calculator, and even some functions of their home computers, can be absolutely priceless.

What other item can serve so many functions, and yet, fit in your pocket? Cell phones are now integrating them, there are even handheld gps units becoming available.

More and more handheld computers are integrating wireless technology, blue tooth, all kinds of memory cards, and many more technologies, making them extremely versatile and more useful every day.

The handheld computer revolution is dominating the mobile work force, and it's only a matter of time before they're as common as personal computers, and laptops. There are even schools that are now using them in the classroom, allowing them to do school work on.

Handheld Computers are the future of mobile computing

When Handheld Computers were first introduced, it was the mobile work force that took them as gold. An address book, calendar, notebook, word processor, and much more, all rolled into a tiny device that can fit into your pocket. How could they pass it up? It was exactly what they had been waiting for.

They no longer had to carry around their bulky laptops just to see what was on their calendar, or to simply jot a couple notes in a word processor. Now, there is an application for just about anything you could possibly want to do on a handheld computer. They can seamlessly integrate into personal computers, synchronizing data, swapping dates and files, making the hard working mobile workers job that much easier.

Now with the addition of pda phones, handheld computers have become even more useful, by retrieving your email, accessing the internet, watching movies, the possibilities are limitless. These PDA's are still rather expensive, but that will change in the next few years, like all other computer devices.

With the cost of a handheld computer being slashed at every turn, they're no longer only for the deep pocketed or the mobile business man or woman, just about anyone can afford a handheld computer in some shape or form.

There are some things to watch for when purchasing a handheld though, just like any other computer.

Things to look for when purchasing a handheld computer

Processor Speed - Just like any computer, it's important to know how fast your handheld computer is. Since the applications and operating systems are much less intensive, they don't need as much processing power to run, but it's still an important factor to consider.

Memory (RAM) - Also the same as desktop computers, how much resident memory your handheld has is important, depending on what kind of applications you intend to run on it.

Memory (ROM) - Basically, how much hard drive space it has built in. As long as it has a card reader slot of some kind though, this can easily be upgraded, as the price of memory cards has dropped considerably, but the more it has built in, the less you'll have to purchase later.

Display Size and Resolution - While not crucial, if you want a good sized, clean and crisp display on your handheld computer, you'll want to note the size and resolution of the display.

Card Slots - This can be very important if you want your handheld computer to sport a lot of accessories like wireless network cards, and memory sticks. You'll want to make sure it has the card reader slots you need.

Operating System - There are two basic operating systems on handheld computers right now, Windows based, and PalmOS based. If you're going to be purchasing or downloading applications and games for your handheld computer, you'll want to know what kind of operating system it uses.

Accessories - It's always good to know what accessories your handheld computer will come with, but it's also good to know what kind of accessories are available for it. If there is a particular accessory you need, you should first make sure it will even be available for the pda you plan to purchase.

This article taken from Computer Discounts Guide - Handheld Computer Guide. View the website for more helpful guides.

Donny Duncan, the author of Computer Discounts Guide has been in the computer field for over thirteen years.

The Personal Data Assistant (PDA) has won rapid acceptance among university students and executives who are constantly on the move because of its ability to package a lot of different data requirements into a palm sized device. The PDA is designed to make a busy life easier by providing sensible connections to all the information you need, have it at your fingertips when you need it, and transport it to other systems. Once 'organised' with your PDA, you will have all of your contact phone numbers, be collecting your emails, process your business orders, display your photographs and relax to your mp3 library. Many PDAs also act as a digital recorder and have windows based compatibility for word processing and spreadsheet financial calculations.

PDAs At the simplest end of the market, a PDA can help you manage your daily to-do lists, keep track of your diary and record your memos. But it's important for people moving into using a PDA to understand that it is a tool that is most beneficial to an already organised mind: it won't actually do the organising for you. But if you find you need to view and manage documents on the go, keep track of your appointments and have instant access to your name and address book, then the basic functions of a PDA will probably enhance your productivity. And of course the added bonuses of listening to your mp3s, watching short video clips, reading ebooks and being able to rehearse and review your presentations can only help.

PDAs with the Windows Pocket PC operating system and gutsy memory are compatible with your normal windows and office environments. Screen size and image resolution can be critical if you intend to use the device for reading books and managing text-heavy documents. While sales of PDAs have steadily declined over the past two years, losing to smartphone technology, the main manufacturers have advanced the usability of PDA devices with faster processors, increases in memory and multimedia capability. In many situations, smartphones have been able to replace many functions of the PDA, combining data management with mobile phone technology. But if you want to work with spreadsheets and web pages on your PDA, smartphones are at a disadvantage from smaller screen sizes and data storage capability and sometimes cost, but they obviate the need to carry two devices.

