Project PDA

Operating System 

1. Operating System

The operating system is a defining element of the PDA. The most popular operating systems are two:

Palm OS that using other manufacturers Palm, Handspring, Sony and HandEra..

and the various versions of Microsoft windows CE pocket PC that we find mainly in PDA of Compaq, Casio and Hewlett Packard.

Psion uses property COPD. Linux has not been established yet.

However the Windows operating system, is ruling out in advance of the mark PDA Palm, Handspring and Psion. For Smart phones there are other options too. Symbian OS is a powerful, flexible contender, particularly for business-oriented phone/PDAs, while Linux has appeared on a couple of PDAs, without much take-up at the time of writing.

2. OS upgradation:

The operating system of some PDA can be updated to higher, such updates normally done from the Internet.

The software library for Pocket PC is slowly improving and one advantage is that, because the operating system is written by the same company that powers most desktops, synchronization between the two and some of the more popular applications (such as Microsoft Word and Excel) can be easier. A key factor in your decision should be which devices have the software that you are going to need. The core programs (databases, document readers, drug guides, etc.) are generally available on both platforms, however, as you start to look for more specialized applications (a specific calculator for example) the advantage definitely falls in favor of Palm OS devices.

Storage Capacity

RAM

All the data you enter into your PDA is stored in the RAM: text, addresses, photos, etc.. The amount of RAM varies depending on your operating system: the PDA based Palm OS often have at least 8 MB of memory; the using Windows, have at least 16 MB. So look for a device with 64MB or more.

Screen

1. Color:

Most Pocket PC and Handheld PC with a color screen. This benefit is not as widespread among devices based on Palm OS.

2. Display resolution:

A larger screen, higher resolution and probably are more definition. The ratio of pixels that use the PDA-resolution is very diverse. Always use the Pocket PC resolution of 240 x 320 pixels; those based on Palm OS oscillate around the 160 x 160, and Handheld PCs are the ones that offer higher resolution.

At the very low end, for instance, you can opt for a screen that's monochrome. That'll be fine if you're just doing some basic personal organization, but the price differential between mono and color isn't that much of an obstacle now, although naturally the latter will drain your batteries quicker (and that needs to be a major consideration).

Keyboard

Keyboard incorporated

Only Handheld PC and the like, as the Psion PDA, incorporate a keyboard. The rest of PDA offering the possibility of adapting portable keyboards. Many handheld computers use a small, but traditional, QWERTY keyboard (named for the first keys on the top left row). Many have optional standard size keyboards to which the handheld PC can attach. Touch screen may not be as useful as keyboard. When it comes to playing games keyboard gives better experience as compare to touch screen mobile phones. While buying a keyboard enabled mobile phone make sure that all keyboard buttons have right feel.

Memo pad:

Keep notes in meetings. Most PDAs come with a stylus that you can write directly onto the screen; others have full qwerty keyboards. Psion’s budget PDAs look like small laptops; examples include the Psion 3C, Psion Revo and Psion 5MX. Many models of BlackBerry, Sony Clie and Handspring Treo have micro-sized keyboards.

Expandability

1. Slot for expansion

If the RAM of the PDA is inadequate, you can increase the storage capacity with the help of memory cards. To do so, the PDA must have expansion slots, compatible with either type of card. The most popular are the CompactFlash, Type II, which is compatible with microdisk that might offer gigabytes of memory.

2. Other memory cards

Apart from the CompactFlash standard, many PDAs using other cards, such as MultiMedia Card, for example.

Connectivity

1. Wireless

Many basic PDAs are synchronized with a PC via wireless connectivity. Those using operating systems like Windows CE or Linux generally have USB connectivity, the faster data transmission. This could be via IR, Bluetooth, wifi etc.

2. USB cable:

Many basic PDAs are synchronized with a PC via the serial port. Those using operating systems like Windows CE or Linux generally have USB connectivity, the faster data transmission.

Smartphones are often tied to a wireless carrier’s network. Should you wish to switch from AT&T to Verizon Wireless, for example, the smartphone you used with AT&T is unlikely to work on Verizon Wireless’ network. This means you’ll have to buy a new smartphone. With a PDA, changing wireless providers is not an issue.

3. GPS

Some new PDAs have an inbuilt GPS (Global Position System) receiver, so that you’ll always know where you are – great for travelers and drivers. Examples include the Asus MyPal A716, Hewlett Packard iPaq 6510, Palm Zire 31 and Qtek 9100.

Other

Filing Date

The date on which it was presented the PD

Some Important Aspects:

Realize that this technology is rapidly advancing and that what you buy today will be relatively outdated soon in the future (you may be in the market for a new PDA when you are starting your residency).

Some of the basic features to look for in a Tablet PC or PDA system include:

• multiple input options including voice and handwriting recognition;
• secure and powerful networking capabilities;
• HIPAA compliance to ensure secure transfer and storage of patient data;
• rugged construction to resist damage during regular use; and,
• customization that allows you to configure the system to your specialty.

Larger handhelds range in size from a thick checkbook to a small notebook computer. These units have room for more memory and expansion slots, a half-height or even full-size VGA display, and a keyboard with touch-type capabilities. With increased size, you get increased computing power and versatility, but you lose the advantages of pocket portability. These larger units also usually cost more than smaller ones.

Also realize that although PDAs can be very powerful computing devices, they are not intended to be used as stand alone computers (they need a personal computer to synchronize with to back-up data and access the internet). The most recent push is the integration of wireless capabilities for e-mail, instant messaging, Internet browsing, synchronization, and printing; the challenges of varied standards, speeds, and coverage issues will be major factors in this market's evolution.

Do not feel you have to go buy the top of the line device just because it "has it all" and cost the most so therefore must be the best. Manufactures are surprising users with low costs and quality features. It might even be better to buy a lower end device to use for a while to find out what functions you use more and which you still really want.