DIY Network

PDAs and GPS Technology From "Home Tech" episode HTC-103

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Looking something like a Star Trek tricorder, PDAs utilize software for managing personal calendars, phone lists, to-do lists, etc. PDAs were designed primarily to help people stay organized, but some models incorporate other functions such as Internet browsing, sending and receiving e-mail, and serving as a personal mp3 player. Figure A With GPS, your on-board device communicates with a space satellite to provide you with directions and information about your destination. Some can even help you find a restaurant that's nearby and to your liking. In the mood for Italian? Ask your GPS where to find the closest pizza kitchen. Figure B Figure C Various forms of wireless technology can complement one another and help your family stay connected in a number of ways. But investing in several can get expensive. Make your decisions based on careful consideration and actual needs.

Although cell phones and pagers make up the lion's share of wireless communication, a couple of other sophisticated devices are also finding their way into the mainstream: personal digital assistants (PDAs) and global-positioning systems (GPS).


Personal Digital Assistants (PDAs)

PDAs are essentially an advanced, electronic version of a day-planner. They utilize software that can hold datebook/calendar information, contact lists, to-do lists and other information; they can remind you of appointments, birthdays and aniversaries; they can allow users to browse the internet and can they send and receive email -- all with wireless technology.

In DIY's project-family who agreed to try out and assess personal technology devices, Ken Totura utilized a PDA to manage his work and family schedules.

PDAs are revolutionizing the way people organize their time and access frequently needed information. Starting at around $120, you can obtain a miniscule battery-operated device that offers a variety of calendar and scheduling options, a sophisticated address book, calculator and electronic memo pad. Most have synchronization capabilities so that you can share information with other PDAs and update files on your desktop or laptop computer. The screens on PDAs average around 2 inches by 3 inches, and the devices are powered by AAA batteries which provide enough charge for several weeks of use.

PDAs use touch-screen technology and a specialized "pen" that allows the user to make entries based on icons and to "write in" information by forming letters on a portion of the screen (figure C). The icons on the screen allow the user to navigate between various PDA functions such as the calendar, phone list and to-do list.

Note: For more information on PDAs, see the segment titled "Mobility and Technology" in the DIY Home Office workshop.



Global Positioning Systems (GPS)

Mobile global-positioning systems (GPS) represent a new use of wireless technology with automotive applications. They use satellite tracking to keep track of your location and help prevent you from getting lost by displaying maps and directions relative to your current location -- no matter where in the country you happen to be driving.

GPS systems use touch-screen controls or remotes to allow a driver or passenger to enter commands or queries via the dash-mounted system (figure B)

The GPS transmitter beams information up to a satellite in orbit around the earth. The satellite pinpoints your exact location and beams information back to the GPS in the form of step-by-step directions and map readouts (figure C).

GPS technology is being offered as an option on new cars by a number of auto manufacturers.

RESOURCES :
GPS World home page
Web site: www.gpsworld.com

PDA Street Web-site
An Internet-based resource for information relating to PDAs and similar devices. Web site: www.pdastreet.com