What to look for

There's a hand-held PDA device to suit practically every budget and need. You need to consider just how much data you want to carry with you and how connected you want to be. Obviously more memory, faster processor and bigger screen attract higher price tags. You can compare brands, models and prices by searching Myshopping.com.au using the following specifications to guide you.

A budget basic unit might offer a processor speed of 16 MHz, 8MB of memory and at 2.5 inch (diagonal) screen. At the high end, you can get a 4GB micro hard drive, WiFi and Bluetooth connectivity, 400 MHz processor, 256MB memory, with expansion slots, 4 inch (diagonal) LCD screen with 65,000 colours and 640 x 480 display resolution, GPS functionality, MP3 player, digital camera and instant messaging. In the middle of the range you will find devices with 64MB of memory, a 200 MHz processor, 3 inch screen and built-in microphone or audio input jack. Bear in mind that all of these specifications and functionalities change continuously, and devices are upgraded with new features over very short spaces of time.

Apart from processor speed, memory and screen size, some of the critical specifications that you can use for cost and brand comparisons include:

Data input - While some models have a full QWERTY keyboard built-in, you may want to consider adding a fold-up full-size external keyboard. Entering lots of text with the small built-in keypads or using the handwriting software can be frustrating.

Audio input - A built-in microphone or microphone jack is needed for recording voice memos and meeting notes and store audio files.

Music playback - MP3 audio file playback can sometimes need additional software.

GPS - While there are a number of purpose-built hand-held devices for industrial applications, your PDA's GPS capability may not be suitable for rugged outdoor activities.

Communication - Look for integrated Bluetooth 1.1 and a built-in 802.11b Wi-Fi adapter

Smartphone - Combines the functions of a mobile phone with a data management device in a single unit. Phone capability requires a separately purchased service contract

Audio Output - A headphone jack is essential for listening to your audio files

Cradle/Charger - This device allows for easy connection and synchronization with your PC while simultaneously recharging your battery. Consider buying an additional cradle for the office for maximum convenience. Some PDAs include a cable or a special cradle that provides an interface with your desktop computer to synchronize data.

Battery life - Each device will have its own battery-life characteristics. Battery recharge life is also dependant upon the data you are processing. You can use manufacturer's specifications as a guide to compare between brands and models, but these specifications are laboratory measurements and may not reflect your actual use.

Bluetooth - This wireless technology lets you to exchange data with other handheld devices or any other Bluetooth enabled device such as a cell phone, fax machine, personal computer, laptop computer, headset or printer. The Bluetooth feature will allow you to add an external keyboard.

Digital camera - PDA cameras usually capture low resolution images (around 1.2 megapixels), which are perfect for emailing but not ideal for printing.

GPS - Global positioning system allows you to navigate from any point on or near the surface of the earth.

Music/Audio - The MP3 playback quality will depend on the bit rate of the audio file and the quality of the built-in speaker. The audio quality is often better when played back through a quality headset.

PDA Screen - PDA screen sizes are measured in inches diagonally and are available from 2.6 inches up to 5 inches on the very high-end. Larger, brighter screens require more power to operate therefore increase battery consumption.

Processor speed - refers to the speed in which a PDA coordinates its internal functions. Processor speeds are measured in MHz (megahertz) and range between 4 MHz and 624 MHz. Although these specifications can change rapidly as technology develops, it is recommended to have a processor speed of at least 16 MHz for general day-to-day functions.

Video capture - Video playback often requires an additional expansion card and a third-party software download, and higher memory capability.

Web Browser - Used with a Wi-Fi connection, lets you browse the internet as you would from a desktop computer.

Wi-Fi - Integrated 802.11b WLAN (wireless local area network), enables you to connect to the internet in any hot spot. Enabling the Wi-Fi features tends to consume battery life quickly.

In summary

You may like to consider whether you are a novice (that is, new to PDA technology), an entrepreneur or a technophile, and make your search based on your level of understanding of the technology involved. As a novice, you will be searching for a basic unit, as a technophile you will be looking for all the bells and whistles. An entrepreneur will be searching for the most adaptable capabilities. The following might assist.

Choose amongst functionalities. Consider you need for mp3 players, or video players, or web browsing. Doubling the functionality of your PDA may reduce the need to have to carry another device around in order to enjoy the benefits offered.

How much internet access do you need? Bluetooth connectivity can give you mobile phone enabled internet access, Wife can give you access from hot spots, and simple cable connection to your desktop computer can let you read your emails on the road.

Go for maximum memory for money. Memory determines how much data your PDA can process and store, and its ability to handle applications. Memory can be boosted in many devices using expansion slots and flash memory cards.

Search Myshopping.com.au to compare models and brands, and vendors and prices.