PDAs: Palm‐size computing power
| Published date | 01 February 1996 |
| Pages | 167-170 |
| Date | 01 February 1996 |
| DOI | https://doi.org/10.1108/eb045463 |
| Author | Howard Falk |
| Subject Matter | Information & knowledge management,Library & information science |
Hardware Corner
PDAs:
palm-size computing power
Howard Falk
PDAs — Personal Digital Assistants — are pocket-size computing devices
that are
capable of performing tasks similar to those of personal computers. The basic
strength of PDAs is that they are conveniently portable. This strength is enhanced
by adding communication capabilities to these devices. Most PDAs are capable of
transferring files to personal computers over cable connections, or via infrared
links,
or both. Some PDAs are able to communicate over telephone lines, using
built-in or plugged-in modems. A few are able to operate over radio-frequency
wireless links
in
much
the
same way
as
paging devices.
Hand-held electronic devices have
been in use for many years, and have
been widely applied
to
inventory prob-
lems in industry. The problem with use
of these devices in libraries has been
that they are overly expensive. Not
only
are the
devices themselves expen-
sive,
but very expensive custom pro-
gramming has been needed to allow
them to perform significant tasks such
as managing shelf inventory.
This year, some 2 million PDAs are
forecast to be in operation, worldwide.
With large-quantity use, the trend in
PDA prices is down and down again.
So it is worthwhile to keep an eye on
these little computers to see when they
come within an affordable price range
for the functions they can perform.
PDAs are now available for as little
as $500-600 and, in the near future,
prices are expected to fall to the $200-
300 range. Since they are essentially
tiny personal computers, PDAs can
run
the
kind of inexpensive yet flexible
packaged applications that are avail-
able for PCs. This means that opera-
tions that formerly seemed too com-
plex for economical implementation
can now be given practical considera-
tion.
Keep library shelves in order
For example, since the PDA can carry
a database of items in the order they
should appear on the shelves, this de-
vice can be used to maintain shelf in-
ventory and keep shelved items in
order. Comparison with the database
displayed on the PDA can be used to
determine if shelf items are in their
correct
positions.
The person using the
PDA can also use it to check off items
on the database list that are not present
on the
shelf.
The PDA can then pro-
duce a list of items not present.
Among the databases currently
available for
use
with PDAs
is
the File-
Maker Pro 3.0 Companion (Claris
Corp.) which lets PDA users capture
collections of items from a desktop
FileMaker Pro 3.0 database. The cap-
tured files can be updated, as needed,
on the PDA. Pop-up lists, check boxes
and buttons can be incorporated to fa-
cilitate the updating
process,
and pass-
word protection is available to main-
tain data security. Later, the updated
records can be returned to the desktop
database. Balcones Software also pro-
duces a database product designed for
use with PDAs.
Aid library research
The PDA can serve as a superior
notepad because it is not only able to
capture items of information, but can
also be used to rearrange and sort
them. For example, when used at a li-
brary catalogue or terminal, needed
reference numbers can be captured on
the PDA, arranged in useful order and
in checklist form. As the items are lo-
cated in the library stacks they can be
checked off. Notes concerning these
items can then be taken on the PDA
near the stacks, letting the user carry
on the research in an orderly and effi-
cient manner. Later
the
collected notes
and reference information can be
transferred to a desktop computer for
further processing.
Use at meeting and conferences
For those who need to produce reports
after attending meetings, conferences
or exhibits, or after visits to other in-
stallations, the PDA can be used as an
electronic notepad. The advantage of
entering detailed information into a
PDA, rather than using conventional
handwritten notes, is that the PDA
files can be copied onto a desktop
computer where they can
be
edited and
easily converted into printed reports.
The advantage of the PDA over
a
port-
able computer is that it is inconspicu-
ous,
and can easily be carried in a
pocket or purse.
PDAs can also be used to compile,
organise and display notes for talks
and speeches to be given at meetings
and conferences. Last-minute revi-
sions in content and organisation of
such notes can readily
be
incorporated,
producing clean material for use dur-
ing delivery.
The Electronic Library, Vol. 14, No. 2, April 1996 167
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