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

Endowed with several of high efficient feature, TDS Recon is used extensively in disposing many of crucial works. Equipped with windows mobile 5.0, this PDA contains features like updated version of MS Word, Excel and Powerpoint. Availability of Wi-Fi and Bluetooth gives this modern gadget faster connectivity. The complete configuration of the TDS Recon can be summed up as 128 MB RAM, 512 MB disc, bluetooth, WLAN, Windows Mobile 5.

Weighing merely around 17 ounces, TDS Recon is capable of meeting military specifications for high and low temperature options, and vibrations. This TDS comes greatly in handy when it is used in various field work, especially in construction, surveying, telecom, manufacturing and etc. In such nature of work, there is little possibility that you can carry your laptops to these places. TDS Recon helps you here, as it is quite easy to carry, and performs the desired work as efficiently as your laptop does.

Able to challenge even the tough field condition, TDS Recon is dust and water proof, and can work efficiently even after submerging it one meter deep in water for half-an-hour. Battery charge is another feature to complement. Its rechargeable PowerBoot module makes the TDS to be able to run for 15 hours – much longer than what your laptop does. Cluttered with abundance of features giving your PDA a wing, TDS Recon is elite one in the club of most efficient hand held computers.

Darlene Kaitlene is a renowned business writer who has years of experience in writing technical reviews, product descriptions and product feature analysis of technical gadgets and gizmos. He has won appreciation especially for enlightening people about the latest communication gizmos…the TDS Recon.

1,200 cell phones, 1,500 sets of keys and over 300 PDAs and laptops are turned into the Las Vegas International lost and found department annually. - McCarran Int’l Airport Security, July 2003

140,000 items are found annually on Southwest Airlines flights, 50,000 items at Enterprise Rent-A-Car, and 20 a day at some Avis Rent-A-Car locations. Despite best efforts, fewer than 1% are returned. - The Wall Street Journal, November 2003

Several companies have launched to help return lost property represented by web sites http://www.StuffBak.com, http://www.TrackitBack.com http://www.Boomerangit.com, each company offering to help you recover lost valuables.

An Irish startup has launched based on that same concept of marking expensive portable electronics, laptops, PDA’s, cell phones, MP3 players and other valuables with their asset tags (labels with unique ID numbers). That firm also has a website and toll free phone lines where items can be reported found. The Irish company is named http://www.yougetitback.com and has a cute, black and white spotted puppy dog as a mascot. The concept of the dog “fetching” lost items and returning them to you is easy to understand. The company tag line is “The Lost And Found Company” for obvious reasons.

What is not so obvious to most is the idea that many people are honest enough that they would actually turn in a lost valuable. Most of us assume that if we leave a laptop or an iPod on the bus or subway, that we’d never see them again. But the companies cite several experiments done in the US by 8 local television news stations and one by a USA Today columnist, Edward Baig, to prove that if those valuables are labeled with special “asset tags”, that people will, more times than not, call the toll free telephone numbers printed on the tags and return the expensive items.

http://www.usatoday.com/tech/columnist/edwardbaig/2004-06-09-baig_x.htm

The television stations had a 75% success rate in getting their “lost” items reported and turned in, while columnist Baig got back 4 of 6 purposely “lost” items (two thirds) in his experiment. Baig mentioned in his column that it was the least expensive things that were never reported or returned - a CD case full of music and a calculator.

If this trend takes hold and becomes popular in the consumer market, it will mirror a concept long used by corporate, government and military organizations. Those large companies, educational institutions, governments and the department of defense have long put asset tags on property over a specified dollar value.

You can see “fixed asset tags” on items ranging from street light poles to heavy machinery. Those items have long been tagged and labeled with unique ID numbers and bar codes printed onto them to facilitate electronic scanning.

More recently, corporate and government entities have begun placing asset tags on more high value movable items like laptops, PDA’s, scanners and cell phones carried by employees in their work. This facilitates the identification and return of those “movable assets” when they are lost on the job by careless or distracted workers.

The launch of companies like StuffBak, TrackitBack, Boomerangit show that valuable electronic, digital items are being lost far more often by consumers and they are seeking ways to get their goodies back when they misplace them. Asset tags for the masses may become popular enough to support consumer oriented companies to label consumer items.

