Once upon a time they were status symbols for business people, yet handheld computers have since become universal multimedia toys.
Whether as a digital camera, audio or video player, or Gameboy, the new generation of Personal Digital Assistants (PDAs) can now do a lot more than just office tasks.
Handhelds have long been combining different devices into one, yet modern PDAs can now even replace car navigation systems and remote controls for stereo and video machines at home. The price for multimedia do-it-alls might scare off some customers; however, the top models can cost as much as cheap PC systems.
"PDAs have developed from simple pocket calendars into jacks-of-all-trades," says Sony's Olaf Pempel. While it was primarily businesspeople who originally used the devices in order to keep track of appointments and addresses, private users are the target of the current set of models, which provide any number of entertainment options.
Sony's newest handheld, for example, contains an integrated digital camera with two-megapixel resolution. With it, users can take snapshots and video sequences. The pre-installed MP3 player also enables the PDA to serve as a Walkman, although customers will need to buy a separate Memory Stick for storage. In addition to all that, the device works as a remote control for HiFi and video devices.
Private users also tend to use organizers to play, says Markus Schweiger, who runs a Web site on pocket computers.
"PDAs make terrific Game-boys," Schweiger says. There is now a large palette of games available, provided the device has a quick enough processor.
Cutting-edge PDAs have hit the 400 megahertz mark with the fast XScale chip.
Hard-core gamers can even get a Game Pad for the PDA to allow for optimal steering, says Sony's Pempel. Bookworms can use the Internet to find a broad assortment of literature for their miniature computers. The e-book software required for e-book reading is easy to use and brings much of the pleasure of reading a real book, says Schweiger.
Wireless Internet surfing is also possible for many of the devices. Hewlett Packard (HP) offers a model with integrated Bluetooth and Wireless LAN modules.
"This lets users click their way onto the Internet or their firm's network and check e-mail from the hotel room, the fairgrounds, or from a conference," says Alexander Schilling, an HP product manager.
The devices also offer biometric security solutions: they can recognize their owners' fingerprints. This protects the Pocket PC's data from unauthorized third-party access, Schilling explains.
Internet sites need to be designed for PDA use to be accessible, however, warns pocket computer expert Schweiger.
Users should think carefully before making a purchase, however, about whether they really need all the functions of the newest high tech models, Schweiger advises.
"If your computer and other electronic devices don't have a Bluetooth port, then having a Bluetooth PDA will not accomplish much," Schweiger says.
Another option is to buy a model built to spec with the appropriate add-on components. For those who are considering buying a navigation system for their car, for example, a PDA with a GPS receiver add-on can kill two birds with one stone.
With an additional GSM device, many handhelds can also serve as a cellular telephone.
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