what is Handheld Computers
February 11, 2019
Handheld
Computers
Handheld computer is also known as palmtop computer It
easily fib in the hand of the user. It contains small screen and small keyboard.
Handheld often uses stylus as an input device to enter data.
Some handheld computers also support
voice input.
Handheld computers usually have no disk drive. The programs
and data are stored on
chips in the system unit. Handheld computer can be connected
to a large network to
exchange data. Handheld computer is not powerful enough to
handle many of the tasks that
can be accomplished by desktop and notebook computer.
Some examples of handheld computers are as follows:
1. Personal Digital Assistant (PDA)
A PDA has touch-sensitive screen that is used to enter data
directly with a pen like
device called a stylus. Some PDAs include integrated
keyboards or support small,
folding keyboards. PDAs also support voice input.
PDA is used to organize personal information. It provides
the facilities of calendar,
appointment book, address book, calculator and notepad. PDAs
also provide word
processing, spreadsheet software and games. Most PDAs are
web-enabled so the users can
check email and access the Internet. Machine generated
alternative text:
The user can also transfer data from PDA to desktop computer
by using a device called
cradle. It connects PDA to the desktop computer using USB or
serial port. The two main
operating systems for PDA are Palm OS and Windows Mobile
system.
Popular PDA processors include Motorola Dragon Ball, Texas
Instruments OMAP
and Intel XScale processor. Palm Computing, Casio and Compaq
are three of the most
popular PDA manufacturers.
2. Smart Phone
Smart phone offers advanced feature that are not typically
found in cellular phones. It
provides the facility to send and receive email and access
the Internet. Some costly smart
phones have colour screens and can play music. They include
built-in camera to share
photographs or video with others. It is also called web-enabled
cellular telephone.