January 23, 2003
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January 23, 2003
NEW STRAITS TIMES-MANAGEMENT TIMES
MALAYSIA
ENGLISH
More room for PDA improvements, NEW STRAITS TIMES-MANAGEMENT
TIMES
Caroline Louis
ASIA WorldSources, Inc. 322 MASSACHUSETTS AVENUE 2ND FLOOR, NE
WASHINGTON, DC 20002 COPYRIGHT 2003 BY WORLDSOURCES, INC., A JOINT
VENTURE OF FDCH e-Media, INC. AND WORLD TIMES, INC. NO PORTION OF
THE MATERIALS CONTAINED HEREIN MAY BE USED IN ANY MEDIA WITHOUT
ATTRIBUTION TO WORLDSOURCES, INC.
LOOKING back at year 2002, personal digital assistants (PDAs)
and handheld devices have come a long way in terms of design,
functionality and pricing. We have witnessed the introduction of
the XScale-based Pocket PCs which are faster and more
power-efficient than its predecessors such as devices equipped the
StrongArm processor.
One of the hottest areas of mobile and wireless technology also
focused around the subject of convergence. We have seen how some
PDAs were transformed into combo machines merging the
functionalities of both PDA and global system for mobile
communications/general packet radio service (GSM/GPRS) mobile phone
built-in with advanced battery for longer talk and standby time.
PDA and camera capabilities have also emerged recently in
devices such as the Clie PEG-NX70V and PEG-NX60 that enable users
to take photos and record video clips and voice memos, and
wirelessly browse the Internet on a Wi-Fi (802.11b) network with an
optional Sony wireless local area netwrok (LAN) card in a
CompactFlash-sized format, in addition to playing MP3 audio files
and video games.
Newer PDA models are also making their debut with built-in
Bluetooth, Wi-Fi and even biometric security capabilities. One such
device with the biometric security feature, for example, is the
HP/Compaq H5450.
Innovations and advances have taken place in the world of Palm
and Pocket PC. Palm devices such as the Palm Tungsten T now have
colour screens, built-in Bluetooth technology, dual expansion slots
and high resolution colour display.
We are no longer surprised at what PDAs can do or how many types
of functionalities can be derived from these small wonders. The
surprising part for many of us, I'm sure, is the price tag that's
attached to these gizmos.
Hi-tech PDAs aside, the current weak economy has also brought
some cheer to consumers and that it has spurred some manufacturers
to come up with low-cost PDAs. Even computer maker Dell made its
foray into the handheld world with the introduction of its new
low-cost Axim X5 based on Microsoft's Pocket PC platform.
Microsoft has even said that it is collaborating with Samsung on
a concept design to help vendors bring low-cost PDAs to market more
quickly.
The moves mean that businesses may soon be able to choose
between no-frills Pocket PC devices at a low cost, or more
expensive models with greater capabilities such as wireless
connectivity.
No doubt new innovations and designs will continue to abound in
the development of PDAs of the future. We have already seen how, in
only the last five years, computers have drastically changed the
way we do business. And when the time comes, are we ready to take
on the battlecry for a more mobile and wireless environment in our
homes and workplaces?
Even today, PDAs have yet to make an impact in the enterprise
environment.
In the future, we can anticipate different kinds of wireless
services to be just as readily available anytime, anywhere. Hence,
mobile devices such as PDAs will probably have to be ``tweaked'' a
little, so to speak, to include better and value-for-money hardware
and software features that can run power-hungry applications fast
and efficiently.
The following are just some areas of the development in PDA
design that we hope to see or have already begun.
Memory: Each PDA has a certain amount of memory built-in. PDAs
in today's market typically have between two megabytes to 32MB of
built-in memory. Two megabytes of memory is generally sufficient to
fill address books, maintain an active calendar, take notes, and
loads of useful programs.
However, more memory may be necessary to store large files like
digital photos or audio recordings, or to hold large software
programs.
In some PDAs, you can expand their memory with small storage
cards that can be inserted into the device. Normally, consumers
have to think about their anticipated memory requirements before
buying so that the PDA they select is capable of addressing their
needs.
Even with memory cards, though available in selected devices,
PDAs, unlike PCs, still don't have what it takes to run huge files
that takes up a lot of memory. Thus we continue to stay shackled to
our desktops. PDAs with limited memory is just one of the
constraints for power users.
Battery life: This is another constraint one faces when owning a
PDA.