StuffBak has partnered with retailers like CompUSA and Sears, while BoomerangIt works product tie-ins with Pioneer, Toshiba, Palm and Seiko Instruments, along with nearly a dozen bicycle manufacturers - (due to their roots as a bicycle recovery company). BoomerangIt is also working with the http://www.ncpc.org/ National Crime Prevention Council (Think McGruff the crime fighting dog and “Take a bite out of crime”). They also work with local police departments in return of stolen goods with the tags. TrackitBack has partnered with Staples and BestBuy stores - so all are agressively marketing their offerings in the consumer marketplace.

Each offer business incentives for larger sales of ID tags exceeding 50 or more, with invitations to companies to contact them for volume pricing.

The movement of asset tags into the consumer marketplace is an unexpected development that may be logically extended into property insurance discounts and other unexpected areas. Asset tags are turning up on consumer goods through national retailers and product bundling with cooperating “lost and found” companies to bring your laptop, PDA or iPod back home when it is lost.

Article Copyright July, 2006 by Mike Banks Valentine http://SEOptimism.com

CAMCODE is a recognized worldwide leader in the design and manufacture of bar code asset tags, Property ID tags and asset identification labels. CAMCODE provides durable metal bar code labels for harsh environments including warehouse labels, work-in-process bar code labels and asset tags as well as polyester bar code labels for property identification. Our Metalphoto® aluminum barcode labels, combined with our proprietary coating technologies will satisfy the most demanding application. The companies discussed in the article above provide a lost item service using asset tags. CAMCODE does not provide lost item service, but sells custom asset tags to corporate, government, institutional, and military users.
http://www.camcod.com/asset/fixed.asp

IT Consultants Roles as Technology Influencers

IT consultants who have been in business awhile already know that smart PC hardware selection can make installation, support, troubleshooting and upgrading work much easier.

Selecting the right PCs and related peripherals can dramatically boost system reliability, which helps to keep your valued clients happy. Pick the wrong PC hardware and well, let’s not even go there! When PC hardware starts acting up, clients get peeved . . . and clients may actually “blame” your IT consultants for their IT-related problems.

As a general rule of thumb, it’s a good idea to stay on the “good” side of the folks that authorize your service agreements and sign your big retainer checks.

New Advances in Technology

Despite all the advances during the past few years, the venerable desktop, notebook and server have remained the staples of the PC hardware world. Sure, there are newcomers. Since the mid-‘90s, both Palm and Microsoft have spearheaded competing handheld standards. But the main PC hardware world has not seen much change by IT consultants.

And now there are special-purpose rack-mountable servers, with surely more to come, dedicated to the unique demands of serving high-volume Web sites.

IT Consultants Have a Huge Profit Opportunity with Hardware Sales

IT consultants play an extremely important role as your clients’ primary technology influencer – the one who recommends what to buy. This responsibility presents a huge business opportunity for IT consultants with desktops, notebooks and PDAs.

Copyright MMI-MMVI, Computer Consultants Secrets. All Worldwide Rights Reserved. {Attention Publishers: Live hyperlink in author resource box required for copyright compliance}

Joshua Feinberg helps computer consultants get more steady, high-paying clients. Learn how you can too. Sign-up now for Joshua’s free Computer Consultants Secrets audio training.

LAPTOPS

Advantages:
Laptops can access full webpages, display full screen and can work with your productivity, scheduling and email programs. They can also play music and video.

Disadvantages:
They are bigger and cost more than handhelds and they cannot fulfill cellphone duties.

PDAs

Advantages:
They are designed for productivity and can sync up with popular programs like Outlook. They are kind of like mini laptops with an interactive screen, popular types include the Palm.

Disadvantages:
They are not that much fun, most don’t play music or video and they are not cellphones. They require a service contract to access mobile broadband on top of your regular cell phone service. Although, they are beginning to incorporate multimedia elements like photo organizers, mp3 and video players and display eBooks; however, they cannot replace your laptop. So, basically you have to carry both around and sync up from time to time.

BLACKBERRYS

Advantages:
Similar to a PDA, they can access email and webpages, have organizers, many can perform as a modem for a laptop. Some can play mp3’s and video and perform cell phone functions, like the BlackBerry Pearl. The traditional BlackBerrys have full keyboards, support attachment viewing and are quad band (which means they can connect to 850/900/1800/1900 MHz GSM/GPRS and EDGE networks).

