The new generation of PDA makes the world of handheld computing more widely available

The abbreviation Personal Digital Assistant means the palm of the hand that provides digital services to individualsElectronicsProduct. The main feature of this type of product is that it can store a large amount of commonly used data, make it easy for users to query and exchange when they need it, handle contacts, schedules and work plans for you, and in particular, synchronize your data with your desktop computer to ensure that your important data is not lost, etc. This is the basic reason why PDA is favored by the board, it should be said that PDA represents the palm computer.

And what's new about it that appeals to you today? That is to use additional software to enable you to track your financial information, travel, or exercise plans; And when you want to relax, it also has some fun games for entertainment; Even, you may already have used it to read e-mail or surf the Internet. But don't you want to be able to do more with your palm computer when you look at it? The answer is yes, of course, because the next generation of PDAs injects more power and flexibility into the world of handheld computing. Can people really hold the whole world in their hands? For this reason, the answer can be found by analyzing the following three major issues: memory, port scalability, ongoing upgrades to multimedia applications, and opening up a new world with wireless technology.

1. Scalability of memory and port

More memory expansion

On the road to handheld computing, the problem has always been memory: how do I provide enough memory to make the PDA truly functional while keeping the device light enough for handheld use? However, the progress of semiconductor integrated technology and technology is more than one wave and never stops. Only a few years ago, most handheld devices had only 2 to 8 megabytes of memory; Today, however, it was rare to get 16 or even 32 megabytes of memory at the same price. With more memory, handheld devices can run more complex software and even system software. On today's PDA, its operating system is more powerful, has more features and is more reliable, while additional application software has been able to provide rich functionality comparable to the desktop version. For example, the Jornada Pocket PC Series PDA from HP comes with mobile versions of Microsoft Word and Excel that allow documents to be downloaded and edited on the road.

The increase of ports and expansion slots gives PDA a wider application space

Memory enhancements have greatly expanded the software capabilities of the handheld computer. At the same time, the development of hardware has made a greater contribution to the overall flexibility of PDA. USB 2.0 and infrared ports make it easier than ever to connect a handheld device to a computer, printer, or other handheld device, with better display and audio components, PDA has multimedia capabilities, and its sleek design makes it a fashionable choice.

However, the most significant development is the increase in expansion slots, which greatly improves the functionality of handheld devices. Expansion slots allow users to plug in multiple types of cards and devices to their handheld devices to extend their functionality. One of the most rewarding attachments is additional memory that can be used for instant data backups or for storing large files for future use. Compact Flash memory cards are available in a variety of capacity types, ranging from 4 megabytes to up to 320 megabytes, and cost approximately $2 per megabyte. What's more, they're generally compatible with digital cameras, which makes it easy to transfer photos between devices.

With the expansion slot, you can also turn the handheld device into a digital camera, a positioning device, or an MP3 player. You can also add a wireless modem to surf the Internet or a barcode reader to record catalogs. Software vendors offer applications that contain large databases, such as dictionary software; Without attached memory, these software will be difficult to run on a handheld device. Potential applications for expansion slots are huge, and third-party developers have been exploring new ways to use them. Therefore, you can expect a wider application space for handheld devices.

2. Ongoing Multimedia Application Upgrade

Graphics and Audio Functions

Today's handheld computers have graphics and audio capabilities that go beyond just a digital assistant to use as a portable multimedia device. Especially for high-configuration, high-performance Pocket PCs with high resolution colorDisplayAnd built-in audiospeakerTo make it an option for multimedia playback. Windows Media Player (Multimedia Player) and an e-book reader are standard software on Pocket PCs; Other additional applications include image editors, photo libraries, digital music managers, and sound book readers.

Selection of screen display effect for

When choosing a multimedia handheld device, consider the options that are appropriate for you. Handheld PCs, such as the HP Jornada 720, have larger screens, higher resolutions, and richer colors than palm-sized devices, but they also have larger sizes and higher prices. Standard palm size color devices have a resolution of 320 x 280, up to 640 x 480 or 800 x 600. Also, high-end models have 16-bit colors and can display more than 65,000 colors. Be sure to choose to haveBacklightA handheld device with a dynamic matrix LCD display so that the screen display can be achieved.

Examples of multimedia applications

In general, handheld PCs are equipped with built-in audio speakers, microphones, and software to play digital music, audio books, or record their own recordings. With the expansion slot, Palm OS (Palm's Embedded Operating System) handheld computers can perform similar functions by inserting separately purchased MP3 players or recorders into the expansion slot. If you plan to use a handheld device for multimedia applications, be sure to use a memory extension card so that you have plenty of space to store large audio and video files.

