personal digital assistant (PDA)

Powerful handheld computing device without a keyboard, but with a screen that reads the words written (drawn) on it with a pen -like stylus. Most PDAs (like the Palm Pilot) have built-in (or accessible through attachable modules) capabilities to take notes, write letters, keep records, perform spreadsheet functions, read bar codes, connect to internet and other networks to download and upload data, and synchronize its data with data in a desktop computer. Wireless PDAs can connect to remote computers or databases within the range.