Personal Digital Assistants

Presented by Krishan Kant Varshney

M.Tech (Electronics)
Pondicherry University
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CONTENTS
What is PDA Evolution of PDA Block Diagram PDA Features Technology used in PDAs Applications Advantages & Disadvantages
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What is PDA
A handheld device that combines computing, Telephone/Fax, Internet and networking features.

A typical PDA can function as a cellular phone, fax sender, Web browser and personal organizer.
Unlike portable computers, most PDAs began as penbased, using a stylus rather than a keyboard for input. PDAs are also called palmtops, hand-held computers and pocket computers
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Evolution Of PDA
Predecessors of the modern PDA include the Psion Organizer and the Sharp Wizard. The term PDA was first used on January 7, 1992 by Apple Computers. In1996, Nokia introduced the first mobile phone with full PDA functionality, the 9000Communicator.
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BLOCK DIAGRAM

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PDA FEATURES
A typical PDA has a touchscreen for entering data. A memory card slot for data storage. An IrDA, Bluetooth and/or Wi-Fi.
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TOUCHSCREEN
Typical methods of entering text on touchscreen PDAs includes.

A virtual keyboard, where a keyboard is shown on the touchscreen. Text is entered by tapping the on-screen keyboard with a finger or stylus An external keyboard connected via USB, Infrared port, or Bluetooth. Some users may choose a chorded keyboard for one-handed use
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MEMORY CARDS
PDAs stores basic program{address-book , calendar, notepads, clock}in read-only memory(ROM) which remain intact even when machine is shut-down.
Program which are added later stored in RAM. Generally PDAs has Secure Digital (SD) slot or a CompactFlash slot. Some PDAs also have USB port. Some PDAs use microSD cards.
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SYNCHRONIZATION
PDAs can synchronize their data & applications with user's personal computer.

S/W used HotSync Manager, Microsoft ActiveSync.

It eliminates the need for the user to update their data in two places.
It prevents the loss of information stored on the device if it is lost, stolen, or destroyed it also enables faster data rate.
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WIRED & WIRELESS CONNECTIVITY

Early PDAs connected to a user's personal computer via serial / USB port.
For internet it can be connected to external modem via its serial port or sync-connector. PDAs have Wi-Fi, Bluetooth wireless network connectivity for keyboards, headsets & other accessories.
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TECNOLOGY USED IN PDA

PalmOS

Operating system used Linux.

Windows CE.NET

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APPLICATIONS

Medical Uses

Educational Uses

GPS

People with disabilities

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Telephone Alarm clock

USES

Calculator

Calendar

Notepad
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Costs and Time Limitations

Lack of Privacy

DISADVANTAGES

Distractions

Addiction

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Easily broken if dropped

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POPULAR PDAS
BlackBerry iPhone 2G, 3G. Palm, Inc. smartphones under Palm OS.

Android (Operating System). Tablet PCs.

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