In this modern world, handy digital devices help us a lot in our daily life. Almost everyone in the city got a mobile phone. Other gadgets such as digital cameras and MP3 players also find their ways out in the market. However, when many of us are still amused by mobiles with camera and organizing features, PDAs (Personal Digital Assistants) are now going through their age of revolution.

With today's technology, PDAs are not simply electronic versions of paper organizers. PDAs have become more versatile, capable of handling wireless e-mail and messaging, digital photography, movie, music, as well as mobile phone service.

There are basically two different types of PDAs, according to their platforms. Their main difference is their operating system (OS). Palm OS-based device is designed as a digital organizer, with some PC (personal computer) compatible features added. The other OS is Windows CE or Pocket PC (PPC). They are considerably shrunken versions of their desktop Microsoft Windows OS. It is intended to be a handheld PC with extra organizer features.

Every computer user is a potential PDA user since one of the main advantages of PDA is that you can synchronize the information in your handheld with that in your PC. With software such as Dataviz's Document to Go in Palm OS or Pocket versions of Microsoft Office in PPC, you can view, edit and create documents in your PDA anywhere anytime. You can make use of every minute of your time since you can work on your PDA on your way home or office. This is one of the most popular features for users who have lots of paper work to do like office workers, teachers and students.

Aside from basic organizing features such as date book and address book, entertaining and communicating features enhance the overall utility of PDAs. Many users consider their handhelds as amusement devices too. Features like digital cameras for photo and short movie taking, music player and game packs make PDA a pocket amusement centre. Some recent models also include mobile phone, wireless internet, built-in Bluetooth^™ and even GPS (Global Positioning System) functions which highly increase PDAs' mobility. This feature is appreciated by business people and frequent traveller.

Concerning PDAs' mobility, it is a real good companion when travelling alone. You can first install the map of the city you are visiting and with the GPS service; it reduces the chance of getting lost, even in remote areas. At present, this service is available in countries and cities such as Hong Kong, Japan, USA and Britain. If your PDA has camera and mobile phone features, you can look at the map in your PDA, take photos for memory and stay connected with your friends at the same time and simply leave your camera and mobile phone at home!

If you are starters in using PDA, you can consider buying a basic model with expansion slot(s). Expansion slot(s) allow(s) you to add more features and memory in the future after you get familiar with the device's basicfunctions. There are memory cards, wireless LAN card, Bluetooth™ card, mini keyboards, camera lens, game controller, available in the market that can be added to your handheld.

With the existing memory or memory cards adaptable to your PDA, you can download all kinds of software to your handheld. Different types of software are available on the Internet. Some provide trial version before you decide to purchase them online. They can be broadly categorized as Business & Professional, Personal Productivity, Database, Entertainment & Games and other Add-ins such as e-books, dictionaries and recipes.

Almost any software you can think of is available for your PDA. There are many useful and interesting programmes and databases for users of different occupations and needs. These include teaching aids such as student trackers for teachers with which teachers can keep track of their students' contacts, studying progress, attendance and print them out for reference after synchronizing them with their PCs; there are home-keeping organizers and family health companion for housewives. There are even women's cycle calculator, jokes, dream interpreter and a lot more.