Personal Digital Assistant (PDA): woher und wohin? / Personal Digital Assistant (PDA): development and prospect

Abstract

This paper describes the development of modern PDAs and traces some historical roots because personal information management is an idea with a long tradition. It was put into practice early in human history based on different materials as data carrier. From wax plates and paper the idea was grafted onto microprocessor powered calculators. Further on the concept was transferred to coat-pocket sized handheld computers. These were called PDAs forming a device class on their own though functions of a PDA are ingreasingly integrated into other mobile devices. Finally the paper discusses the future of PDAs as spearhead of the mobile library. The PDA can be seen as a prophet in this movement followed by a range of new to-be mobile devices. Out of this we can expect to meet an even greater variety of operating systems, display sizes and communication channels in the future. PDA-projects are an ideal way to gain expert knowledge now for a mobile future in library information technology.