The Personal Data Assistant (PDA) has gained rapid acceptance among college students and executives who are constantly on the go due to its ability to pack many different data requirements into a palm-sized device. The PDA is designed to make a busy life easier by providing responsive connections to all the information you need, having it at your fingertips when you need it, and transporting it to other systems. Once ‘organized’ with your PDA, you’ll have all your contact phone numbers, collect your emails, process your business orders, display your photos and kick back with your mp3 library. Many PDAs also act as digital recorders and have Windows-based support for word processing and financial calculations with spreadsheets.

PDA At the simpler end of the market, a PDA can help you manage your daily to-do lists, keep track of your schedule, and record your notes. But it’s important for people new to using a PDA to understand that it’s a tool that’s more beneficial to an already organized mind: it won’t actually do the organizing for you. But if 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 features of a PDA will likely improve your productivity. And of course, the added benefits of listening to your mp3 files, watching short video clips, reading e-books, and being able to rehearse and review your presentations can only help.

PDAs with the Windows Pocket PC operating system and Gusty 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 PDA sales have steadily declined over the past two years, losing out to smartphone technology, major manufacturers have advanced PDA usability with faster processors, increases in memory, and multimedia capabilities. 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 due to smaller screen sizes and data storage capacity and sometimes cost, but avoid the need to carry two devices.

what to look for

There’s a handheld PDA to fit just about every budget and need. You need to consider how much data you want to take with you and how connected you want to be. Obviously, more memory, a faster processor, and a larger screen attract higher price tags. You can compare brands, models and prices by searching Myshopping.com.au using the specifications below to guide you.

An inexpensive entry-level unit might offer a 16 MHz processor speed, 8 MB of memory, and a 2.5-inch (diagonal) screen. At the top end, you can get a 4GB micro hard drive, WiFi and Bluetooth connectivity, 400MHz processor, 256MB memory, with expansion slots, 4-inch (diagonal) LCD screen with 65,000 colors and screen resolution 640 x 480, GPS functionality, MP3 player, digital camera and instant messaging. In the mid-range you will find devices with 64 MB of memory, a 200 MHz processor, a 3-inch screen and a built-in microphone or audio input jack. Please note that all these specifications and functionalities are continually changing, and devices are updated with new features in very short spaces of time.

In addition to processor speed, memory, and screen size, some of the critical specs you can use to compare costs and brands include:

Data Entry: Although some models have a full QWERTY keyboard built-in, you may want to consider adding a full-size fold-out external keyboard. Entering a lot of text with the small built-in keyboards or using handwriting software can be frustrating.

Audio input: A built-in microphone or microphone jack is required to record voice memos and meeting notes and store audio files.

Music Playback – Playback of MP3 audio files may sometimes require additional software.

GPS: While there are a number of handheld devices specifically designed for industrial applications, your PDA’s GPS capability may not be adequate for rugged outdoor activities.

Communication: Look for built-in 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 separately purchased service contract

Audio output: a headphone jack is essential for listening to your audio files

Cradle/Charger: This device allows easy connection and synchronization with your PC while simultaneously recharging its battery. Consider purchasing an additional crib for the office for maximum comfort. Some PDAs come with a special cradle or cable that provides an interface with your desktop computer for data synchronization.

Battery Life: Each device will have its own battery life characteristics. The duration of the battery recharge also depends on the data you are processing. You can use the manufacturer’s specifications as a guide to compare makes and models, but these specifications are laboratory measurements and may not reflect actual use.

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

Digital Camera: PDA cameras typically capture low-resolution images (about 1.2 megapixels), which are perfect for emailing but not for printing.

GPS: The Global Positioning System allows you to navigate from any point on or near the surface of the earth.

Music/Audio: MP3 playback quality will depend on the bitrate of the audio file and the quality of the built-in speaker. Audio quality is usually better when played through quality headphones.

PDA Screen – PDA screen sizes are measured in inches diagonally and are available from 2.6 inches up to 5 inches at the highest end. Larger and brighter screens require more power to run, therefore increasing battery consumption.

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

Video capture: Video playback often requires an additional expansion card and third-party software download, and larger memory capacity.

Web Browser – When used with a Wi-Fi connection, allows you to browse the Internet as you would from a desktop computer.

Wi-Fi: Built-in 802.11b WLAN (Wireless Local Area Network), allows you to connect to the Internet at any access point. Enabling Wi-Fi features tends to eat up battery life quickly.

In summary

You might want to consider whether you’re a novice (ie, 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 rookie you will be looking for a basic unit, as a tech you will be looking for all the bells and whistles. An entrepreneur will look for the most adaptable capabilities. The following might help.

Choose between functionalities. Consider you need mp3 players, video players or web browsing. Duplicating the functionality of your PDA can reduce the need to carry another device with you in order to enjoy the benefits it offers.

How much internet access do you need? Bluetooth connectivity can give you mobile-enabled Internet access, Wife can give you access from hotspots, and a simple wired connection to your desktop computer can let you read your emails on the go.

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

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