Project PDA

A PDA or personal digital assistant is a mini organizational computer and a smart choice for today's on the go busy life style. The average PDA is an address book, a calendar, a list maker and a note taker. However, many PDAs do so much more--there are even PDA Phones! When choosing the PDA right for you, there are a variety of brands to choose from such as Palm PDAs, Visor PDAs, Psion PDAs, and RIM PDAs.

The 2 main Operating Systems for the PDA are the Palm and Pocket PC, but no matter the brand, the PDA has some basic features:

• Datebook--This is most important part of the organizer. You can input meetings, appointments, etc., all in basically the same format as a large, bulky Day Planner.
• Memo Pad--A place to jot notes, write a book, whatever.
• Calculator--Math.
• Do List--Helps you accomplish those nagging tasks.
• Address Book--Keeps track of all your important contacts.
• OnScreen Keyboard--Lets you type with the touch screen and your stylus.
• Grafitti(Palm)/Character Recognizer(Pocket PC)--Lets you handwrite instead of type.
• Email--Lets you compose email and send on HotSync or wireless.
• Backlight (most PDAs)--Priceless in dim lighting.

The most popular hand-held computers are those that are specifically designed to provide PIM (personal information manager) functions, such as a calendar and address book. Many PDAs subsequently incorporate handwriting recognition features. Some PDAs can also react to voice input by using voice recognition technologies. Most PDAs are available in either a stylus or keyboard version. PDAs are also called palmtops, hand-help computers, Personal Information Managers (PIMs), and pocket computers.

Every PDA comes with basic programs to help you keep track of contacts and organize your schedule. However, there's a wide range of additional programs available for use including PDA Productivity Software, graphics software, map software and PDA Games software. A big part of the debate over which PDA to use is a lot like the Mac vs. PC debate.  Many people feel that Mac is easier to use and many even enjoy bucking the "Everyone should use a PC" trend.  If you hate Windows and think Bill Gates is the epitome of evil, you'll probably want to stick with Palm. If you love Windows and want the Windows feel, you'll probably want to try Pocket PC.