Personal Digital
Assistants, PDAs abbreviated, is an electronic device and a computer - based
small form, and can be taken anywhere. PDAs are widely used as a personal
organizer at first, but because of its development, then multiply its utility
function, such as a calculator, clock and timing pointer, computer games,
internet users, and e - mail receiver, radio receiver, video recorder, and a memo
recorder. Aside from the PDA, we can use the address book and store addresses,
e-book reading, using GPS and many other functions. Even more sophisticated
version of the PDA can be used as a mobile phone, Internet access, intranets,
or extranets via Wi - Fi or Wireless Network. One of the typical PDA is the
ultimate touch screen facility.
Not Just a PDA
Electronic Organizer Plus !
There are still
many people misunderstand PDA devices ( personal digital assistant ). Not a few
users who mistakenly use, carrying a PDA -style snobs everywhere, but enable it
merely ordinary electronic organizer. Or even worse, just as a digital
calendar.
This fact is
clearly different from twenty years ago, where in the 1980s a handheld device
was first launched. There are not many things that can be expected at that
time. Years PDA frozen world. then Palm Inc. launched its first PDA in 1996.
The launch is then change the fate of the PDA and also boost the popularity of
PDAs in the electronic universe.
Handheld tool
that synergized with the operating system ( OS ), Palm 's outstanding success.
Ease of synchronization with a PC, and an icon -based approach to the
operation, making many users feel that the usefulness of this tool, is more
than just an ordinary handheld devices.
In a period of
six years, the growth of the PDA itself is virtually remarkable, though of
course not as fast as the computer in general. During this period, the PDA
continues to grow, both in terms of technology and business. Take for example
the operating system used. Palm OS is still the most dominant player. Brands
that use this OS include the Palm itself, Sony, IBM and Handspring.
Next is now
called Windows CE or Pocket PC. The operating system on a PDA, or Pocket PC is
made by Microsoft, because it display on Pocket PC 2002 version is almost like
the display on Windows XP. For the record the popularity of the Pocket PC, now
boosted quite strong along with Microsoft's commitment, greatly to the
development of this operating system. Brands that use this OS include HP,
Compaq, Casio, and Siemen.
Other
alternatives are the Symbian OS is open source. Are already implementing this
OS is Nokia Nokia 9210 Communicator product. Previously Ericsson - even using
the Operating System through its MC218 product. Actually, Linux and Java is
starting to develop the operating system for PDAs, but it is still only a few
products only use and popularity of Linux on these devices is not as popular PC
version.
Features embedded
into current PDAs merrier, plus more reliable hardware support. We have had
many PDA with a color screen, unlike the last two or three years. inevitably,
this diversity makes us dizzy, where the heck is the most suitable ?
Understanding the
function of PDA
First and
foremost function of a handheld device such as your PDA, is to manage
information or data. More specifically, because the name is also Personal
Digital Assistant, it also manages the data that is personal. Among address,
telephone number, e - mail, schedule of activities and list of activities that
we have to do. Only after the PDA was developed so that it functions better
play the role of a subnotebook. during the course of this function is played by
the organizer are also included, such as a clock, calculator and calendar.
Most of the PDA
can be synchronized into a desktop computer or notebook, so that we can check
our information or data, and updating it into the computer, either at the
office or that there was at home.
Currently, the
latest handhelds, has been able to act as a means of playing music, MP3 music
players ( MP3 players ), read eBook Reader, even playing a video stream. With
graphics capabilities that are no longer black and white, this handheld has
exceeded his responsibilities as a Personal Assistant, as the name suggests,
but even so do not ever equate the ability PDA with a desktop PC notebooks
especially.
Advantage &
Weakness Using PDAs
Advantage
Because of the
small size and light weight, the device is clearly the backbone of job
mobility, so that we can carry it everywhere, and wherever we can work with
this device. Application. Most application -priced, some even can be downloaded
for free from the Internet. Accessories and Supplies. Most accessories and
supplies, generally can be obtained easily and instantly. The boot process does
not take a long time, compared to a desktop or notebook. Then battery, battery
life varies by model, but in general, the PDA has durability, used at least a
day without connection to the mains. In fact nothing could be replaced with
ordinary alkaline batteries. To Sync Desktop. You can synchronize data between
a PDA with a PC is easy and practical. Wireless. Most PDA devices equipped with
wireless technology, making it easier for us to work anywhere. Infrared
signals. Facilitate data transfer facility without the need for wires, or other
auxiliary devices. Just one tool. With this tool, we do not need to be carrying
books, calendars, watches, and even cell phones, because currently there is a
PDA that has been integrated with a mobile phone.
Weakness
Due to the large
size and weight are too light, sometimes we forget to put where, or dropped
when we store in your pocket, or even we really miss this one device.
Application. Almost all of the OS on the handheld can not be upgraded, like the
OS on a desktop or notebook PC. Accessories
and supplies. Because too many accessories and supplies, sometimes it makes the
complicated and heavy, especially if you travel frequently. Data Input. The
process of inputting the data more slowly, either using a pen. Most PDA does
have a nice display, but most of the PDA screen very difficult to read, when in
the full sun. Damage the screen. PDA screens are usually sensitive to
scratches. sensitive sometimes excessively so that the screen can be easily
damaged. Standardize the PDAs are too many, ranging from its hardware or its
software, making it difficult for further development. Rapid development, makes
us feel heavy, to buy tools or PDA, which is technologically not long -lived.