Disadvantages:
To access wireless services they require services beyond your regular cell service and they are not much fun. Most don’t play media content like video or music.

SMARTPHONES

Advantages:
SmartPhones combine PDA and cell phone abilities. They support productivity activities like checking email; yet, also perform all cell phone functions.

Disadvantages:
They require service add–ons beyond your regular cell phone service to use its features and still cannot replace a laptop. They are nice for looking up simple information online or checking your schedule, but you will still have to sync up every so often.

iPhone

Advantages:
This small device plays music, can check email, IM and performs cell phone functions.

Disadvantages:
Currently, a two year Cingular contract is required to use this device. Additionally, although the interactive screen is cool, it is hard to type on, which limits its productive abilities. The iPhone is also costly, much more than a PDA or BlackBerry, but designed to be more fun than productive.

So, all in all, your laptop is still the most productive and entertaining device you can use to access mobile broadband services, but far from pocket size. And the pocket size devices, offer limited functionality.

So what is the best combination of functionality and fun? I’m thinking a small multimedia laptop and a reasonably priced smartphone (to get you by until you can get back together with your laptop).

Pamela Stevens

Pamela Stevens writes for TopTenREVIEWS.com, a review site that publishes technology and entertainment reviews.

The possibilities of Learning through technology are becoming infinite with the advent of computer based technologies and web based technologies.

Electronic or e-learning incorporates all forms of online instruction using electronic devices. Among the many branches of E-learning is m-learning or mobile learning, which is a natural extension of e-learning. M- Learning is facilitated by the use of portable computing devices, like PDAs, palmtops, smartphones, and tablet PCs.

M-learning Technologies

The conditions of the mobile network are ruthless. Given these conditions, it is essential to select a right application environment and design. The mobile network has a narrow bandwidth, and delays are greater than in the PC /Wired network which supports 2 Mbits per second.Connectivity is one of the main differences between a mobile and a PC. There are specially designed networks for the mobiles.

WPAN–Wireless Personal Area Network is a wireless network that is normally limited to a small cell radius. A WPAN is used to transfer data between a handheld device and desktop computer.

WAP—Wireless Application Protocol is an international protocol that allows users to access the internet via their WAP enabled mobile phones. The WAP is optimized for mobile networks with narrow bandwidths, mobile devices with small screens and limited, small memory storage, and limited processing and battery power. This makes WAP a perfect option for the mobile network.

Bluetooth– Bluetooth is a radio standard and communications protocol chiefly designed for low power consumption, with a short range based on low-cost transceiver microchips in each device. Bluetooth technology makes it possible to create personal area networks. This enables PDAs to pass messages to and from other mobile devices. It facilitates communication between mobile phones, laptops, PCs, printers, digital cameras, and video game consoles over a secure, globally unlicensed short-range radio frequency

.GPRS– General Packet Radio Service is a is a Mobile Data Service available to users of GSM, In GPRS multiple users share the same transmission channel, only transmitting when they have data to send. This is an always ready internet connection for mobile devices that provides greater speed of connection (171kb/s).

UMTS–Universal Mobile Telecommunications System is one of the third-generation mobile phone technologies. Presently, it is the most common form uses W-CDMA as the underlying air interface. UMTS, using W-CDMA, supports up to 14.0 Mbit/s data transfer rates.

M-learning Process of Communication

SMS—Is a Short Message Service allows users to send/receive text messages of around 160 characters between mobile phones.

MMS– Multimedia Messaging Service it is the same as SMS but allows the users to send/receive graphics.

MP3s– Are Audio file format that compresses audio files and enables them to be shared by users.

CAMs– Video cameras embedded into mobile phone and PDAs witch allows users to take and send/receive pictures.

All these procedures are used in m-learning to enhance content delivery.

M-learning LMS

A basic M-learning package includes a Learning Management System (LMS), which when put together with a micro-portal interface layer will facilitate access to m-learning services. M-learning LMSs have also developed speech-to –text and vice-versa and SMS facilities for devices that have minimum multimedia functionalities. In advanced phases, m-learning LMSs include support for collaborative learning and peer-to-peer interaction.

