Computer/computation/computing digital assistant

Fuel cells can be used to power a variety of portable devices, from handheld electronics such as cell phones and radios to larger equipment such as portable generators. Other potential applications include laptop computers, personal digital assistants (PDAs), and handheld video cameras—almost any application that has traditionally used batteries. These fuel cells have the potential to last more than three times as long as batteries between refueling. 

The battery industry has seen enormous growth over the past few years in portable, rechargeable battery packs. The majority of this surge can be attributed to the widespread use of cell phones, personal digital assistants (PDA s), laptop computers, and other wireless electronics. Batteries remained the mainstream source of power for systems ranging from mobile phones and PDA s to electric and hybrid electric vehicles. The world market for batteries was approximately 41 billion in 2000, which included 16.2 billion primary and 24.9 billion secondary cells. 

Personal digital assistants (also called electronic organizers) cost more money, between 50 and 1,000, because they re essentially hand-held computers. PDAs have built-in electronic scheduling programs, address books, to-do lists, and some even have word processors or text editors, all packed into a hand-held unit that can be taken anywhere. PDAs are ideal tools for people looking for a job, because they can hold vast amounts of information in an organized manner. 

We ve all used to-do lists at one time or another, but the veteran time manager uses one with considerable zeal. Some time management books suggest elaborate prioritization schemes, multiple lists, fancy calendars, and so on. The tools of our trade will be much simpler a monthly calendar, an 8i X 11-inch lined pad of paper, and a diary or their electronic equivalents. The calendar is simply used to record aU events, appointments, and fixed-date deadlines. The pad of paper is used to track all activities, both to do and pending, as well as each day s activities. The diary is used to track who you talked to and what you did. Of course, in an age of ubiquitous personal computers and personal digital assistants, calendars, to-do lists, and diaries all have electronic counterparts. I... 

Hardware considerations for automated performance testing systems generally include the computer, software, monitor, and input devices. These features can be provided on multiple testing platforms, including personal computers, handheld personal digital assistants, Internet-based systems, or on platforms that are specially designed to simulate occupational contexts. 

The final type of portable computer, and one that has really taken off recently, is the palmtop computer (also known as a Personal Digital Assistant, or PDA). These computers are designed to keep the information you need close to you so you have access to it whenever you need it. There are two different approaches to the PDA. Pen-based assistants are basically small digital notepads that use a stylus and handwriting interpretation software to perform operations. The Apple Newton and 3Com Palm Pilot are two examples of this type of PDA. 

More recent advances in technology made possible by the personal digital assistant (PDA) have allowed physicians to electronically prescribe at the point of care. PDAs are handheld computers that typically run using a Windows- or other proprietary-based platforms. These PDAs use a touch-sensitive screen to maneuver through a menu-driven prescribing process that can execute a prescription in as little as three stylus taps. - The PDAs or other proprietary devices then upload the prescription via a network connection or modem to be printed, faxed, or electronically transmitted to a pharmacy. 

Collection Mechanism The trusty index card will work for performing inspections, but this requires the individual to remember the inspection criteria or refer to an inspection list and make notes about observations. A clipboard with a predefined set of questions (that can be answered yes or no ) for each machine is a definite improvement on the index card method. Be sure to leave a space for comments. Both the index card and the clipboard approach require manual entry of the data once they are collected. A more modern approach is to set up the inspection in an industrial-quality personal digital assistant. For each machine, the inspector can answer yes or no, and as required, write short comments. These comments could be selected from a drop-down menu to minimize inconsistency. The data can then be uploaded to a host computer for storage. This speeds the process, ensures that the data will be captured, and reduces transposition errors. 

Advances in technology can facilitate the generation and transfer of patient documentation. As more pharmacies use the Internet as a means of communication, information can be transferred quickly and accurately over greater distances. Handheld computers and specialty software allow health care practitioners to document information in an electronic format that can be transformed immediately for rapid transfer to others. Reports in the literature have described methods to assess pharmacist interventions related to medication errors, the use of computer-based systems, and recently, the use of personal digital assistants (PDAs) in specific patient care areas. Many of these documentation systems tend to be individualized apphcations in which the transfer of data to other providers is not possible or quite limited. Often these systems focus on the generation of reports for workload analysis or accreditation purposes. 

There are dozens of choices of popular hardware platforms, depending on the size of your business or your personal preference. Software runs your business. The hardware requirements of the software define the hardware needed. Activities of daily business or lifestyle further define hardware requirements. Personal digital assistants or handheld computers have significantly improved user mobility. As wireless technology emerges, users will enjoy even greater flexibility. But at the end of the day, most hardware, even stand-alone home computers (with Internet connectivity), are networked. 

One of the more recent developments in this area is related to the increasing tendency toward miniaturization. The drive from desktop personal computers to notebook computers to personal digital assistants means that housings must be lighter, yet still provide stiffness, impact resistance and resistance to elevated temperatures. Designers are therefore moving toward thin wall enclosures for computing devices and cellular phones. The PAB s for these applications must therefore have improved melt flow. Recently PC/ABS blends have been introduced to the marketplace for these applications. They are characterized by an increase in melt flow rate (g/10 min) of from 50% to more than 100%. 

Figure 6.12 Developmental miniature methanol fuel cells for electronic applications (a) Toshiba, for digital audio players and wireless headsets for mobile phones (b) NEC, for mobile phones (c) Hitachi, for personal digital assistants (d) Motorola, with methanol capsules, for mobile phones (e) Casio, for laptop computers.

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