Video:What Is a PDA?

Transcript:What Is a PDA?

Hi I'm Nick Jaynes for About.Com and this is what a PDA is. I'll be using information from the Cell Phone Guide site on About.com.

History of PDAs

A PDA is a mobile device that functions as a personal information manager. Personal digital assistants or PDAs have come a long way since their inception. The first PDA was released in 1986, and they resembled small computers. Today, all PDAs are now commonly called smartphones. The main function of a PDA is intended for business use as they offer full keyboards, and scroll wheels to facilitate data entry. However, they can be used for educational and recreational uses as well.

Features of PDAs

Let's talk about some of the features of a PDA. The most typical feature is a touchscreen display. Most PDAs now come standard with a touchscreen. This enables the user to send emails, text, and surf the web with ease. PDAs meant for business use will include some form of a keyboard. Newer PDAs offer more advanced forms of touchscreens that can register multiple touches at once. If it doesn't have a touchscreen, it may have softkeys, a directional pad, a thumb keyboard or even a stylus.

PDA Software

Along with the touchscreen another typical feature is having a web browser. All PDAs will include an email client and web browser enabling the user to surf the web and send emails with ease. Early PDAs did not have memory card slots, but now most have an SD slot or a compact flash slot so data can be saved easily from the PDA. PDAs also have USB ports for USB flash drives. They can also easily synchronize their data with the user's personal computer. This allows the user to update contact, schedule, music or other information using their personal computer. A few examples of the synchronization software found on PDAs are Microsoft Windows Mobile, BlackBerry Desktop Software, Apples iTunes, and iSync.

Bluetooth in PDAs

One of the best features is Bluetooth Technology. Bluetooth can be used to connect keyboards, headsets, GPS receivers and other nearby accessories with your PDA. Many PDAs also have a Wi-Fi wireless network connectivity enabling the user to connect to Wi-Fi hotspots in their area. Most PDAs also come with a GPS, making navigation much easier. The most popular PDAs are made by BlackBerry, Apple, and HTC. For years, the debate between which PDA, the BlackBerry or iPhone is the most suitable for business people across the world. Both offer similar features, but the designs of the phones are much different. BlackBerry's typically come with a full keyboard where the iPhone just has a touchscreen. Both are great PDA smartphones so whichever you pick will more than likely suit your needs.

Thanks for watching, please find us on the web at About.com.