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Personal Digital Assistants

This document provides an overview of personal digital assistants (PDAs), including what they are, common applications, how they synchronize with computers, specifications like display and memory, software options, and examples of Palm Pilot and Pocket PC manufacturers. PDAs can be palm-sized computers that store contact information, calendars, notes, and allow access to software like databases and email through synchronization with desktop or laptop computers. They come in models running either the Palm or Windows operating systems and vary in features like screen size and quality, memory size, and battery life.

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20 views

Personal Digital Assistants

This document provides an overview of personal digital assistants (PDAs), including what they are, common applications, how they synchronize with computers, specifications like display and memory, software options, and examples of Palm Pilot and Pocket PC manufacturers. PDAs can be palm-sized computers that store contact information, calendars, notes, and allow access to software like databases and email through synchronization with desktop or laptop computers. They come in models running either the Palm or Windows operating systems and vary in features like screen size and quality, memory size, and battery life.

Uploaded by

JohnPaulLlentic
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PPT, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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Personal Digital Assistants

Palm Pilots and Beyond:


A Brief Overview

David V. Bloniarz
USDA Forest Service
Northeast Center for Urban &
Community Forestry

What is a PDA?
Hand-held computer
Store, access, and organize information
Windows-based (Pocket PC)
Palm operating system (Palm PDA)
PDAs can be screen-based or keyboardbased

Common Applications

Personal Information Management


Store and retrieve addresses and phone numbers
Maintain a calendar
Create to-do lists and notes

Software Applications

Databases
Word processing
Spreadsheets
E-mail & Internet access

Synchronization
Exchange information with a desktop or
laptop computer
PDAs come with cables or docking stations
to connect them to your desktop or
notebook computer
For wireless e-mail and Internet access
available for a fee

Screen Display
Monochrome or gray-scale
Color 256 to 64,000 colors
Screen size will vary among PDAs
Larger screen means more readable space
Active matrix Better display
Passive matrix Uses less battery power

PDA Power
Permanent rechargeable batteries
Standard alkaline batteries
Removable rechargeable batteries
Length of service varies on the PDA
Recharge time may also vary depending on
the battery
You can use the PDA while the battery is
recharging

Memory

Typically 2MB to 64MB of built-in memory


Two MB of memory is generally sufficient to fill
address books, maintain an active calendar, take
notes, and load useful programs
More memory may be needed to store large files
like digital photos, databases, or large software
programs
You can expand memory of some PDAs with
small storage cards that can be inserted into the
PDA

PDA Software Options

Palm OS
Palm Pilot PDA

Windows CE
Pocket PC

Palm Pilot PDA vs. Pocket PC

Palm OS devices work best basic contact


management, the Palm OS PDAs are
generally smaller, cheaper, lighter and have
vastly better battery life

Pocket PC units have flashier color screens


and more multimedia capability, but are
more expensive and have short battery life

Palm Pilot PDA Manufacturers

Palm OS Palm Pilot PDA


Palm Pilot
Sony Clie
Handspring Visor

Pocket PC Manufacturers

Windows CE Pocket PC
Compaq I-Paq
HP Jornada

The end

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