PDA
Personal Digital Assistant. A handheld device that combines computing, telephone / fax and networking features. A typical PDA can function as a cellular phone, fax sender, and personal organiser. Many PDAs incorporate handwriting and / or voice recognition features. PDAs also are called palmtops, handheld computers, and pocket computers.

Peak Hours
Peak hours are the most expensive hours to make calls, such as during the business day when wireless networks have the most transmission.

Polyphonic Ringtone
A polyphonic ringtone is a new kind of ringtone that allows more than one note to be played at once, offering a greater sound experience when your mobile handset rings.

POP3 Email
Post Office Protocol 3. This is the standard format for email provided for businesses and individuals by an internet service provider. The other common format for email is 'web mail'.

Roaming
When you use a cellular phone outside of your cellular company's service area, you are said to be roaming.

Ringtone
Ringtones replace the standard ringtones that you get when you first buy your mobile handset. Most mobile handsets can download and save lots of ringtones, allowing you to change them as you like. Older mobile handsets support monophonic ringtones, while new ones support polyphonic ringtones.

Screensaver
A screensaver is a short series of colour images that create an animation on the main display of the mobile handset when your mobile handset goes into an idle state. You can't have more than one screensaver in use on a mobile handset at any time.

SIM-card
A small module that contains a silicon chip that "personalises" your phone. It also has a limited amount of processing capability.

SMS
Short Message Service. It is available on digital GSM networks allowing text messages of up to 160 characters to be sent and received via the network operator's message centre to your mobile phone, or from the Internet, using a so-called "SMS gateway" website. If the phone is powered off or out of range, messages are stored in the network and are delivered at the next opportunity.

Synchronise
Usually a PDA will be available with a cradle that is plugged into the mains power supply and the desktop computer. When the PDA is put in the cradle the battery is charged and the PDA will swap files with the PC. This may include email, calendar updates and files contained in folders that are shared by both devices.

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