personal digital assistant (PDA), lightweight, hand-held computer computer, device capable of performing a series of arithmetic or logical operations. A computer is distinguished from a calculating machine, such as an electronic calculator , by being able to store a computer program (so that it can repeat its operations and make
..... Click the link for more information. designed for use as a personal organizer with communications capabilities; also called a handheld. A typical PDA has no keyboard, relying instead on special hardware and pen-based computer pen-based computer, computer that uses pattern-recognition software to enable it to accept handwriting as a form of input. A stylus, which may contain special electronic circuitry, is used to write on the computer display or on a separate tablet.
..... Click the link for more information. software to enable the recognition of handwritten input, which is entered on the surface of a liquid crystal liquid crystal, liquid whose component particles, atoms or molecules, tend to arrange themselves with a degree of order far exceeding that found in ordinary liquids and approaching that of solid crystals.
..... Click the link for more information. display screen. In addition to including such applications as a word processor, spreadsheet, calendar, and address book, PDAs are used as notepads, appointment schedulers, and wireless communicators for sending and receiving data, faxes, and electronic-mail messages. Introduced in 1993, PDAs achieved only modest acceptance during the remainder of the decade due to their relatively high price and limited applications, but improved software and lower prices subsequently led to more widespread use. See also palmtop palmtop or hand-held personal computer, lightweight, small, battery-powered, general-purpose programmable computer . It typically has a miniaturized full-function, typewriterlike keyboard for input and a small, full color, liquid-crystal display
..... Click the link for more information. .

personal digital assistant

See PDA.

personal digital assistant [‚pərs·ən·əl ‚dij·əd·əl ə′sis·tənt]

(computer science)

handheld computer

(computer)

Personal Digital Assistant - (PDA) A small hand-held computer typically providing calendar, contacts, and note-taking applications but may include other applications, for example a web browser and media player. Small keyboards and pen-based input systems are most commonly used for user input.

The Apple Newton was a fairly early example.

personal digital assistant (redirected from Portable digital assistant)

personal digital assistant

personal digital assistant
(redirected from Portable digital assistant)