For example, through the HP Digital Entertainment Center, you can download music playlists to the HP Jornada handheld PC, which allows you to customize a music playlist, connect to your handheld device, and then download files in flash memory. You can also use a PC with Windows Media Player to create a playlist and download music.

3. Open up a new world with wireless technology

Preview the application of multi-device connectivity

Although the handheld computer itself is equipped with useful tools, it will be more valuable to use if it is connected to other devices. If you can link two handheld computers, connect one to a desktop computer and its peripherals, and connect it to the Internet. All types of handheld computers can be connected to a desktop computer through a serial port or a USB port, so backups can be made to protect their own data or to transfer data in both directions.

Use wireless technology

In particular, infrared ports have become a common standard configuration that allows users to wirelessly transfer data between two devices, thereby avoiding the hassle of cables. For example, you can use the HP DeskJet 990 printer for wireless printing. The handheld computer can also be connected to a wireless local area network (IEEE802.11bWLAN-Wireless Local Area Network) by adding an additional optional network card. An additional modem allows you to plug a handheld device into a telephone line and connect to the Internet.

It should be said that wireless technology really opens up a new world for handheld connectivity. The increasing demand for continuous online access by consumers has forced developers to always step ahead of the market in research and development. As a result, more advanced hardware and software have emerged, increasing the quality and ways of wireless Internet access for handheld computers.

Three ways to connect a handheld computer to the Internet wirelessly

A more common form is to plug an attachment device into the expansion slot of a handheld computer and connect to the Internet via a user's cellular phone. Another technology is a wireless modem that connects directly to a handheld device without the need for additional phones, such as Novatel Wireless Minstrel 540 Modem for the HP Jornada 520/540 series. Of course, there is a third way, which is the most convenient and suitable way today, through a built-in cellular modem. But only Palm VII now has this capability.

Note that no matter which hardware solution you choose for your wireless access, you will need to purchase a cellular data service (in contrast to the cellular voice service for your phone) to connect. Although most wireless modems, including the products described earlier, provide an introduction to this service, there is still a need to compare three to find products that meet your needs at an appropriate price.

Software support for wireless and security Advantages of wireless Web access

There are more than 200 embedded operating systems that can be used in PDA today. The more typical ones are Lava, Windows CE (Microsoft's operating system for PDA), Palm OS 6, etc.

For this reason, the software support requirements are: wireless and security, that is, to make the wireless Web as attractive and secure as the wired Web, can you do it? The answer is yes. Its rationale is as follows:

This is because the handheld Microsoft Windows operating system bundles a Pocket version of Internet Explorer, enabling users to surf the Internet on their handheld devices to enjoy the same pleasure of surfing on their desktop computers. Pocket Outlook allows you to easily send and receive e-mail or synchronize data with Outlook 2000 on your desktop computer, including Windows CE; Sending instant messages, using AOL mail, downloading MP3, quickly checking stock market quotations and competitive scores, and browsing news are all supported by related apps. There are similar wireless software on Palm OS devices; For example, the new "show up" Palm OS 6 not only supports all the current mainstream wireless communication protocols such as Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, CDMA, GSM, GPRS and 3G, but also supports perfect Web services. While strengthening network characteristics, Palm OS 6 does not ignore the security of wireless data transmission. It uses 128-bit system data encryption technology, which is a very important performance indicator for enterprise users who view confidentiality as their life.

Advantages of Wireless Web Access

With the support of software, the advantages of using a handheld computer for wireless Web access are evident compared with the new Internet phone: the handheld computer has a larger display screen, richer color display and audio capabilities, which can bring more colorful enjoyment to users'Web browsing. At the same time, the ability of data synchronization between the handheld computer and the desktop computer enables users to send e-mail more easily. In addition, you can run complex applications such as word processors and spreadsheets on your handheld computer to gain more computing power. With additional enhancements, you can also turn your handheld computer into a digital camera or an MP3 player. Of course, managing your personal calendar, contact information, and work plans isn't a problem.

4. Concluding remarks

It can be predicted that the trend and trend of the new generation of PDA is the integration of computing, communication, network, storage, entertainment, e-commerce and other functions. In fact, many PDA products have started to integrate computing, telephone, fax and network functions. Not only can they manage personal information (e.g. address books, plans, etc.), but more importantly, they can also browse the Internet, send and receive emails and faxes wirelessly, and even use them as mobile phones. There will be countless functions to be included in a small device, and all you have to do is reach out your hand!