Conclusion

Mobile technology is once again revolutionizing the education industry as the dotcom once did. The kind of infiltration that mobile phones have reached is astonishing, no other device can come closer, not even computers. Mobiles have a global reach not only in developed countries but also in the third world, they can be found in every village.

Rajesh Rastogi is an Internet infopreneur who has website on virtual learning environment Different types of LMS are discussed including learing management system, M – learning system and offers e-learning services

• WiMax (MAN) provides last mile high speed internet access to the end user; whereas Wi-Fi provides Wireless LAN environment.

• When a tower/base station is nearing capacity then it automatically transfers the user to another WiMax tower or cell; whereas Wi-Fi clients have to kind of fight to stay associated with a given access point.

• WiMax network is an ISP beaming wireless signals to provide internet access to a large area like MAN; whereas Wi-Fi is used as Wireless LAN.

Advantages of Wi-Fi

1. Normal LANs are deployed using physical cables; Wi-Fi allows LANs to be deployed without cabling.

2. Wi-Fi’s widespread adaptation in corporate infrastructures enables deployment of RFID technology that can piggyback on Wi-Fi.

3. Different Wi-Fi brands’ access points and client network interfaces are interoperable at a basic level of service.

4. Products designated as “Wi-Fi Certified” are backwards interoperable.

5. Wi-Fi is a global set of standards and unlike cell phones any standard Wi-Fi device will work anywhere in the world

6. Wi-Fi Protected Access (WPA) is not easily cracked if strong passwords are used and WPA2 encryption, which has been in use for WPA, has no known weaknesses.

Disadvantages

1. Wi-Fi spectrum operational limitations and assignments are not consistent worldwide.

2. Wired Equivalent Privacy (WEP), the most common wireless encryption standard, has been shown to be easily breakable even after correctly configured.

3. Wi-Fi Access Points typically default to an open (encryption-free) mode.

4. Wi-Fi pollution or an excessive number of access points in a given area, caused by overlapping channels in the 802.11g/b spectrum, can prevent access and interfere with the use of other access points by others. For example, devices using 2.4 GHz band like microwave ovens, security cameras, Bluetooth devices, etc, can cause significant additional interference. Those who suffer from this kind of interference or network crowding can escape from the same by migrating to a Wi-Fi 5GHz product (802.11a).

Google Promotes Wi-Fi

Now you can connect to the web, for free, if you are the proud resident of Mountain View, California, US. With your Wi-Fi enabled device, and equipped with a Google Account you can go online for free by accessing the network name ‘GoogleWiFi.’

We rush here to there. We have less time it seems than people did years ago. The fact is that, we just burn more of it and demand more from it. But when you can take some of that time and turn it into a profit, things can begin to look, well, up. Mobile computing allows you to stay focused, no matter what you do or when - on a variety of options and to a variety of networks. Here are some of the ways that you can stay ahead of the game.

Planning a power lunch but afraid to leave the office to miss some important email? Well then don’t worry, take a mobile computing device with you. You can take your whole laptop if you like, but you just do not have to. You can use your pocket PC or even your mobile computing cell phone to do all the work for you. Yes, nothing is easier.

Need to send a file and forgot to? You don’t even need to call the office and tell them that you messed up again. All you need to do is to flip open that phone and begin a mobile computing session that will get the job done in seconds.

There are so many ways that mobile computing fits into our lives. In fact, there are so many ways and we use them so much that we seem to forget what life is like without them. Mobile computing is one of the most important, can’t-live-without-it services that we have today.

Leon Chaddock - For more information please see http://www.mobile-computing-shack.co.uk

First, you probably already know PDA stands for “Personal Digital Assistant” and are handheld computers. Popular PDA brand names include PalmOne, Tungsten and Blackberry. Although these devices are small and fit in the palm of your hand, they can perform a whole range of functions including calculator, clock, calendar, web browser, send and receive e-mails, typewriter, word processor, video camera and even GPS (Global Positioning System).

Newer models now come with color screens and can also be used as a mobile or cell phone. Apple has recently introduced the iPhone which will offer many of the above features accessible via a touchscreen. It will have an OS X system and many advanced features that will revolutionize the PDA market. According to Apple the iPhone will be available in Mid-2007.

PDAs are convenient, multi-functional and very easy to carry around. They are great business tools for working in the field or on the factory floor. A virtual office in the palm of your hand. Many professionals become “addicted” to their PDAs and couldn’t imagine work or life without a PalmOne or a Blackberry!

