Palmtop computers, usually referred to nowadays as PDAs, have been around since the beginning of the eighties. However, they have only really taken off in a big way in the last few years. The simple reason for this is that more recent models have been able to do a heck of a lot more for us, thanks to innovative technologies such as 3G mobile telephony and wireless connectivity. A modern PDA, such as a Nokia N series or a BlackBerry, can do many of the things that a modern PC can do, such as connect to the internet, and run third party applications, as well as doubling as a rather swish mobile phone.
The first true palmtop computer, released in 1983, was the Casio PF3000, which was able to replicate all the functions of a paper based Filofax or Rolodex in one portable, battery powered package. Throughout the eighties and nineties, a number of similar items built by firms such as GO and Psion were marketed as digital personal organisers.
The first company to use the name of Personal Digital Assistant(PDA) to describe these devices was Apple, who coined the term to promote their revolutionary new palmtop computer, called the Newton, in 1992. The most revolutionary thing about the Newton was that there was no keypad. Instead, the Newton came with a touch sensitive screen that you used in conjunction with a small plastic stylus, which could be used like a mouse or like a pen, with handwriting recognition software to turn your scribblings into data.
The concept was well ahead of its time, and huge sales were expected. Unfortunately for Apple, and even more so for those who bought one of these items, the handwriting recognition was somewhat less than reliable, making the entry of even simple information via this method something of a hit or miss affair. They did make subsequent revisions to the design which improved matters somewhat, but the negative publicity surrounding the initial models meant that the Newton was never destined to be a commercial success.
The first combined PDA and mobile phone, the Nokia 9000 Communicator, was launched in 1996, and went on to become the biggest selling PDA ever made, although modern equivalents such as the Nokia N series and the RIM Blackberry are fast catching up.
The PDA of today uses a variety of input devices such as trackballs, scroll wheels, thumb keyboards and touch screens. They also have a memory card slot for storing and retrieving information, and can use all manner of wireless communications technologies including Bluetooth, WiFi, and Mobile telephony.
One of the most useful things that a modern PDA can do is called synchronisation. In a nutshell, synchronisation is the instant sharing and updating of information between two devices, such as PC and a PDA or mobile phone. This ensures that you have up to date information, such as contact details and calendar entries on both devices, and that you have a back up of this valuable data should something happen to either machine.
The PDA has come a long way in less than thirty years, from a glorified pocket calculator to a full blown PC in the palm of your hand. At this rate, who knows what your PDA will be able to do for you in thirty years time?
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