palmtop computerA personal digital assistant (PDA), also known as a palmtop computer, or personal data assistant, is a mobile device that functions as a personal information manager. Current PDAs often have the ability to connect to the Internet. A PDA has an electronic visual display, enabling it to include a web browser, but some newer models also have audio capabilities, enabling them to be used as mobile phones or portable media players. Many PDAs can access the Internet, intranets or extranets via Wi-Fi or Wireless Wide Area Networks. Many PDAs employ touchscreen technology.
The first PDA was released in 1986 by Psion, the Organizer II. Followed by Psion's Series 3, in 1991, which began to resemble the more familiar PDA style. It also had a full keyboard.
The term PDA was first used on January 7, 1992 by Apple Computer CEO John Sculley at the Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas, Nevada, referring to the Apple Newton. In 1996, Nokia introduced the first mobile phone with full PDA functionality, the 9000 Communicator, which grew to become the world's best-selling PDA. The Communicator spawned a new category of mobile phones: the "PDA phone", now called "smartphone". Another early entrant in this market was Palm, with a line of PDA products which began with the March 1996 Pilot 1000.
Today, almost all PDAs are smartphones. Over 150 million smartphones are sold each year, while "stand-alone" PDAs without phone functionality sell only about 3 million units per year.
1. organize daily schedules
2. take notes
3. record voice memos and lectures
4. write and rehearse PowerPoint presentations
5. collect audit data in clinics
6. compile logbooks in clinics/theatre
7. view journal articles, clinical photos and movies
PDA is also created for people with disabilities;
PDAs offer varying degrees of accessibility for people with differing abilities, based on the particular device and service. People with vision, hearing, mobility, and speech impairments may be able to use PDAs on a limited basis, and this may be enhanced by the addition of accessibility software (e.g. speech recognition for verbal input instead of manual input). Universal design is relevant to PDAs as well as other technology, and a viable solution for many user-access issues, though it has yet to be consistently integrated into the design of popular consumer PDA devices.
PDAs have recently become quite useful in the Traumatic Brain Injury/Posttraumatic Stress Disorder population, especially seen in troops returning home from Operation Iraqi Freedom(OIF)/Operation Enduring Freedom(OEF). PDAs address memory issues and help these men and women out with daily life organization and reminders. As of quite recently, the Department of Veterans’ Affairs (VA) has begun issuing thousands of PDAs to troops who present the need for them. Occupational therapists have taken on a crucial role within this population helping these veterans return to the normalcy of life they once had.
However, there are currently limitations with PDAs:
1. Screen size. The typical screen size of a PDA is in the region of 240×320 pixels. A laptop is typically 1024×768 pixels, i.e. a factor of 10.
2. Battery life is limited. A colour screen consumes more battery power than a monochrome screen and battery life is typically a few hours with continuous use.
3. Memory limitations. At the time of writing, the best PDA has 128 Mb for storing programs and as RAM. The average laptop has 80 Gb for program/data storage and 512 Mb working memory (RAM).
4. There is no standard connection to charge them up. They all use different chargers (even between the same companies) and there is no universal charger available. This can result in excessive accessories for the heavy user.
1. Screen size. The typical screen size of a PDA is in the region of 240×320 pixels. A laptop is typically 1024×768 pixels, i.e. a factor of 10.
2. Battery life is limited. A colour screen consumes more battery power than a monochrome screen and battery life is typically a few hours with continuous use.
3. Memory limitations. At the time of writing, the best PDA has 128 Mb for storing programs and as RAM. The average laptop has 80 Gb for program/data storage and 512 Mb working memory (RAM).
4. There is no standard connection to charge them up. They all use different chargers (even between the same companies) and there is no universal charger available. This can result in excessive accessories for the heavy user.
Recreational uses
PDAs may be used by music enthusiasts to play a variety of music file formats. Many PDAs include the functionality of an MP3 player.
Road rally enthusiasts can use PDAs to calculate distance, speed, and time. This information may be used for navigation, or the PDA's GPS functions can be used for navigation.
Underwater divers can use PDAs to plan breathing gas mixtures and decompression schedules using software such as "V-Planner."
As of today, any smartphone can do this as well.