However, while the small size of the PDA is its main advantage, it also presents a major stumbling block. In an ageing workforce or for those “digitally challenged”, using or manipulating those small buttons or touchscreens can be a problem. Many people find using such small devices and small screens somewhat troublesome to say the least.

Everything is at your fingertips but it feels like Lilliput or Land Of The Giants revisited. Dialing numbers on a small touchscreen can be a hit or miss situation. Organizing a company spreadsheet on a minute 2 inch screen is a gigantic task (pardon the pun). PDAs are just too small for some workers. While not exactly its Achilles heel, it is something every manager or boss must consider.

Thus we come the next business tool that should be on your list: the business laptop. Basically, a laptop will give you most of the functions of a PDA in a larger package. And if your laptop comes with a VOIP phone just about all the functions can be preformed on a laptop instead of a PDA.

A laptop will give you a much larger screen for all those spreadsheets and diagrams, not to mention any video presentation will go over better on a laptop. Laptops usually come with more robust options and a larger storage space than PDAs. A regular size keyboard on a laptop will make word processing, typing and sending e-mails much, much easier. It is something you must consider.

With the recent developments of the Intel Duo core processors and the new Windows Vista operating system, laptops are becoming more powerful and more lightweight. Laptop batteries can now last the full business day or until the next re-charging without any interruption in function or service.

A laptop offers all this convenience in a larger package and makes for an excellent business tool for any company or home office. Laptops are usually more expensive than PDAs but this price gap is narrowing as laptop prices have fallen dramatically in the last couple of years.

What you really have to ask: “Does size matter to you?”

If you or your workers can easily use the small touchscreens and buttons on a PDA than that may be your business tool of choice. However, if these small screens present a problem, then a lightweight laptop should be considered as your next choice.

Of course, companies with unlimited resources can equip their workers with both a PDA and a Laptop; making the whole argument rather moot. However, most of us are not coming from this vantage point so you should let size be your deciding factor. This is one case where size comes before form or function in determining your business tool of choice.

Copyright (c) 2007 Titus Hoskins

The author is a full-time online marketer who has numerous niche websites, including one on business marketing tools. For the latest and most effective web marketing tools try: www.bizwaremagic.com . For the latest PDAs and Cell Phones go here: www.bizwaremagic.com/Free_Cell_Phone.htm

2007 Titus Hoskins. This article may be freely distributed if this resource box stays attached.

Some businesses need just a laptop and an Internet connection, and for this reason virtual professionals are on the increase. The following information comes from a recent survey done online, from discussions with virtual professionals countrywide: most virtual professionals realize that without the Internet, their lifestyle would be impossible. Any profession that can detach from the corporate office and reconnect from a remote location can become a virtual profession: architecture, web design, web site promotion marketing, graphic art, management consulting, coaching, journalism or programming.

The virtual professional is no longer restricted to working from home; with smaller, more powerful laptops, better Internet connectivity worldwide and a host of cellular and web services to select from you can work from almost anywhere. This opens up new possibilities:
– You can keep working as you travel the world – You can live almost anywhere on the planet – You don’t have to lose touch with your current work or clients if you travel to attend seminars, visit clients or look for new customers

Many large firms are seeing the benefits of outsourcing work to virtual professionals, and these firms are reinventing themselves by adopting e-mail, intranets, extranets, customer-relationship management and enterprise resource planning systems. With the advent of hand held computers and PDA’s, firms are seeing that going wireless is not a huge investment; it improves productivity and saves on support costs.

Whether you’re part of a firm looking for virtual professionals, or you’re a virtual professional yourself, a PDA can be an important investment. How can you compare PDA’s? Start by formulating a list of the features you require in a PDA. You may also need a pocket PC, a handheld device that enables users to store and retrieve e-mail, contacts, appointments, tasks, play multimedia files, games, exchange text messages, browse the Web, and more.

Being a virtual professional brings with it multiple benefits, but it has its own set of demands as well. The more disciplined you are, the more successful and enjoyable your virtual career will be.

About the Author:
Adam O’Connor is the owner of www.handheldguru.com which provides free information on handheld electronics. Adam O’Connor is an expert in this industry and his website helps people find answers to questions like how can you compare PDA’sor what is the best pocket PC for you.