For work-minded people, personal digital assistants (PDAs) are the better option compared to smartphones. With business-focused features, it allows users to keep their workloads in check while keeping distractions, such as social media and video games, at bay.
But like mobile phones, these handheld devices aren’t perfect—they are as susceptible to bugs and hardware issues as most gadgets these days. Because you’ll never know when your device will act up, we round up the most common PDA issues and their quick-fix solutions for your reference. Bookmark this page in case you need it someday.
Battery Drains Fast
PDAs are powered by alkaline or rechargeable batteries. When the main battery runs out of power, an internal backup battery, which can be found on most devices, will provide a short-term power. When using a PDA, however, one of the things you must learn is that your device will lose all the data in the RAM when all the power sources are depleted. This is why you must back up your data in the cloud.
Several factors, such as the operating system, memory, wireless connections, and screen brightness, can cause your battery to drain fast. Luckily, there are several ways you can extend the battery life of your PDA. Check your device’s power management settings and adjust them accordingly. Lower the backlight, turn off Wi-Fi when not needed, and enable Airplane Mode in low-signal areas to save power.
Touchscreen Not Working
Among the key advantages of a PDA over a smartphone are its touchscreen and keypad features, which allow users to easily and quickly take down notes and create digital signatures. But these features are also among the most significant sources of headaches of PDA users.
If your touchscreen is unresponsive, try cleaning the screen by wiping it off with a clean cloth then restarting it. If this doesn’t solve the problem, bring your device to a PDA repair expert because it might be defective. As an extra measure, invest in a good screen protector.
Trouble Using the Stylus
The stylus makes signing documents more comfortable, but they can also be a pain when they decide to act crazy. If you are having difficulty using your stylus, the problem could be the touchscreen. Again, go back to the previous item for the solution. If you still can’t touch the correct letter on the keyboard, try calibrating the screen by performing a screen alignment. A PDA that failed an alignment test might already be defective, so it’s best to get a replacement.
Lack of Storage Space
As with most mobile phones, a lack of storage space on PDA devices can be quickly addressed by freeing up memory. Delete unnecessary files or back them up in the cloud. If your PDA has a memory card slot, consider offloading your excess data in the internal memory to a microSD card.
Wireless Connectivity Issues
The initial PDA models were devoid of wireless connectivity features. But wireless connections are now frequent in most PDA devices. Still, some users find it difficult to connect their devices to Wi-Fi or Bluetooth. When this happens, a quick restart could solve the problem. If it doesn’t, try repairing your connectivity settings by disconnecting or un-pairing your device before you try to connect again.
Taking care of your PDA goes a long way in extending its service life. When your device runs into issues, a simple restart sometimes solves the problem. But if you’re unsure how to troubleshoot your PDA, turn to your trusted technician for help.
