By Jeff Fenske

PDAs—The Second Digital Revolution

Do you remember when computers were first coming out and changing the way businesses operated? Pretty soon, it wasn’t just businesses—computers and the internet have changed the way that people live their everyday lives.

The same thing is happening again with PDAs, or Personal Digital Assistants, are mini computers that fit into the palm of your hand. The capabilities of PDAs are practically unlimited!

In The Beginning

Personal Digital Assistants, also known as pocket computers or palmtop computers, did not always have such a wide array of features. When the digital instruments were first introduced, they were designed to be merely personal organizers. These personal organizers had a simple range of features, such as a notepad function, calendar, and calculator.

The Evolution Of PDAs

As PDAs became increasingly used for business purposes, more features were added to allow the user to have access to almost every form of communication available—right at their fingertips! Today, PDAs can access the Internet, receive and send Emails, play mp3 files, create spreadsheets, play games, record videos, act as cameras, and even act a phones!

Standard Features

There are a few features that every PDA needs in order to function. Typically, PDAs use a touch screen to enter data. A stylus is used to interact with the touch screen. For business use, PDAs typically have a full keyboard as opposed to a touch screen.

PDAs also have a memory card slot for storing information. Most early PDAs did not have a memory card slot, but it has become a standard feature. Personal Digital Assistants now typically have a Secure Digital (SD) or Compact Flash slot. Some even have a USB port to accommodate USB flash drives.

The final standard feature of a Personal Digital Assistant is Bluetooth or WiFi for connectivity. This is how the device is able to access email and the Internet anywhere, at any time.

Customizing Your Personal Digital Assistant

Just like your personal computer, there are many ways that you can customize your Personal Digital Assistant. Custom software is available for download, so you can download features and settings that meet your needs and preferences. Additionally, you can download your favorite games for your PDA as well.

The settings for the display on your PDA can be changed to allow for a custom picture, background, or sound. Additionally, you can purchase a wide variety of external accessories that will set your PDA apart from the rest.

Five years ago personal computers were the thing to have. Now, technology has provided a new tool for society to obsess about. Whatever will they think of next?

PDA Cell Phones Market Continues To Mature

With its recent entry into the PDA cell phones market, the highly touted and greatly anticipated release of the Apple iPhone was able to generate interest from the time it was announced to be on the way to market. Call it an exceptional marketing plan and the iPhone quickly became known as the must-have gadget of the present day industry. Bragging about having all of the electronic accessories users were after, many quickly forgot that PDA cell phones were already on the market and not limited to just one service provider.

While thousands of people were quick to jump on the bandwagon of the latest entry into the PDA cell phones market, others believed caution was the best course. It is, after all Apple’s first attempt at a cell phone. Its locked version only works with AT&T, formerly Cingular, for cell phone and web browsing service. Its ability to download and play Apple iTunes with its built-in MP3 player and touch screen navigation, it will have additional features in the future that will be geared more towards the business user.

PDA cell phones first hit the market in the early 21st century with units from Palm, Samsung, Nokia and now Blackberry and have an established history with the business world. The new generation of PDA cell phones such as the iPhone is geared more for the individual user to jump into the PDA market along with their coveted cell phone.

How Much Is Too Much In One Unit?

Many folks did not appreciate having to carry around separate units for their cell phone, Personal Data Assistant as well as an MP3 player for music. Having one unit that could do it all was the push by Blackberry into the business market than also enabled user to access their email accounts and use PDA, cell phones and instant messaging to remain in constant communication.

However, some are wondering about the need to have all of this technology in one place. Although considered highly convenient, watching downloaded movies on a small screen may not be something that everyone will want to do. The cost of the PDA cell phones continues to rise with the inclusion of more options and they still require a third-party service provider for cell phone use and web browsing.

Some even charge extra for instant messaging and text messaging unless it is included in an enhanced service contract from the provider. Downloading music and movies are also an added cost that will be consistent across most of the providers.

What Will They Think Of Next?

Jeff Fenske owns and operates http://www.addictedtomypda.com and Blackberry Need more information? Get all your questions answered and more thorough and complete information at http://www.AddictedToMyPDA.com

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