Not all can do all of the above, but the technology is moving them to that technology location at a very rapid pace. The 3Com Palm Pilot series of PDAs are the most noticeable.  The first of these devices did not do much more than keep track of telephone numbers and other limited data.  Circuit and chip miniaturization plus new processing power has moved these small devices into the mainstream computing world.  And, adding wireless connectivity is moving them right onto the World Wide Web (WWW) and e-mail from anywhere for all of us. 

The United States Navy may be the leader in PDA uses.  About three years ago, a computer group within the Navy R&D community started working with PDAs as a new means of handling shipboard operational and maintenance databases for routines.  Technical manuals, inventories, operations guides/instructions, and other shipboard functions are maintained in the PDA and then synced in the SyncCradle to the ship database or to shore facilities for review.  A group of about 30 navy R&D computer specialists are developing additional software applications at this time. 

PDAs are characterized like any computing device as having a central process unit (CPU), memory, and an operating system (OS).  The memory may be a mix of stable or volatile, i.e., memory that retains data or memory that deletes the data each time it is turned off.  There may or may-not be any data storage device. Many of these devices have connection capability back to a PC via cables or wireless connections. 

Processing power is increasing to a point that it can keep up with WWW downloads.  E-mail is being made available on these devices as the cellular and digital wireless telephone technology develops.  The key to this whole technology movement is the wireless technology, sending and receiving data without hardwire connections. And, key to any selection of devices is that users make a choice based on the use of established standards in the PDA operating system (OS).  Many, such as the 3Com Palm Pilots use a proprietary OS, while others such as the HP Jornada use Microsoft Windows CE OS. In both cases, those with connection capability are mostly compatible with the home PC. 

As mobile voice service is moved into the mainstream with just about everyone having at least one cell phone, the move to data service is not far away.  One article I reviewed indicated that there are in excess of 303 million mobile-phone subscribers in 1998 and that there will be more than 1.1 billion subscribers by 2002.  There are about 4.3 million PDA and handheld PCs in operation at this time.  It is expected that PDA class communication devices will out sell PCs by 2004.  The reason for this is that users will be accessing data on mobile devices at a higher rate than from PCS. 

Technology Standards 
Currently, the technical standards are in great flux as the competing manufacturers jockey for market share.  There is a great deal of proprietary operating system usage in the current devices.  This causes problems when these devices attempt to connect to the rest of the world.  As with modems and terminal adapters, the industry must settle on standards that all the machines will understand before the data really flows.  Currently, the International Telecommunications union (ITU) is reviewing the competing software and hardware interfaces to establish an industry standard that the world can use.  The current standard is called the 3G (for third generation) wireless telephone standard.  This industry is about where the modem guys were about 25 years ago.  The demand for these products will force the standard to be adapted just like the standards fight for the X2 / 56Flex to V.90 modem protocol went through.  The demand for mobile communication devices will push the standards to an agreement. 

A related technical standards issue is also going on in the wireless network industry.  Wireless networks and wireless communication devices are directed at the same end use.  Moving data to a mobile location over any distance.  The network wireless devices will have to work with the wireless communication devices. 

The PDA operating system software is also being fought out in the market place.  The 3Com proprietary OS is in competition with the Microsoft Windows CE OS.  There are others, namely the giant mobile phone manufacturers, Ericsson, Matsushita, Nokia, and Psion who jointly own a company called Symbian that has developed an OS with features that users are demanding.  This OS is licensed to phone manufacturers that also use the Wireless Application Protocol (WAP), which lets users browse the WWW on mobile phones. 

The PDA OSs have several drawbacks in data recovery.  Notably is the absence of voice in the data transmission.  Most PDAs provide text-only data transmissions.  This transmission is relatively slow at about 8 Kbps.  Some models are now being connected via PC Card modems at up to 56 Kbps speeds, but have data space storage problems.  Distance, line-of-sight, and other environmental factors greatly affect data transmission at the current time.  Do not go out in the rain to transmit or receive data at the current time. 

