Selecting a Personal Digital Assistant
A Computer in Your Hand Carrying around an address book and planner is becoming a thing of the past. With new PDA developments, you can manage your contacts and schedule, use e-mail, and even listen to music. Personal Digital Assistants, originally called "Palm Pilots," previously were used just for retrieving basic information. Today, using some of the more advanced models could possibly replace the need to carry a laptop computer. Modern PDAs can play music, games, videos, write documents, and connect to networks and databases -- nothing short of a desktop computer. Although newer PDAs have the processing power of a computer, they still have some limitations. Inputting information is done by handwriting recognition or by a miniature keyboard. Skilled users can input 20 - 30 words per minute, less than half the speed of a good typist on a full-size keyboard. PDAs with a color screen tend to run through battery life faster. Finally, because the small screen size the number of prograqm options that can be displayed, the programs available aren't as advanced because the user doesn't have as much control over the program. Despite these limitations, the market for PDAs is continuing to expand. Students, doctors, and business professionals are increasingly relying on PDAs for computing on the go. Common PDA applications include spreadsheet, word processing, database, financial management, and games. PDAs synchronize files with your computer so that you can take your important information with you and update it when needed. What to Look For The two basic types of PDAs are Palm and Windows Mobile devices. The Palm Pilot was the first PDA available and its operation is very intuitive; some compared it to the Macintosh. Windows Mobile devices run an operating system very similar to Windows on desktop computers. Although Windows Mobile offers advanced features, its interface is still somewhat difficult to navigate in comparison to the Palm. When purchasing a PDA, make sure that the programs on the PDA are compatible with the programs on your computer. Test out different models, with keyboard and with handwriting recognition, to see which one fits your preferences best. Also consider which application you will be using most. If you plan on using your PDA primarily for e-mail, get a PDA with a good keyboard and good battery life. If you plan on taking digital photos, your main concern should be the quality of the digital camera and the screen. About The Author Deryck Richards is the founder and managing partner of Desktronix. With an extensive educational background in computer information systems, Deryck currently manages hosting and data center operations for Desktronix. He also provides system administration and technical support directly to small businesses as he has since 2000. His areas of expertise include networking, Windows, Linux, and Macintosh systems and he is the author of The Guide to Technology for Small Business. For more information on Desktronix, visit www.desktronix.com.
Related News
10 Things You Can Do to Give Your Computer a "Makeover" - MarketWatch
Personal Tech: Army to use video games for training - Salt Lake Tribune
Personal Tech: Army to use video games for trainingSalt Lake Tribune, United States -Dec 1, 2008It will watch trends in commercial video games and look for technologies that can be used in training -- but it does not plan to compete with the industry. ... |
Padlock your personal data - PSU Collegio (subscription)
Padlock your personal dataPSU Collegio (subscription), KS -11 hours agoLow-tech scams include mail theft, dumpster diving, rummaging through rubbish containing personal information, solicitation and shoulder surfing, ... |
First Western Trust Bank Opens New Office in Denver Tech Center - MarketWatch
Indiana seeks high-tech edge over Illinois - Gary Post Tribune
Indiana seeks high-tech edge over IllinoisGary Post Tribune, IN -22 hours ago"You're competing directly with Chicago and the state of Illinois, which don't have the personal property tax. This is where tech districts come into play ... |
Washington Post Personal Technology Columnist - Washington Post
Washington Post Personal Technology ColumnistWashington Post, United States -13 hours ago4 at 2 pm ET to discuss recent reviews, answer your personal tech questions and provide gadget advice for this holiday season. Read Rob's latest tech tips ... |
AMD lowers revenue target, cites weak demand - MarketWatch
Can Clean Tech Beget ... - InternetNews.com
Can Clean Tech Beget ...InternetNews.com -21 hours ago"We found new ways to use personal computers and solve things." Now, he adds, the demand for energy is more, not less. Deninger, speaking at the AlwaysOn ... |
Personal Tech: Digital cameras go big on video - Salt Lake Tribune
Personal Tech: Digital cameras go big on videoSalt Lake Tribune, United States -Nov 24, 2008By Ron Harris AP Writer The holiday season brings good tidings for shutterbugs. Whether you're shopping for someone new to digital cameras or a seasoned ... |
Cancer-stricken swimmer on comeback trail - International Herald Tribune
Cancer-stricken swimmer on comeback trailInternational Herald Tribune, France -6 hours agoShanteau finished second to Olympic gold medalist Ryan Lochte in the 200-yard individual medley, beating his personal best when he touched in 1 minute, ... |
|
|
 |
|
|
RELATED ARTICLES
Why Get a Microsoft MCSE Certification?
In the years of the dot com boom and bust, the Microsoft MCSE Certification has gotten its eye blackened over an over. Paper Microsoft MCSE's who were excellent at finding brain dumps and passing exams gave the Microsoft MCSE Certification a bad name. What used to be a guarantee of a nice salary is now ridiculed in some ignorant circles. After working in the Information Technology field for twelve years I still believe the Microsoft MCSE Certification is worth every dollar you spend and every hour spent in study and practice. I'll share my history with the Microsoft MCSE Certification and why I still believe it's a valuable certification credential.
