1 - Primary Aspects
| There are several aspects of a Personal Digital Assistant to examine before making a decision. Below are a few key points to consider. |
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1.1 - Size & Weight
Majority of the PDAs have sizes that range from 4 inches in length to 3 inches in width and weigh around 8 ounces. Some
PDAs may be of the size of a notebook computer. PDAs that are compact and fit the size of the palm are more preferred.
Ideally you should look for a PDA that slides easily into your coat or trouser pocket and is light in weight. The best
solution is to visit a retailer, feel the PDA in your hand and then decide for yourself or better still focus on the online
specifications to decide if it would be hand-in-glove with your requirements.
1.2 - Memory
All PDAs come with a minimum amount of RAM. 16 MB of memory is sufficient to carry out daily tasks of planning, recording
contact numbers etc. However high-end multimedia applications, 3-D games and videos require at least 32 MB of memory.
Always look out for models with more memory, as they will prove beneficial in the long run. The operating system which a
PDA uses is stored on the ROM and ROM being a Read Only Memory, the data will not be lost, in the event the battery gets
completely drained or while it is being replaced. 2 MB of RAM is the minimum amount that is required for Palm PDAs, which
use the Palm Operating System. However optimal functioning can be achieved with 8 MB of RAM. PDAs that use MS Windows
Mobile operating system require at least 64 MB of ROM and an equal amount of RAM. Selecting a PDA with expansion slots
will enable you to increase the storage capacity at a latter stage. The most common expandable memories are Sony Memory
Sticks, CompactFlash cards, Multimedia cards and SDIO cards.
1.3 - Display Type
A PDA will either have a monochrome or color display. However monochrome displays do not make for an enjoyable viewing
experience while playing games or watching videos and hence their demand is on the decline. Make sure you select a PDA
with a high resolution. Windows mobile devices have 240 x 320-pixel resolution. However displays screens that support a
resolution of 320 x 320 pixels is a good option. Irrespective of the OS you choose, PDAs with a high resolution will
deliver high quality images and superb graphic effects. PDAs are available with TFT and LCD displays. Monochrome LCDs are
least expensive. PDAs with TFT screen are able to rebound sun rays of the screen because of their reflective properties,
thus enhancing the performance of the PDA in the outdoors. Though LCD’s offer good color reproduction and sharpness,
they have poor contrast ratios and the pixels become weak and “stuck”.
1.4 - Battery
The battery life of a PDA depends on the application that is run on it. High-end graphic applications, 3-D games consume
more power. Most PDAs are provided with AAA size rechargeable batteries. Lithium-ion, Nickel Cadmium and Nickel-Metal
Hydride are the three different battery types available. Nickel cadmium was considered to be the only suitable batteries
for portable devices and was used for a long period of time. However they tend to easily loose. Nowadays, Lithium ion
batteries are gaining popularity because they require low maintenance, also they remain charged even if you do not use
it for long periods.
1.5 - Processor
A processor plays an important role in your PDA, just as it does in a desktop PC or notebook. A PDA used for processing
huge volumes of data, playing games, music and videos would require faster processing speed. While a PDA that is to be
used for normal day-to-day tasks can make do with a slower processor. Palm PDAs with high-end multimedia features use
processors with clock speeds varying from 127 MHz to 400 MHz. Pocket PCs that use Windows Mobile Operating system are
provided with StrongARM or XScale processors that have clock speeds between 200 MHz and 624 MHz.
1.6 - Syncronization
The input devices for a PDA vary from one model to another. Palm PDAs make use of a stylus and they are provided with a
handwriting recognition software and a touch screen for text input. PDAs that operate on the Palm OS may be provided with
programs like Graffiti, Jot or Quikwrite while those PDAs that operate on the Windows Mobile Operating System are provided with a Transcriber. One needs to learn
certain rules
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to form characters
while making use of this software. Some PDAs come installed with a natural handwriting recognition software. This
handwriting recognition software can be made to understand the users own handwriting. Large sized PDAs or Pocket
PC’s have integrated keyboards that are useful while processing large data volumes. |
1.7 - Input Device & Handwriting Recognition
Synchronization is a process by which data in the PDA is brought in synch with that of the PC/Notebook. Synchronization
allows simultaneous updates on both PDA and the PC or notebook. A special type of stand called cradle is available with
a majority of the palm devices that facilitate synchronization and most of the time recharges the batteries.
