The Complete Handbook of PDAs

The Personal Digital Assistant (PDA) remains a vital tool in countless industries—from healthcare and logistics to field engineering and specialized retail—despite being overshadowed by smartphones. But finding reliable, practical information on these devices is increasingly difficult. Manufacturer documentation is sparse, online advice is fragmented across forums, and much of the conversation is dominated by retro-computing nostalgia. This handbook cuts through the noise.

Inside, you'll learn how to evaluate a PDA based on its CPU, memory, operating system, and expansion capabilities, not just its screen size. You'll get a clear, step-by-step process for choosing the right device for your specific workflow, whether that’s barcode scanning in a warehouse or collecting GPS coordinates in a remote field. The book also covers the essential tasks of installation, configuration, and day-to-day usage, followed by a dedicated section on maintenance and troubleshooting that addresses common hardware and software failures.

Beyond the device itself, this handbook explores the commercial side of PDAs. It profiles different classes of manufacturers and suppliers, from legacy enterprise brands to budget-oriented importers, and outlines realistic business opportunities in reselling, servicing, and consulting. Finally, it looks ahead at the future of the category, the growing importance of ruggedized and industrial models, and points you to the standards bodies and expert resources that can keep your knowledge current.