A PDA or Personal Digital Assistant device is a handheld computer, also known as a pocket computer. The latest PDAs have audio capabilities and color displays that can be used as portable media players, mobile phones, or web browsers. Many PDAs are accessible to extranets or intranets through wireless wide area networks (WWAN) or Wi-Fi and the Internet. Newer models already use the latest touch screen technology.

Recently, typical PDAs have a memory card slot for data storage, a touch screen for data entry, and connectivity such as Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, and IrDa. However, many PDAs, particularly those used primarily as telephones, may not have touch screen functionality, a directional pad, a soft key, and thumb pad or numeric keypad for input.

PDA software typically includes a to-do list, an address book for contacts, an appointment calendar, and various types of note programs. In addition, linked PDAs often include web and email support as well.

Many original PDAs, such as the Palm Pilot and the Apple Newton, have touch screens for consumer interaction. Some have shortcut functions to frequently used programs. Touchscreen PDAs, such as Windows Pocket PC devices, often have a dockable stylus that can be used for touchscreen purposes.

Personal digital assistants for business use like Treo and Black Berry. It has full keyboards and thumbwheels or scroll wheels for easy navigation and data entry. There are also full-size folding keyboards available on the market that plug right in. You can also use wireless technology to interact with the PDA and allow the user to type normally as if using a computer keyboard. Black Berry has additional features such as push-based emails and apps.

Newer PDAs, such as Apple’s iPod touch and iPhone, have new user interfaces that use other input media. iPod touch and iPhone use a technology known as Multi-touch.

PDAs fall into two main categories, such as palm-sized computers and handheld computers. The main differences between the two include the data entry mode, size, and display.

Palm-sized computers are lighter and smaller compared to portable versions. It has smaller liquid crystal displays, which are based on touch screen or stylus technology, as well as handwriting identification software for data entry. Therefore, handheld computers are heavier and larger than palm-sized computers. It has a larger liquid crystal display or LCD, which uses small technology for data input.

When shopping, determine how much you are willing to spend on the purchase of a PDA. PDAs can cost between US$100 and US$600. You can buy one at any electronics store. There are more than 10,000 Palm PDA software applications, from graphics programs to word processors.

Research the features of the model you are interested in. Compare it with the characteristics of other models. Also check its compatibility with your desktop or laptop computer. You may not be able to transfer data files if the two drives are incompatible.

Check what operating system your Palm PDA uses before you buy it. Not all PDAs are comfortable with every type of operating system. Find the owner’s manual online through the company’s website. Keep an electronic copy for your records.

Palm PDAs are fragile. It can be easily destroyed and damaged when accidentally submerged or dropped into water.