A PDA is an abbreviation for Personal Digital Assistant and is essentially a handy device that combines several distinct features.

 

PDAs usually include a calendar, an address book, calculator and a method of storing notes and memos. Some of the advanced PDAs can access the internet and can run as a mini PC, with applications including word processing and spreadsheets.

 

Some are now combined with a mobile phone, for instance the BlackBerry and Palm Treo devices.

 

There is currently a trend towards the inclusion of GPS functionality on many of the newer PDA devices on the market.

 

PDA Manufacturers:

 

Sony

Sony manufacture the Clie PDA line

 

Handspring

Maker of the TREO line of Palm PDAs

 

Hewlett-Packard

HP make of the excellent Jornado PDA line

 

Casio

CASSIOPEIA is the most popular Casio PDA

 

Compaq

Very functional IPAQ PDA line

 

Toshiba

Toshiba make very robust and good looking PDAs

 

Handera

Manufacture the TRGPRO PDA, the "Palm on Steroids". The latest in the line is the nifty Handera 330.

 

Kyocera

Their PDAs usually combine a mobile phone.

 

RIM

Maker of the ubiquitous BlackBerry PDA/mobile