10 Easy Steps to Speed Up Your Computer - Without Upgrading
1. Empty the Temp directory regularly. To do this, make sure NO programs are open, and?
Is Digital Camera Technology Making Film Obsolete?
Perhaps not yet, but the handwriting might be on the wall?
Review of Rio MP3 Players
Below you will find some useful information and comments about a few of the most popular MP3 players by Rio, including the Nitrus, Carbon, Cali, and Forge. None of these MP3 players are perfect, but each offers a unique set of strengths and weaknesses that should be taken into consideration before you purchase any one of them. Be sure to compare price, usability, and the overall performance of each.
Smart Apple iPod Tips and Techniques
Are you thinking of buying an Apple iPod? Or have you bought one?
Cisco Certification: A Survival Guide To The Cisco Cable Jungle
One of the most confusing parts of beginning your Cisco studies is keeping all the cable types separate in your mind, and then remembering what they're used for. This often occurs when a CCNA or CCNP candidate starts putting together their own home practice lab, and they suddenly realize that they have the equipment to run labs, but not the cables.
Is DVD Storage An Attractive Alternative For Your Computer Backup?
If you have a computer for home use or for your business and don't take comprehensive backup for full protection then you are in the danger-zone.
Maybe you do not take any backup at all.
Windows PDA Medical Software Benefits
PDA Medical Benefits
5 Minute Guide to Video Editing for Beginners
Getting started with video editing is very simple you only need a few items and you can be producing quality movies at home that you will be able to enjoy for many years to come. Maybe even produce a hit Hollywood movie.
Is Online DVD Rental or Pay-Per-View the Best Way to Get Your Movies?
With renting methods such as online DVD rental and pay-per-view, it seems almost old-fashioned to go to the rental store. But with all the different ways to get the latest movies, which way is the best? Well, that depends on what is important to you. Here are some of the different ways you can get the latest movies and the pros and cons of each.
Spyware Remover
Your first step in removing dangerous infections from your computer should be downloading a free program called Hijack This. Make sure you download the file and extract it to a directory on your hard drive, you can call it HijackThis. This is very important, because if you don't put hijack this in it's own folder you will not be able to back up files in case of an accident. Then navigate to that directory and double-click on the hijackthis.exe file. When the program is started click on the Scan button and then the Save Log button to create a log of your information.
Dont Let the Internet Overstimulate Your Mind
The Internet is an awesome tool, but be careful and aware that the cloud of over stimulation doesn't invade your mind.
Looking For an MP3 Player?
If you don't have an mp3 player, and even if you do, you should check out all the new stuff that's going on. I'm hoping this article will give you some idea of what kind of mp3 player you want and some tips on what to look for in an mp3 player.
How Does My PC Get Hot
There are many sources of heat that can raise the temperature in your PC. No, I'm not talking about the Tabasco sauce you dripped over your keyboard when you ate that bowl of chili at your desk, and no, I'm not talking about that Pamela Anderson (or Ricky Martin poster, depending on your taste) above your desk. Heat can come from external and internal sources. Let's take a look at those different heat sources, identify them and see what can be done to eliminate the problem.
Some Thoughts on Choosing a Flash MP3 Player
Flash mp3 players come with an exciting array of features, and can be used for more than playing music while you cycle at the gym. Here are some things to think about when purchasing a flash mp3 player, which might make the difference between your choice becoming an indispensable tool, or just another gadget.
EDTV: What You Should Know Before You Make That Purchase
Enhanced Definition Television ? also known as EDTV ? is
one of the many modern viewing technologies of our time.
Often confused with HDTV capability, this is actually a
compromise between standard TV and HDTV. In fact, the
visual benefits are at least twice that of standard
television, since EDTV technology offers a minimum
resolution of 480p when used on a monitor. As a result,
you'll find that this type of system is more expensive than
standard television, yet cheaper than HDTV technology.
Computer Consulting 101 PC Troubleshooting Advice
While most small businesses really do need to find a good local computer consulting business to take care of their computer problems, there are some computer problems that are simple enough for even a technophobe to handle. At Computer Consulting 101, we've found there's one very simple piece of advice that often doesn't get communicated to non-technical small business end users: When in doubt, reboot first.
Image Formats: GIF, JPEG, BMP
When browsing the internet you are likely to come across many different image formats. However, the most common formats are: CompuServe GIF, JPEG, and Bitmaps.
A Peek Into the Near Future of Electronics Technology
How long do you think DVDs have around? 20 years? 10 years? Actually, they have only been around for about seven years, but it seems like they have been around much longer. Many of us can hardly remember life before DVDs. That can be attributed to how rapidly we can become acclimated to some innovations in electronics technology. I believe there are other electronics technologies, either just getting ready to take off, not widely available yet, or just around the corner, that are going to become adopted just as quickly in the near future.
Lightning Season: How to Avoid Data Loss
We have just entered the time of year that most electrical storms occur.
|
