To have the functions expected of a PDA, a device's software typically includes an appointment calendar, a to-do list, an address book for contacts, a calculator, and some sort of memo (or 'note') program. However, some PDAs may not have a touchscreen, using softkeys, a directional pad, and a numeric keypad or a thumb keyboard for input. By the mid-2000s most PDAs had morphed into smartphones as classic PDAs without cellular radios were increasingly becoming uncommon.Ī typical PDA has a touchscreen for navigation, a memory card slot for data storage, and IrDA, Bluetooth and/or Wi-Fi. Palm would eventually be the dominant vendor of PDAs until the rising popularity of Pocket PC devices in the early 2000s. Another early entrant in this market was Palm, with a line of PDA products which began in March 1996. Then in 1996, Nokia introduced a PDA with digital cellphone functionality, the 9000 Communicator. In 1994, IBM introduced the first PDA with analog cellular phone functionality, the IBM Simon, which can also be considered the first smartphone. CEO John Sculley at the Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas, Nevada, referring to the Apple Newton. The term PDA was first used on Januby Apple Inc. The latter began to resemble the more familiar PDA style, including a full keyboard. The first PDA, the Organiser, was released in 1984 by Psion, followed by Psion's Series 3, in 1991. Sometimes, instead of buttons, PDAs employ touchscreen technology.

By the early 2000's, nearly all PDA models had the ability access the Internet, intranets or extranets via Wi-Fi or Wireless WANs, and generally include a web browser. Most models also have audio capabilities, allowing usage as a portable media player, and also enabling many of them to be used as telephones. PDAs have been mostly displaced by the widespread adoption of highly capable smartphones, in particular those based on iOS and Android, seeing a rapid decline in use after 2007.

Apple Newton MessagePad (1993) – Computer History MuseumĪ personal digital assistant ( PDA), also known as a handheld PC, is a variety mobile device which functions as a personal information manager.

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