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Personal organizers or PDAs are not yet handheld microcomputers, but they've been utilized by a lot of people over the past few years. Personal digital assistants are known as pocket pc devices or palmtop PDAs. They have umpteen uses including: mathematical calculations, use as a clock with calendar functions, surfing the Web, sending and receiving netmail, video uses, typing and word processing, address book functionality, constructing and compiling spreadsheets, interpreting bar codes, listening to radio programs or stereo music listening, playing video game*, poll results entries, and Global Positioning System functions. More contemporary PDAs also have color displays, MP3 audio and telephone capabilities, allowing for them to be applied as mobile phones (smartphones), online browsers, and portable media players. Many now also feature cameras that can shoot pictures which can then be sent via email to Flickr and mySpace accounts. Practically all later PDAs can browse the Net, intranets or extranets via wireless local area network, or Wireless Wide-Area Networks .Almost all PDA's use touch screen displays excepting Smartphones which depend on keypad menu systems ascribable to their more diminutive display screens.

PDA's Past

The term "personal data assistant" was first used on Jan 7th, 1992 by then Apple Computer Chief Executive Officer John Sculley at the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in Las Vegas, Nevada, concerning the Apple Newton.

PDAs are occasionally denoted as "Palms", "Palm Pilots" or "Palm Tops" so-named after an early personal digital assistant produced by USR and Palm Inc called the "Palm Pilot". Today however, the term is much more encompassing and includes a very diverse range of products developed by a host of many manufacturers including HP, Dell, Blackberry and Sharp to name a few.

.Characteristic capabilities

Presently, a regular PDA has a touch screen for data entry, a memory card slot for data storage and at the least one of the following for device-todevice communication: IrDA, Bluetooth and/or WiFi. Even so, many personal digital assistants (commonly those used chiefly as cell phones) may not possess a touch screen, instead using softkeys, a directional pad (d-pad) and either the numeric keypad or a thumb operated keyboard for idata nput.

In order to meet the PDA definition, standard software should include an appointment calendar, a task list, an address book for business and personal contacts and some kind of notes program. Internet connected PDAs also usually include E-mail and Web support.Most units also include memo recording software for audio notes. Very handy for remembering important details.

Not Quite A Laptop Replacement...Yet

Possibly, to a higher degree than any other computer device, the personal digital assistant lacks the raw computing horsepower and Wireless Broadband capabilities of a desktop or notebook computer. Presently, costs of laptop computers are coming down. Although a good deal bigger in size, laptop computers have more full-size screens and keyboards and are have greater computing power.

However, the OQO Model 2 has been brought out in recent times as a fully desktop PC compatible PDA with a USB port so that people can use their normal work and business software or play computer games compatible with ubiquitous operating systems such as Windows XP. It can also connect to regular PC peripherals. Costs still have a way to fall prior to mass adoption takes place in the market but OQO is no longer the exclusive manufacturer of these types of units, so costs should fall possibly within the next few years.

Conclusion

The PDAs strength is that it is easy to transport and less bulky than full-sized computers.It fits easily into a shirt or pants pocket. The additional features like cameras, Global Positioning System, telephony and MP3 player make it flexible unlike any other type of computers in the market.

A lot of people simply don't need full desktop features while actively on the go. As long as they can access their information and sync their data to a full-sized computer when they arrive at their homes and offices, that's really all they need and want to do. So at least in the short run, the PDA will most likely remain as a portable helper for millions of users for years to come.

The originator of this article has worked as a Pocket PC software programmer for over 5 years. He updates his web log weekly and addresses many areas of mobile computing including PDAs. To view videos and read more information about PDAs, Smartphones and other mobile devices visit: http://pdatoday.blogspot.com

Only a few years ago, the PDA concept was introduced for the first time. The first Palm Pilot's his the market and millions of people were hoped right away. The combination of a personal electronic organizes along with a powerful computer was a great solution for many people who were looking to get more done without sitting down with their lap-top or desk-top computers.

Later on, the wireless PDA's were introduced, causing even more stir, and the PDA's became even more sophisticated, allowing their users to surf the web wirelessly, download and send e-mail's and the like.

But then - the wind shifted.

It had became apparent the PDA's could not replace the notebook computers, that were getting thinner, lighter and cheaper, while offering the users the same abilities of a regular PC, but in a mobile fashion. A PDA, as good as it can be, can't replace a PC.
So at this time, the PDA industry was standing at a crossroad. It had to make the right choice in order to survive.
And what we got as an answer to he notebook computer was the PDA, also known as the smart phone. This was a smart move, as it addressed people's needs. Let's take a look at a few reasons to own and use a smart phone:

1.You already use a cell phone, and you probably own a PDA (or intent to buy one). So why not combine the two? You get two in one - more value for your dollars.
2.You'll probably save hundreds of dollar in future years, when you will want to upgrade your PDA phone. You will only need to upgrade one device instead of two (PDA and a cell phone separately)
3.Save time - Owning two tools that have so many over lapping function is time consuming. For example, It's much easier to maintain just one email account and addresses instead of one of them at your cell phone and one at your PDA.
4.Many cell phones are limited in their memory capacity and their overall ability to handle various tasks. The PDA's however, were created for these missions. The PDA phone therefore is a phone with a huge capacity for handling almost anything. This just makes your life a lot easier.
5.Integration - The biggest reason for merging these two vital tools is to enjoy the benefits of integration. You'll be able to organize your calendar, talk to your clients, download emails, surf the web, and listen to an mp3 music file all at the same place without needing to switch appliances.