Synchronization software is available with all PDAs that synchs information in the standard applications bundled with the
PDA. Palm PDAs that operate on the Palm OS use a program called HotSync, while Pocket PC’s that operate on the Windows
Mobile Operating System use a program called ActiveSync.
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2 - Types of Operating Systems
The choice of operating system will depend on which type of PDA you are using. Generally 4 types of operating
systems are available
2.1 - Windows Mobile Operating System 5.0
The Windows Mobile Operating System 5.0 is the latest version of the operating system provided by Microsoft for palm-sized
devices. This OS can run numerous applications simultaneously. PDAs that make use of Windows Mobile operating system provide
users with office applications such as Pocket Word and Pocket Excel. In addition, contact and address management, calendar
tasks, and e-mail programs such as Outlook is also available.
2.2 - The Palm Operating System
The Palm OS is a leading operating system made by PalmSource, Inc for wireless handhelds and mobile phones. The Palm OS is
compatible with Apple and Windows-based computers. The Palm OS offers a wide range of options for communications. You can
secure your data with Palm OS by assigning a password to your PDA. Palm OS 5.0 supports ARM-compliant processors. The
enhanced version of Palm OS 5.0 is Palm OS Garnet and it supports a wide range of display resolutions including the
high resolution QVGA. The next generation of Palm OS called as Palm OS Cobalt 6.1, like Palm OS Garnet is compatible
with the existing 68K based applications and supports new generation wireless technologies as well as offers integrated
telephony features. VersaMail a type of e-mail program is available with the Palm OS 5.0 that works with a variety of
similar applications such as Microsoft Outlook, Outlook Express etc.
2.3 - The EPOC Operating System
The EPOC Operating System is fast becoming popular in the growing PDA market. This operating system was developed by a
London based software developer Symbian. The advantage of this OS is that it is extremely power-efficient. Provided with
a small memory foot print and a compact code this OS allows customization of your PDA.
2.4 - The RIM (Research In Motion) Operating System
The blackberry wireless handheld device manufactured by a Canadian company Research in Motion, makes use of the
proprietary operating system provided by RIM. This OS provides support for MIDP 1.0 and WAP 1.2. Providing a subset
of MIDP 2.0, the current version 4 of the OS allows complete wireless activation and synchronization with MS Exchange's
e-mail, calendar, tasks, notes and contacts
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3 - Choice of PDA
| The introduction of new models in the market makes the selection of PDA a difficult task. Based on the price range and features available PDAs can be classified as low, mid and hi end. |
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3.1 - Low-End Segment
The PDAs that fall under the low-end segment usually have a price under $100. PDAs in this price range are meant for
individuals who have a specific budget in mind. These PDAs offer a minimum set of features. Such PDAs have relatively
poor displays and are ideally suited for those interested only in tracking personal data, storing contact numbers and
addresses. These are entry-level PDAs and mostly have monochrome displays screens.
3.2 - Mid-Segment
The PDAs under the mid segment have a price ranging from US$100 to US$200. PDAs under this price range have a fast
processor and more memory. Most PDAs in the higher end of this range have color LCD screens. You can have full range
of accessories and expansion devices with these PDAs. Those looking for running a wide variety of applications in
addition to day-to-day tasks such as maintaining contact numbers, surfing the net, e-mail can consider handhelds in
this price range.
3.3 - High End Segment
PDAs under the high end segment have a price range over US$200. PDAs under this price range have a sleek design,
high-speed processors and maximum memory. The display supports maximum resolution and is well suited for high-end
gaming and superb quality photos. These PDAs can handle video playback and digital music and also support latest wireless
technologies such as Bluetooth, Wi-Fi and WiMAX that lets you check and send e-mail even when you are outside the office.
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4 - Accessories
Cases, Chargers, Cables, headphones, stylus, external keyboard, battery packs and software are the main accessories
for a PDA. Each manufacturer provides different accessories with their product. Hence you need to know first hand,
which accessories are available in the box for your product. Most manufactures provide the casing, cable and
rechargeable batteries. Additional external keyboard, headphones and software may all come at an additional cost.
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