One wireless standard, Bluetooth, is gaining universal acceptance.  This standard was developed by Ericsson, IBM, Intel, Nokia, and Toshiba.  This standard handles high-speed data transmissions among wireless devices within a 33-foot radius.  It is automatic.  Any time a user carries his Bluetooth equipped PDA within a 33-foot radius of another similarly equipped device, the data is automatically transferred to the desktop machine.  The chip-set which does this is costly, but is decreasing in cost with use. 

Other vendors are developing messaging and other access to the PDAs.  JP Systems has developed applications software to provide one-touch messaging, and other modules to move data over networks.  ThinAirApps.com is adding Notes and Exchange access to Palm PDAs as well as some WAP phones, Open Sky has launched a flat-rate wireless Internet service. 

PDA encryption is just around the corner for general use.  Puma Technology, Inc.,, a provider of mobile-device management and synchronization software has incorporated encryption technology in its Intellisync AnyWhere application software.  This technology is based on the Secure Sockets Layer Protocol.  Other companies are attempting similar application development. 

PDA Devices 
PDAs come in many shapes and sizes.  Most are approximately 3 inches by 4 inches by about three quarters inch thick and operate on batteries for various lengths of time.  Most have some ability to connect to the desktop PC.  Most are like the Palm Pilot and use a stylus to make the unit function.  Some are like very small laptops, complete with keyboards and function like laptops.  Many PDAs have slots in which PC Cards or other modules can be inserted to do special functions or make calls.  Nearly all of them have some sort of PC serial, USB, or other connection.  The cable connection can be enhanced by the use of cradles, the Palm series calls them "HotSync Cradles".  The processing chip operates from 2 to about 16 MHZ.  The memory capacity is from approximately 2 MB to 16 MB.  Data storage is minimal with some providing extra modules for storage.  External keyboards are available for some units.  Mobile phone connections are available for some units. 

Manufacturers include Palm Computing (3Com spin-off), Hewlett Packard, Compaq, Symbol, Casio, daVinci, Handspring Visor, Cidco MailStation, and others.  The price ranges from $99.00 to $699.00.  The add-ons can add up in price. 

PDAs are sold in computer stores, business office supply stores, computer catalogs, wireless phone catalogs, the WWW, and just any other place you go into.  Look for price, connectivity, and do some research on the third party vendors who make things for the basic device.  Memory and the ability to add memory is important.  The operating system is VERY important.  Determine if it will talk to your other computers.  Modem speed if available is important, as some Palm Pilots function at 14.4 Kbps.  Keyboard availably may be important.  Heck, even the connection to the coffee pot may be important. 

I am excited about wireless communication.  I can foresee many uses for this technology.  E-mail anywhere, data searches on the Internet when I am not at my computer.  Sales and technical calls at a clients location.  These units need interfaces to other devices like portable ZIP drives for technical client calls, or they need add-in memory modules which can be updated easily to handle customer problem solving.  The whole wireless communication area is just opening up to the rest of us.  This area has great potential for the SOHO. 

We are considering adding a PDA SIG to our list of SIGs.  Please contact John Gaddis or me if you have an interest in a handheld computer or PDA SIG. 

Resource Center Note 
As most of know now, the Basic Lab network is back in operation.  The outside world connection has been redone.  We are bigger and better than ever.  There are still more modifications in store for the Resource Center. 

Planning for the Advanced Lab network is now being done.  With the new Compaq NT Server in hand, we are ready to complete the new network.  This network will be the domain of the advanced groups, Linux, NT, and other operating systems, including God forbid, Windows 2000.  If the plan falls into place, the workstations will be convertible to just about any operating system environment.  We have plans in place to upgrade the existing server.  This effort will be spearheaded by the NT SIG in February. 

Visit the Resource Center, we are becoming a techie's dream.