Battery life differs depending on usage factors and the power
drained in connected peripherals. Power-hungry applications and
bright colour screens tend to draw a lot of power as do
backlighting and CPU which can also affect battery life. Some PDAs
are powered by a lithium-ion rechargeable battery. This does not
give users the option of removing or replacing it.
While we are keeping our fingers crossed for cost-effective and
longer-lasting batteries to appear, perhaps all PDA manufacturers
in the meantime should offer replacement and back-up batteries as
standard equipment.
On one Web site, the Fraunhofer Institute in Germany claimed to
have developed prototypes of solar-powered PDAs. Though the site
said the product will be available in one to three years, it added
that it still costs quite a bit to develop it. However, there is a
product that uses solar energy to charge PDA batteries that is
available though. It's called iSun and one can obtain more
information at www.isunpower.com.
Processor/speed: As the saying goes, ``Time is of the essence''.
However, in the age of mobile and wireless computing, speed will be
the essence of all things. As processors are always evolving every
18 months according to Moore's Law, we can expect to see newer and
faster processors being developed for PDAs in the near future to
run programs and applications.
Size and weight: These do matter. We've seen how computers
shrink to the handheld size we are accustomed to nowadays. No doubt
we have heard on numerous occasions that there is a limit as to how
small things can be made. And then someone comes along and crams
microchips into a device that is no larger than a wristwatch.
In fact, PalmSource, a software unit of Palm Inc will
collaborate with Fossil in creating a wristwatch with PDA that
includes, among other things, a touchscreen and plenty of memory.
I'm all for lightweight devices but am not sure if I would like my
PDA screens to be smaller that what it is today. PDA wristwatches
may be a boon for some users with a penchant for all things tiny
but certainly a bane for those with bad eyesight! Bluetooth and
Wi-Fi: Currently, most high-end PDAs come with Bluetooth and Wi-Fi
capabilities. While it is encouraging to see wireless hotspots
emerging like ``hotcakes'' around the city, such facilities are
limited to selected outlets and are only accessible if you have a
Bluetooth/Wi-Fi-equipped PDA. In the not-too-distant future, with
more service providers entering the competitive wireless market, we
hope to expect rates to drop and such services be made more
accessible in most major areas. For many to enjoy such services,
it's only viable that even low-cost PDAs and handhelds come
equipped with Bluetooth and Wi-Fi capabilities.
Camera and phone: Both are just some options that can be
included into a PDA. While some prefer standalone devices, existing
PDAs incorporating these capabilities have been receiving
favourable reviews.
It's is perhaps a matter of time when we'll see on store shelves
devices merging all the features of a PDA, digital camera, phone,
global positioning system (GPS), Bluetooth, and the list goes on.
It'll require vast improvements in design and hardware development
because with the current offerings we have, to have all these
features merged into one device will only make the machine look and
feel like a brick! Input options: We have different preferences as
to how we enter information using the stylus. The various input
method includes embedded keyboard, letter recogniser or Transcriber
or Grafitti. Each has its own strengths and weaknesses. But when
you driving or working out, you'll have to stop what you're doing
and input your information in manually.
Voice-recognition technology or voice input can be another
method of input. Imagine asking, ``PDA, were there any missed
calls?''. The PDA answers, ``Yes, there were three missed calls.
The first was from a carpet salesman, the second from your lawyer
and the third from your wife.''
Input via the stylus may be a thing of the past if manufacturers
can work together to establish a standard that will include voice
recognition in all PDAs. Having a common standard voice-recognition
technology in all PDAs has its benefits.
Services: Wireless location technologies is another area that
can be incorporated into PDAs. Though still complicated and
developments are still ongoing, such technologies are useful for
storing information for those who have busy schedules and are
constantly on the move.
Imagine PDA users can locate stores in the vicinity that offer a
particular product or services. When the store or location is
identified, wireless location technologies can guide the user to
his or her destination with real-time maps displayed on their PDA
screens. With new third-generation (3G) wireless technologies,
there will be opportunities for compelling new wireless location
applications.
Conclusion: The workings of desktop computers have certainly
``earned''
their right in our daily lives, but how ubiquitous PDAs and
handheld devices will be and how they will earn a place in our
homes and at our workplaces still remains to be seen.
Copyright 2003 NEW STRAITS TIMES-MANAGEMENT TIMES all rights reserved as distributed by WorldSources, Inc.
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