The PDA phone is a very logical choice for everyone who is trying to get more out of his day and save time and money. It really makes no sense to be carrying both a PDA and a cell phone around when you can have both in one.

Ron Heller is the owner and operator of a website
devoted to PDA, HP iPAQ, PDA accessories, PDA computers and more.

One of the most useful and exciting features of the newer PDA's, is their ability to serve as real time maps. A PDA GPS built in system serves two purposes - it can help you keep track of your busy schedule as every PDA does, and, it can help you find your way to just about anywhere. You will no more get lost trying to find your way to a new client, to see your son's soccer game, or in a new city. Some of the PDA\s on the market don't have a GPS Built In system, so they require a special receiver that has to be bought separately and attached to the PDA.

The PDA's we'll discuss are PDA GPS Built In devices. You get them with the GPS system already integrated into the machine itself - the receiver, the maps, the antenna. Nothing needs to be added.

So here are the selected few pocket PC's that have a BuitIn global positioning navigation system:

1.Pharos Traveler GPS 525 - Includes maps and all your personal data. $388-$529
2.Mobile Crossing WayPoint 200 - A Good PDA and a great GPS. Too Expensive - $599.
3.Mio 168RS (GPS/PDA combo) - practical and cheaper than others. -$209
4.Garmin iQue M5 - Excellent navigation software makes this one of the best PDA/GPS combos. It's expensive - $599
5.Asus MyPal A636 - This is a PDA with a built-in GPS receiver that puts maps and directions on an equal footing with appointments and e-mail. While it delivers accurate directions and long battery life, it's a bit sluggish - not priced yet.

No matter what you use your global positioning navigation system for, you will find that the improvement over traditional paper maps is startling. Instead of trying to drive with the map folded on the steering wheel, the navigation system on your PDA can give you step by step and turn by turn directions to guide you right to your destination. No more stopping at every gas station for directions. Your satellite connected PDA will give you great instructions and keep you from getting lost.

If you are traveling on a regular bases, and often to unknown destination, you'll probably want to consider getting a PDA/GPS combo device. The cost will be considrably less than purchasing these two products separately. Why not stop by your local computer store or internet retailer and take advantage of this great technological breakthrough?

Ron Heller is the owner and operator of a website
devoted to PDA, hp iPAQ, PDA accessories, PDA computers and more.

Choose Not To Conform

Palm pilots and pdas are constantly growing in the ways that people use them in their everyday lives. Having a pocket pc is becoming the standard rather than the exception. However, many people have a desire to connect their ipaq with Linux, because it is free, and because they have an objection to paying for expensive, proprietary software. As an alternative to Microsoft and Mac, Linux is a great option.

Some pocket pcs come with the Linux software already embedded. For instance, HP and Compaq palm pilots are two that usually come with Linux software already as part of the standard package. Dealers of pocket pcs are anxious to offer plenty of choices that will personalize their pda to the average consumer.

One of the best things about Linux is that it is considered very safe and extremely stable. A Linux connection can be found online very easily. Many reputable sites offer Linux connections for your handheld that can be quickly downloaded. Linux is also simple to learn, so people who are worried about being able to use it should be able to master it in no time at all.

If you connect ipaq Linux, you can assert your individuality and choose not to conform to the normal, expensive software options that others go with. Using Linux is just one way to assert your personality, and to let the expensive software market know that you are not one to go along with the crowd and others are joining with you every day.

About the Author

Dan Ayala is webmaster and publisher of PDA-Review-Online.com, offering reviews on PDAs, Palm Pilots, Pocket PC's, software and accessories. PDA Review Online provides free information and recommendations for your online resources that you can download anytime or anywhere.

Stop Getting Lost

One of the greatest uses for a pocket pc is for gps navigation. Now all those people who continually get lost can find their way anywhere with the various types of gps navigation software available. No longer will they have the excuse of not wanting to ask for directions. The directions are easily accessible from their palm pilot.

The best pocket pc gps software has a gps receiver with it. This allows you to receive constant updates. Many of the best software products for your ipaq have some other great features, too. Some of these features include detailed maps for roads and streets in the U.S., Canada and Europe. These maps can be downloaded to and from your computer and often allow you to enter personalized information.

Other gps navigation software offers topographical maps, aviation maps and marine maps. For whatever kind of travel you do, there is a gps system for your pocket pc that will work splendidly. You no longer have to worry about being lost hiking in the mountains, flying a small personal aircraft or piloting your own boat.

The best gps software packages have extremely detailed voice guidance to keep your eyes on the road instead of on your pda. This safety feature should impress even the most careful driver.

Having gps navigation software on your pocket pc makes the world a much smaller, safer place to be and a heck of a lot easier to navigate. So, find the best pc pocket gps for you and never get lost again.

Dan Ayala is webmaster and publisher of PDA-Review-Online.com, offering reviews on PDAs, Palm Pilots, Pocket PC's, software and accessories. PDA Review Online provides href="http://pda-review-online.com">free information and recommendations for your online resources that you can download anytime or anywhere.