PDA stands for Personal Digital Assistant and,basically, it's a handheld computer. Today's PDA is more powerful then the desktop computer 10 years ago. You can see an extremely good timetable of the PDA in Elsewhere on the Web. The 2 main Operating Systems for the PDA are the Palm and Pocket PC , but no matter the brand, the PDA has some basic features:

• Datebook: This is most important part of the organizer. You can input meetings, appointments, etc., all in basically the same format as a large, bulky Day Planner.

• Memo Pad: A place to jot notes, write a book, whatever.

• Calculator: Math.

• To-Do List: Helps you accomplish those nagging tasks.

• Address Book: Keeps track of all your important contacts.

• OnScreen Keyboard: Lets you type with the touch screen and your stylus.

• Grafitti(Palm)/Character Recognizer(Pocket PC): Lets you handwrite instead of type.

• Email: Lets you compose email and send on HotSync or wireless.

• Backlight (most PDAs): Priceless in dim lighting.

• Grafitti(Palm)/Character Recognizer(Pocket PC): Lets you handwrite instead of type.

• Email: Lets you compose email and send on HotSync or wireless.

• Backlight (most PDAs): Priceless in dim lighting.

If you've ever looked at a calendar, jotted a note on a napkin, carried a planner , then a PDA is for you. There is also a lot of entertainment value in the PDA. You can find thousands of games to please any taste. There's software to carry your pictures, listen to music, watch a movie, you name it!PDAs have a tendency to intimidate non-computer types, but for most people the learning curve is easier than using a home or office computer.