PDAs have come a long way from their rather lackluster introduction almost a decade ago. The slow, bulky, limited-use products of the past have given way to smaller, sleeker devices with a tremendous amount of computing power that all fits comfortably in your hand. And to make things even better, there are literally thousands of pieces of software available for PDAs that allow your device to do pretty much whatever you need it to do.

Through the use of add-on software your options are virtually unlimited, from looking up a restaurant suggestion in New York City to calculating the position of the stars. Choosing just the right titles from this extensive collection of applications will ensure that your PDA becomes an indespensible tool whether you are in the classroom, at the office or in the field.

These are only a few examples of what users can accomplish with their PDAs. Because, the thousands of software applications and hundreds of accessories make these devices extremely customizable, their functionality is really only limited by your imagination.

• Internet access - Virtually all PDAs offer the ability to access the Internet using either wired or wireless connections. This feature provides the ability to access a virtually limitless amount of information from online archives, newsgroups and other websites. There is also an increasing amount of content available on the Internet designed specifically for PDAs (such as AvantGo, which provides updated content such as newspaper and magazine articles specifically formatted for handheld devices). While the small size and screen resolution of PDAs does not make them ideal for general web browsing, for quick trips to find relevant information they can prove extremely convenient.

• Test preparation - A PDA makes an ideal device for preparing for important tests anywhere at anytime. Using individually prepared questions or content from leading providers such as Kaplan, users can carry thousands of multiple choice and flashcard questions perfect for study on the go.

• Document management - Utilizing powerful document management software, PDAs can be used to create, edit and print Microsoft Word, Microsoft Excel and Power Point files. Add a portable keyboard and you'll have everything you need to write the next great novel.

• Specialized calculators - In addition to their numerous other functions, PDAs can take the place of expensive calculators. Using the wide array of software packages that are available your PDA can quickly become a complex tool capable of graphing, calculating molecular weights, performing financial analysis and much, much more.

• Store reference material - Because most PDAs can easily fit into a pocket backpack or briefcase, they make an ideal repository for reference material. With dozens of available titles including dictionaries, periodic tables, maps and others, there is a wealth of information that can be stored on your PDA for access at a moment's notice, without the weight of multiple textbooks.

• Assignment tracking - Both students and teachers can benefit from having a compact, yet comprehensive list of past and future assignments. Never again miss an important due date and know at a glance how past work has been graded.

• Simple organizational tasks - Because of their portability, PDAs are ideal for keeping track of small pieces of information such as telephone numbers, addresses and appointments. They can also be used to take short notes, read documents and manage email all while away from the desktop.

In education , here are just a few of the things that can be done with a PDA:

Part II: How Do I Choose a PDA?