Personal digital assistants (PDAs)

Personal Digital Assistants are small, portable devices for storing information. If you are blind or have low vision, you will need a PDA that comes with a braille display or speech synthesizer; some models have screen-reader software. You can put information into your PDA with the use of either braille or typewriter keyboards; some models allow speech input. PDAs with braille display are about twice the cost of one with a built-in speech synthesizer.

Use a PDA to store names, addresses, email, and telephone numbers, keep track of appointments, and to keep notes. You can also use them for word processing and web browsing. Any data you enter into your PDA can be downloaded to your main computer.

Just like computers, PDAs come with different operating systems. Some use a version of Windows for handheld computers called Microsoft Windows Mobile Operating System. Others use Linux instead.

Before you purchase a PDA, ask these questions. Not all PDAs will have the same features, so know what is most important to you:

• Does the PDA have a built-in speech synthesizer and/or braille display?
• Does it also have screen reading software (if you need it)?
• Does it have voice input or keyboard input, and what type of keyboard?
• If you need it, does it come with a braille keyboard?
• Does the PDA connect to your main computer? (The operating system used on both the PDA and your computer should be compatible.)
• Can it automatically synchronize with your main computer so the data for addresses and such is always the same on both computers?
• Does it have expandable memory?
• Is add-on software available for it? (You will need to know which operating system the PDA uses to see what software is available.)
• If you need it, does the PDA have multi-language support?
• If you need it, can the PDA be operated in one-handed mode?

Read about models of PDAs in our Products section.