Electronic Organizer or PDA

The Personal Digital Assistant

One of the most powerful organizational, time–saving tools is the hand held mini-computer commonly known as a PDA, or Personal Digital Assistant. These include the more common brands of Smart Phone such as the Blackberry PDA, or one of many brands of handhelds such as PalmPilot and iPaq. These are small devices, like a calculator or small address book and will easily fit into a purse or pocket. Being so small, the PDA is always with you, always at hand and allows you to access, organize, collect and store all types of information while you are on the run. It is an invaluable tool, well worth the cost of its purchase.

Software

The most common functions of the PDA are to work as an electronic address book, a to–do list or task list and a calendar. It also contains areas for taking notes (written or verbal) and storing photos. Many software applications exist that can be purchased or downloaded including calendar programs such as Outlook, word processing programs, spreadsheet programs, games, money management, book reading software, street maps, Power Point and many more. Most devices allow for direct email and Internet access as well.

Microsoft Outlook

Microsoft Outlook is a comprehensive program that has tools for managing your personal and/or business calendar, tasks or “to do”lists, contacts and of course, email. When used with a PDA, it provides a portable functionality that allows you to have this information with you at all times. Details of all of its features can be found on the product website. One highlight in particular, is the ability to colour code entries. In the calendar for example, you could set up colours to represent each family member so that particular person’s schedule appears as a different colour on the calendar view. Contacts and tasks can be colour coded as well, allowing particular chores or jobs for an individual family member to be seen easily. Within the contacts, the coding system allows you to categorize friends and family onto a list such as “Christmas Card List” or any other personalized list you might choose to create.