What is a PDA and what is it for? Technology is a field in constant
Technology is a field in constant development that every day seeks new and better ways to solve problems of daily life for human beings.
Currently there are many devices that we can use to carry out different procedures and transactions without the need to travel or go through a lot of paperwork. The main function of technology is to make our lives much easier .
This time we are going to talk about the Personal Digital Assistant or PDA for its acronym in English ( Personal Digital Assistant ). We are going to explain what this device is and what it is for. Continue with us and learn more about this useful tool. Interesting topic to know more about kupujemprodajem.
What is a PDA?
A PDA for its abbreviation of the English Personal Digital Assistant or in Spanish Personal Digital Assistant, is a very powerful electronic device , usually handheld and that fits in a pocket, capable of performing numerous functions such as a contact list, calendar with meetings, appointments and reminders, annotate, calculator, spreadsheets, etc. A PDA can function as a mobile phone, fax, Internet browser, personal organizer, GPS, among others.
PDAs are also called palmtops, hand held computers , and pocket computers . Most of these devices can currently have a keyboard and/or handwriting recognition . Some PDAs can even react to speech, using speech recognition technologies.
Although initially the basic concept was that of a simple electronic diary, these devices have come a long way and now constitute a very extension of the personal computer with which it can be synchronized and which allow information to be carried everywhere.
But beyond the functions and software with which the PDA is equipped, what makes it truly powerful is the possibility of almost unlimited customization that it offers, since the user can load the applications that most interest him to configure a device in this way. your size.
Today, PDAs are divided into two main groups: Pocket PCs and Palm operating system devices . The first of these groups is made up of those models that are equipped with the mobile version of the popular Microsoft Windows, while the second are the models with the Palm OS operating system, a version created by and for these small accessories and that has won followers among a large part of the user community.
History of PDAs
These types of devices began to take shape in the 1980s with manufacturers such as Casio, Radio Shack, Sharp and Hewlett-Packard. Their operating systems were programmed in the BASIC language that was typical of pocket computers.
The first pocket computer, the Psion Series 3 , released in 1991, had a large screen that could display spreadsheets and Word documents, but still fit in the palm of your hand.
The first formal mention of the term and concept of PDA was given on January 7, 1992 by John Sculley when he presented the Apple Newton, at the Consumer Electronics Show. However, this device was a tremendous financial failure for the Apple company, stopping sales in 1998. The technology was still poorly developed and the handwriting recognition in the original version was quite inaccurate, among other problems. Even so, this device already had all the features of the modern PDA: touch screen, connection to a computer for synchronization, user interface specially designed for the type of machine, network connectivity via modem and handwriting recognition.
In 1995, with the appearance of the company Palm, Inc., a new stage of growth and technological development began for the market of these devices. Such was the success that pocket computers or electronic organizers are sometimes called Palm or Palm Pilot, which is a case of a registered trademark that becomes the generic name of the product.
Current PDAs incorporate a multitude of wireless communications (Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, GPS, etc.) which makes them very attractive and versatile as they are used in sectors as diverse as home automation and GPS navigators. Today, most PDAs are smartphones.
Characteristics of a PDA
Now that you are clear about what a PDA is and you know a little about the history of its creation, it is time for you to learn about its main characteristics.
Touch screen
Many PDAs, like the Apple Newton and the Palm Pilot, have touch screens for user interaction, so they have very few buttons reserved for launching the most frequently used programs. Usually the digital agendas with this screen have a detachable pen with which all the tasks are carried out. In addition, there are different methods to add text such as a virtual keyboard or an external keyboard, among others.
Memory cards
Some PDAs do not use memory cards, but most PDAs now allow the use of SD cards .
connectivity
PDAs have either USB cable or Bluetooth connectivity that allows you to connect external keyboards, headsets, GPS and many more accessories. Some devices also have Wi- Fi connectivity that allows internet access.
Synchronization
One of the most important functions of PDAs is synchronization with personal computers. This allows the update of the directory, making the information of the computer and the digital agenda is the same. Synchronization also prevents the loss of stored information in the event the accessory is lost, stolen, or destroyed. Another advantage is that information can be entered much faster from the computer and then transmitted to the device.
What is a PDA for?
PDAs are used to store information that can be consulted at any time and in any place . In general, these devices are used in a home or personal way in tasks such as managing meetings, appointments, important documents, email, making changes to spreadsheets or text documents and even playing music and video.
But in addition to their personal use they are also used in other fields :
Medicine
In this sector, PDAs are used to carry out diagnoses or to choose the most suitable medicines.
automotive
Many pocket computers are used in vehicles to use GPS, and this is why it is becoming more and more common to find them by default in many new vehicles. Some systems can also display traffic conditions.
Education
PDAs have begun to be used in some educational institutions for students to take notes. This has allowed the increase of the productivity of the students , since it allows the rapid correction or modification of the information. In addition, thanks to these devices, teachers are able to transmit material over the Internet, taking advantage of the wireless connectivity of pocket computers.
Business
These devices are very effective in the commercial management of companies that have large dimensions, as well as industries, supermarkets, department stores and retail companies . PDAs facilitate processes such as picking , returns or stock control . It is highly effective due to the fact that it transmits information telematically and instantly without giving rise to errors or delays.
As you can see, PDAs are still relevant in different economic sectors, although in the personal sphere they have been replaced by smartphones.
