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A personal digital assistant (PDA) is a portable device that functions as a personal information manager. PDAs are used for Web browsing, office applications, watching videos, viewing photos or as mobile phones. PDA model features vary, but current common features include touch screen displays, Bluetooth and Wi-Fi connectivity, memory card slots, mobile software applications and multimedia support. PDAs usually include personal information managers for contacts and schedules and always come with software to synchronize desktop or cloud server information.
Techopedia Explains Personal Digital Assistant
It used to be that there was a well-defined line between a PDA and a cell phone. This is becoming less and less true as more mobile phones are smartphones.Based on growing similarities and common features and functions, the PDA and smartphone are nearly indistinguishable. Many recent PDA models are equipped with phone features, while smartphones have evolved into touch screen devices featuring personal information management capabilities The Apple Newton was the first device dubbed PDA during a 1992 Consumer Electronics Show (CES) presentation by John Sculley, Apple’s former CEO. The Newton, Nokia 9000 Communicator and Palm Pilot are the most popular devices in PDA history (if you don’t consider smartphones to be PDAs).
