| PDA or personal digital assistance has been a | | | | information. PDAs can be operated in two ways - |
| boon for the busy professionals and the tech | | | | PDAs may use a pen or keys. In the pen-based |
| savvy users. The device is a hand held computer | | | | PDAs, the users operate the device using a stylus. |
| that is enabled with some advance features to | | | | Stylus is a thin pencil shaped device, the users |
| effectively manage contacts, tasks and | | | | select the menu on the screen by gently tapping |
| appointments. This includes specific information like | | | | with the stylus. This also means that most PDAs |
| address database, calendar, to-do list and note | | | | have a feature called handwriting recognition. |
| taker. | | | | Lightweight, full-size, folding keyboards can be |
| PDAs are also wireless at times. A wireless PDA | | | | connected and used when a desk surface is |
| can offer features like e-mail, Web browsing and | | | | available. |
| cellular phone service. For synchronisation of data | | | | Key-based units have tiny physical keyboards and |
| between PDAs and desktop computer, cabled | | | | various cursor keys and scroll wheels. Blackberry's |
| connection is needed, or it may happen through a | | | | Thumbwheel is an example of such a device. |
| wireless connection. | | | | There are a vast number of PDAs available in the |
| PDAs first came into existence in 1993, with | | | | market today. Some have basic functionalities |
| Apple's MessagePad. It was commonly known as | | | | while others are enabled with many hi-end |
| "Newton". However, Palm Pilots improved upon | | | | features. There are some PDAs which can even |
| the technology and made the device popular after | | | | recognize voice. Thus, A typical PDA can function |
| couple of years. And with Blackberry's | | | | as a cellular phone, fax sender, Web browser and |
| synchronized e-mail in 1999, the PDA escalated to | | | | personal organizer. |
| becoming a mobile office. | | | | PDAs are also called hand held computers, |
| PDAs are extremely useful for storing heavy | | | | palmtops, and pocket computers. |