What PDAs Do
The Basics
Even the simplest of PDAs synchronize with PCs, run application software, and handle standard personal information management (PIM) functions. Here are some further details about these basic features.
Handle Standard PIM Functions
The personal information management (PIM) software that comes with all PDA’s, will typically handle these tasks to help you stay organized:
· Store contact information (names, addresses, phone numbers, e-mail addresses)
· Make to-do lists
· Take notes
· Track appointments (date book, calendar)
· Remind you of appointments (clock, alarm functions)
· Perform calculations
Run Application Software
PDAs can run specialized software applications:
· Windows Mobile devices come with Pocket versions of Word, Excel, Internet Explorer, and Outlook, along with Windows Media Player and voice memo recording.
· Most Palm OS devices include applications such as DataViz Documents to Go, palmOne Media, VersaMail e-mail software, and web-browsing software.
· All types of devices can run other kinds of software including games, multimedia, expense, diet and exercise, travel, medical, time and billing and reference.
Synchronize With PCs
Because PDAs are designed to complement your PC, they need to work with the same information in both places. If you make an appointment on your desktop computer, you need to transfer it to your PDA; if you jot down a phone number on your PDA, you should upload it later to your PC.
Synchronization software on the PDA works with companion software that you install on your PC. Microsoft Pocket PC devices use ActiveSync and Palm OS devices use HotSync synchronization software. On your computer, you also need an application like Microsoft Outlook or the Palm Desktop that holds PIM information on the PC side.
The beauty of synchronization is that you always have a backup copy of your data, which can be a lifesaver if your PDA is broken, stolen, or completely out of power.
Common Functions
Today, most PDAs incorporate wireless and multimedia functions of some type. Functions found on most devices include:
· Short-range wireless connectivity using Infrared (IR) or Bluetooth technology. IR is found on most PDAs and requires a clear line of sight. It is commonly used to sync with a notebook computer that has an IR port. Bluetooth wirelessly connects to other Bluetooth-enabled devices, such as a headset or a printer.
· Internet and corporate network connectivity through Wi-Fi and wireless access points
· Support for Wireless WAN (Wide Area Networks); the cellular data networks that provide Internet connectivity for smart phone devices
· A memory card slot that accepts flash media such as CompactFlash, MultiMediaCard, and Secure Digital cards.
· Audio support for MP3 files and a microphone, speaker jack and headphone jack
Bells & Whistles
High-end PDAs offer multimedia, security and add-on features not found on less expensive devices:
· A Secure Digital Input/Output (SDIO) card slot for add-on peripherals contained in an SDIO card, for example, a Bluetooth card, a Wi-Fi card, or a GPS (global positioning system) card
· Built-in GPS capabilities
· A built-in digital camera for snapping digital images and capturing short videos
· Integrated security features such as a biometric fingerprint reader.
Northstar Cases offers crushproof, waterproof, PDA cases, to keep your PDA safe no matter the scenario.
* Article from howstuffworks.com