Technique

Dan Cameron

The rise of the smart phone has given PDA operating systems a new environment in which to work. Bringing existing software bases and mature contact-management software to the mobile phone, both Palm and Windows Mobile operating systems are available in smart phones. These systems are waging a head-to-head battle with phone operating systems, such as Symbian, as well as business-oriented products, such as the BlackBerry.

Although a natural fit in many ways, smart phones tend to be bulkier than standard mobile phones and still have smaller screens than the average dedicated PDA. For individuals doing basic contact management on their phones, the loss of screen real estate is not a major problem. However more complicated tasks are often suited to a stand-alone PDA.

Even the standard PDA has gained a wealth of wireless connectivity options. Both built-in and optional expansion devices exist to provide Bluetooth and wireless 802.11b connections. The usability of Internet connections has improved greatly in recent years, with both Web browsing and email being useful rather than painful.

Connectivity is not the only improvement in modern PDAs. Processor speed has increased significantly - operating at up to 600Mhz, today's PDAs are capable of high-powered tasks, such as playing back full-motion video. Screen resolution has also increased, finally hitting the VGA resolution of 640 by 480 pixels on some models. This is the same level of resolution desktop PCs commonly used 10 years ago. Equipped with a video out card, PDAs are now an attractive option for carrying and displaying business presentations.

In a step outside of the traditional field of the sales executives and contact management, heavy-duty PDAs are making inroads into markets, including warehouse and retail management. Wireless connections allow for on-the-floor access and updating company databases. Barcode reader functionality can also be added.

While the traditional personal digital assistant definition of the PDA may be dying, the fact remains that these are amazingly flexible, general-purpose computers in a tiny form.