Handhelds using alkaline batteries usually last a few weeks with normal use and rechargeable batteries last a few hours between charging them (www.handheldcomputerdepot.com).
As mentioned earlier, PDA's have some type of LCD display screen. The screens are used for output and input. They vary in size, but are always smaller than a traditional laptop screen. Depending on the model, the PDA's LCD screen can be viewed in black and white or color. Monochrome LCD is the least expensive and most energy-efficient choice, providing grayscale images and text (www.handheldcomputerdepot.com).
Passive-matrix is a type of LCD color display on mid-level units that provides good color images when viewed head on. The 3 types of passive matrix displays include: double-layer supertwist nematic, color super-twist nematic, and High-Performance Addressing (www.handheldcomputerdepot.com).
Technology problems solved by PDAs.
There are many things PDA's can do. They can manage personal information such as storing contact information, making to-do lists, taking notes, writing memos, doing calculations, planning projects, keeping track of expenses, etc. They can also send or receive emails, do word processing, play MP3 music files, play video games, and obtain information. Aside from the fun aspects of PDA's, it can also be useful in the business world as well.
Package delivery and dispatch service companies have long used mobile technology to improve productivity. The value of mobile computing was to provide instantaneous location and tracking of couriers and packages. Utility and energy companies have also been users of wireless technology when sending critical data from remote locations to their original offices (www.cio.com).
PDA's might be useful to other professionals as well. For example, many health care professionals need to keep track of patient information quickly and efficiently. They can note patient information promptly with a PDA.