A personal digital assistant (PDA) is a handheld computer also known as small or palmtop computers. Newer PDAs also have both color screens and audio capabilities, enabling them to be used as mobile phones, (smartphones), web browsers, or portable media players. Many PDAs can access the Internet, intranets or extranets via Wi-Fi, or Wireless Wide-Area Networks (WWANs). Many PDAs employ touch screen technology.

Answered by Hem@nt .... , an ibibo Master, at 12:06 PM on October 24, 2008

personal digital assistant - a very small portable computer designed to be held in one hand; used to perform specific tasks, such as creating limited spreadsheet or storing phone numbers.

Answered by Nishu's , an ibibo Master, at 11:54 AM on October 24, 2008

A personal digital assistant (PDA) is a handheld computer also known as small or palmtop computers. Newer PDAs also have both color screens and audio capabilities, enabling them to be used as mobile phones, (smartphones), web browsers, or portable media players. Many PDAs can access the Internet, intranets or extranets via Wi-Fi, or Wireless Wide-Area Networks (WWANs). Many PDAs employ touch screen technology.
The first PDA is considered to be the CASIO PF-3000 released in May 1983. GO Corp. was also pioneering in the field. The term was first used on January 7, 1992 by Apple Computer CEO John Sculley at the Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas, Nevada, referring to the Apple Newton. PDAs are sometimes referred to as "Palms", "Palm Pilot", or "Palm Tops".

Answered by ani , an ibibo Advisor, at 10:55 AM on October 24, 2008

A personal digital assistant (PDA) is a handheld device designed to facilitate organizational ability from a mobile platform. While the original PDAs were somewhat limited to keeping address, phone, calendar, and task lists, today’s PDA can function as a cellular phone, fax, provide Internet connectivity, and much more. There are many different types of PDAs, but most models work with either Palmtop software or a special version of Microsoft Windows called Windows Mobile. All models can interface with a laptop or desktop system, though optional accessories may be required. Synchronization between computer and PDA is one of the most popular features of this digital device.

Some PDAs work only with a stylus, while others incorporate a miniature keyboard. A PDA might include handwriting recognition software, voice recognition, and a digital voice recorder. Some models come with a suite of software programs preinstalled, while others offer optional programs if desired.

A PDA might also incorporate cellular phone functionality and wireless local area network (LAN) capability. Connect to the Internet to check email, send messages, or watch the stock market. With flash card capability, a PDA can store, access, and transfer virtually any kind of data, including maps, spreadsheets, presentations, and dockets.

A PDA can even function like a mini-computer to make those last minute changes while en-route to the office or to a client. Windows Mobile runs a variety of mobile applications, including Excel and Microsoft Word. If you have a few minutes, use your PDA to kick back and listen to your favorite music, watch videos, or play games.

PDAs range in price from about 100 US Dollars (USD) to 500 USD or more. In general, the more expensive the PDA, the more features it incorporates. Some models have permanent rechargeable batteries, while others use replaceable batteries. Display type and size also play into price.

If in the market for a PDA, it is best to consider many models before choosing. Specific features that push up the price tag may not be required for your particular needs. Important considerations are ease of use and screen resolution, size, and brightness. In terms of functionality, look for a model that will serve your needs without incorporating too many unnecessary features.

A PDA can be an extremely useful tool, replacing the cell phone while adding the functionality of an organizer, planner, and mini-computer node. It is highly likely that once you use a PDA, you’ll wonder how you ever got along without one.

Answered by Ashish Yadav , an ibibo Wizard, at 8:32 AM on October 24, 2008

A personal digital assistant (PDA) is a handheld computer also known as small or palmtop computers. Newer PDAs also have both color screens and audio capabilities, enabling them to be used as mobile phones, (smartphones), web browsers, or portable media players. Many PDAs can access the Internet, intranets or extranets via Wi-Fi, or Wireless Wide-Area Networks (WWANs). Many PDAs employ touch screen technology
The first PDA is considered to be the CASIO PF-3000 released in May 1983. GO Corp. was also pioneering in the field. The term was first used on January 7, 1992 by Apple Computer CEO John Sculley at the Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas, Nevada, referring to the Apple Newton. PDAs are sometimes referred to as "Palms", "Palm Pilot", or "Palm Tops".


[edit] Typical features
Currently, a typical PDA has a touch screen for entering data, a memory card slot for data storage and at least one of the following for connectivity: IrDA, Bluetooth and/or WiFi. However, many PDAs (typically those used primarily as telephones) may not have a touch screen, using softkeys, a directional pad and either the numeric keypad or a thumb keyboard for input.

Software typically required to be a PDA includes an appointment calendar, a to-do list, an address book for contacts and some sort of note program. Connected PDAs also typically include E-mail and Web support.

http://en.wikipedia.org /wiki/Personal_digital_assistant

Answered by Koushik , an ibibo Specialist, at 8:25 AM on October 24, 2008

A PDA (Personal Digital Assistant) is a computer that fits in your hand. These small computers are sometimes called palmtops and are a great way to store telephone numbers, email addresses, access the internet, make calculations, keep a digital calendar and play games.

Today's PDA is very small in size, fits comfortably in a pocket and generally has good battery life which allows you to recharge the device at night or when at the office. A PDA usually includes a small screen usually bigger than a digital phone, however smaller than the smallest laptop, a small QWERTY keyboard that is made for thumb typing and a stylus which is a metal or plastic pen to input data or communicate with the device by a touch pad screen.

While components and specifications change throughout the years, today you can find PDA's with lots of RAM memory, storage in either miniature hard drives or compact flash cards or sticks and some can be expanded by a PC card that fits into a PCMCIA slot. Newer palmtop computers have USB ports to plug in a variety of peripherals to use with your PDA.

Today, you can find great features on many palmtop computers including internet access, the ability to send and receive email and files, mp3 player with onboard storage and game playing functions. Some palmtop computers have even morphed into an all in one device that includes a wireless phone.

A PDA is a great tool to stay organized. They are very popular with road warriors, corporate professionals, college students, etc. There are many different types of palmtop computers that range in price and features. For instance, you can purchase a palmtop computer that fulfills basic requirements such as telephone and address book, calendar, calculator and other travel functions for less than $100. Most of these low end palmtop computers also include infrared synching which means that you can send and receive data from your palmtop computer to a host of other computers.

A moderately priced PDA includes extra functions such as a color screen, large amounts of memory and storage capabilities, USB port and can play video games. If you are looking for a high end palmtop computer, you will find almost every available option loaded onto these super high tech devices including a wireless phone, mp3 player, the ability to handle large files, lots of memory, Bluetooth capability, etc. The top of the line palm top computers are usually priced at about $450 to $800.

Answered by jaivir , an ibibo Master, at 7:36 AM on October 24, 2008

With PDAs becoming Wi-Fi friendly, you can connect to your WLAN while using your little PDA and surf the Net and check your e-mail. This will do away with the need to carry laptops around with us all the time. As of now, you can buy a Wi-Fi card that fits into your PDA, converting it into a wireless device.

Answered by Deepak , an ibibo Master, at 7:10 AM on October 24, 2008