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37 views2 pages

CSC 105 Notes

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tonyimoh9
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LECTURE NOTES

COURSE CODE: CSC 105

COURSE LECTURER: SULEIMAN BAWA PYIKI

COURSE TOPIC: PDAs/TABLETS

Personal Digital Assistants (PDAs) and Tablets have significantly impacted how we manage tasks and interact with digital content.
In this lecture, we look at the following:

Definition and Historical Context

A Personal Digital Assistant (PDA) is a handheld device designed to manage personal information and tasks. Its primary
functions include maintaining an address book, calendar, to-do lists, and notes. PDAs often include features like basic email
capabilities and sometimes support for limited web browsing and file management.

PDAs evolved into modern tablets through several technological advancements which include the following:

 Touchscreen Technology: Early PDAs had physical keyboards, but tablets use advanced touchscreens for a more
intuitive user interface.
 Enhanced Processing Power: Tablets incorporate powerful processors, allowing for more complex applications and
multitasking.
 Improved Connectivity: Modern tablets offer robust connectivity options, including high-speed internet, Bluetooth, and
GPS, which were less common in early PDAs.
 Operating Systems: The transition from proprietary PDA operating systems to versatile platforms like iOS and Android
enabled richer applications and better integration with other services.
 Hardware Integration: Tablets integrate features such as high-resolution cameras, sensors, and better graphics
capabilities, which were not present in early PDAs.

Comparative Analysis

 Operating System: PDAs often used proprietary operating systems (e.g., Palm OS, Windows CE), while modern tablets
run advanced operating systems like iOS, Android, or Windows, offering a wide range of applications and
functionalities.
 Hardware Capabilities: PDAs had limited processing power, memory, and storage compared to tablets. Tablets feature
high-resolution screens, powerful processors, ample storage, and advanced connectivity options (Wi-Fi, 4G/5G).
 Typical Use Cases: PDAs were primarily used for managing personal information and basic communication. Tablets
support a broader range of uses including multimedia consumption, gaming, professional productivity, and extensive
web browsing.

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Some advantages and disadvantages of using a tablet over a traditional PDA include:

Advantages:

 Enhanced Functionality: Tablets support a wider range of applications, including productivity suites, entertainment,
and educational tools, which go beyond the capabilities of traditional PDAs.
 Better Display and Usability: Tablets have larger, high-resolution touchscreens that make them better suited for
multimedia consumption, web browsing, and interactive applications.

Disadvantages:

 Portability: Tablets, being larger and heavier than many PDAs, can be less portable and more cumbersome to carry
around.
 Battery Life: Tablets often have shorter battery life compared to the more power-efficient PDAs, particularly when
using high-performance applications.

Applications and Impact of Tablets

 Note-Taking and Document Annotation: Tablets are widely used for taking notes during meetings or classes, and for
annotating documents and PDFs, thanks to their touchscreens and stylus support.
 E-Learning and Digital Textbooks: Tablets facilitate e-learning by providing access to digital textbooks, educational
apps, and interactive learning tools, enhancing the educational experience.
 Presentations and Collaboration: Tablets can be used to create and deliver presentations, and facilitate real-time
collaboration with apps that support file sharing and communication.

The integration of tablets has changed the way individuals or organizations perform tasks compared to the pre-tablet era in the
following ways:

 Tablets have streamlined workflows by offering versatile, portable, and interactive solutions for managing tasks. They
enable more efficient communication and collaboration with cloud-based applications and real-time data access. In
professional settings, tablets have replaced cumbersome paperwork and traditional computing methods, allowing for
faster data entry, easier access to information, and improved on-the-go productivity.

Future Trends

Studying the development and advancement of PDAs into modern Tablets makes it easy to predict potential future developments
in tablet technology and how these advancements could further influence their usage in various fields. Below are some projections
for the future:

 Enhanced Augmented Reality (AR) Capabilities: Future tablets may incorporate advanced AR features, providing
immersive experiences for education, training, and gaming, and allowing users to interact with digital content in more
dynamic ways.
 Advancements in Battery Technology: Improved battery technology could lead to longer battery life and faster charging
times, making tablets even more suitable for extended use in professional and educational settings, reducing downtime
and enhancing productivity.

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