We are living in the Information age. Information has never been as vital to us before as it is now. We depend on the latest information for taking important decisions, to plan ahead, for striking a deal, in fact, information is vital to us for our survival not only in the corporate world, but also in all public utility or service oriented careers.
THE NECESSITY OF CARRYING INFORMATION IN YOUR POCKET:
Most of us depend on desktop computers to store the information we require. The desktop also doubles up as a source of information, if connected to the Internet. But, we cannot carry our desktop wherever we go. The laptop computers and mini notebooks(mobile-pc) added a dimension of mobility to the users. But this was not mobility in the true sense of the word. The user would always need a briefcase to carry his mobile pc which meant that he had luggage on him.
The introduction of PDAs freed the user from carrying heavy luggage. Most of the information the user required could now be made available in the PDAs. Since, their introduction, the PDAs have rapidly evolved and richly deserve the tag of Palm-pc or Pocket-pc depending upon the?platform? they use.
More upwardly mobile people are switching to Palm-pc or pocket-pc because of their form factor. These can be carried by the users in their shirt pockets, providing a quick way of retrieving information on the go.
WHAT IS A PERSONAL DIGITAL ASSISTANT(PDA)?
A PDA is a small pc which can be carried by the user along with him. It is slightly bulkier and heavier than a digital diary which has limited functions.
Today?s PDAs can perform almost all the functions of a desktop pc.
The usual functions today?s PDAs come with are:
- Touch screen:
The PDAs come with touch screen facility. You can directly input data into the screen by using a stylus(rubberized pencil) that comes with it. The screen comes in 16k, 32k and 64k formats. They also come with passive or active matrix LCD displays with backlight or front light. You can key in data through an onscreen keyboard or straight away scribble on the screen. In the latter mode the PDA will recognize your input by the help of handwriting recognition software. You can also use the stylus to perform various functions or select options.
- Dictation:
You can use the PDA as a recording device for your dictation. It also provides the facility for playback and editing.
- Organizer:
The PDA performs all functions of an organizer such as Scheduler, Memo, Contacts, Calendar, Time, Calculator, PIM, and Expense account.
- PC(personal computer) functions:
A good top end PDA comes loaded with software such as Pocket Word Processor, Pocket Spreadsheet, Multimedia(audio & video), Pocket Outlook, Internet Browser, Pocket Mail, Pocket Messenger, External Pocket Memory Storage Devices such as Compact Flash Card, Multimedia Card, Secure Digital Card, Memory Sticks etc, making it memory flexible.
- Additional functions:
Built-in Stereophonic Surround Sound through earphones, MP3 Player, External speaker(mono), Infra-red and wireless capability, new standards of wireless communication Wifi and Blue-tooth, Pocket Reader for E-books. Desktop or Laptop connectivity.
WHAT TO LOOK FOR WHEN BUYING A PDA:
PDAs are comparatively expensive ranging between RS.8000/- to Rs.35000/-or even more. Therefore, it is imperative that you should pay more attention to functionality and durability and also ease of use before arriving at a decision.
When you shop for a PDA, look up at the brochure or write-up first to see whether the PDA is offering all the above features. A PDA without Wifi or Bluetooth is less expensive.
You need to decide whether you want Palm?s proprietary software or MS Windows Pocket-pc software. Though, the Palm series of PDAs have been very successful, the Pocket Windows based PDAs are fast catching up.
How many expansion slots the PDA has? 2 expansion slots are welcome, 1 slot is okay, a PDA with no built in expansion slots is a strict no-no.
PDAs are easy to carry but also are easy to drop if you are a little careless. So check out the grip before buying a PDA.
Battery life is important to a PDA because you use it more often on the move. Check out the battery life of various PDAs before taking the plunge.
WHICH BRANDS OF PDA ARE WORTH BUYING?
This is a highly subjective and contentious issue. There are many brands of PDAs around from HP-Compaq, Toshiba, Palm, Casio, Dell, NEC, Sony, Fujitsu etc. The top selling ones are Palm, HP-Compaq, Sony and Toshiba.
Palm and Sony use the proprietary Palm Operating System, whereas, the rest come with the MS Windows Mobile PC Operating System.
I personally prefer Windows based PDAs because most of us are already used to Windows on desktops.
I have a Toshiba PC e740 with 2 expansion slots which easily takes care of all my data requirements and more importantly, syncs effortlessly with my desktop pc.
HOW TO MAINTAIN A PDA:
A few simple precautions will help you to prolong the life of PDA to almost that of a desktop.
Do not expose it to shocks by dropping it on the floor.
Do not run briskly with a PDA in your pocket.
Do not force the PDA while connecting it to the Auto sync cradle.
Do not use the PDA when the battery is really low.
Do not write on the screen without first placing the removable screen protector.
It is advisable to use a good leather case instead of a hard case because being soft it
Provides a good grip and also absorbs shocks better.
Do not use a damaged stylus while inputting data on the screen.
If you are using the PDA at home, connect it to the charger so that battery is not
Drained.
Use the front/back light only when it is absolutely required.
Protect it from long periods of direct sunlight. During rainy season, if you are
traveling on a two-wheeler, keep the PDA in a light polythene cover before placing it
in the shirt pocket.
THIS IS A GENERAL ADVICE FOR PEOPLE BUYING A PDA FOR THE FIRST TIME AND ARE LOOKING FOR ADVICE FROM PERSONS WHO ARE ALREADY, OWNING ONE.
Thanks for reading, I welcome your ratings, and comments. In case, I have missed something please feel free to mention it.
mbfarookh
