Short for personal digital assistant, a handheld device that combines computing, telephone/fax, Internet and networkingfeatures. A typical PDA can function as a cellular phone, fax sender, Web browser and personal organizer. Unlike portable computers, most PDAs began as pen-based, using a stylus rather than a keyboard for input. This means that they also incorporated handwriting recognition features. Some PDAs can also react to voice input by using voice recognition technologies. PDAs of today are available in either a stylus or keyboard version.
Apple Computer, which introduced the Newton MessagePad in 1993, was one of the first companies to offer PDAs. Shortly thereafter, several other manufacturers offered similar products. Today, one of the most popular brands of PDAs is the series of Palm Pilots from Palm, Inc.
NewtNews NewtNews is a weekly freeware newsletter that provides news and information for the Apple Newton and related technologies. In addition, this site offers links to FAQs, related sites, mailing lists, user groups, and software reviews.
PDA Groove PDA Groove offers reviews of handheld PCs, PDAs and mini-notebook computers,including:pilot,palm,WindowsCE,Newton, Psion, mini-notebook PCs and ultra-slim notebooks.
