Palmtop

A small computer that literally fits in your palm. Compared to full-size computers, palmtops are severely limited, but they are practical for certain functions such as phone books and calendars. Palmtops that use a pen rather than a keyboard for input are often called hand-held computers or PDAs. Because of their small size, most palmtop computers do not include disk drives. However, many contain PCMCIA slots in which you can insert disk drives, modems, memory, and other devices. Palmtops are also called PDAs, hand-held computers and pocket computers.

PDA

Short for 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 organizer. Unlike portable computers, most PDAs are pen-based, using a stylus rather than a keyboard for input. This means that they also incorporate handwriting recognition features. Some PDAs can also react to voice input by using voice recognition technologies. The field of PDA was pioneered by Apple Computer, which introduced the Newton Message Pad in 1993. Shortly thereafter, several other manufacturers offered similar products. To date, PDAs have had only modest success in the marketplace, due to their high price tags and limited applications. However, many experts believe that PDAs will eventually become common gadgets. PDAs are also called palmtops, hand-held computers and pocket computers.

Ex 2 Give the definition for the following words:

1 Palmtop

2 Subnotebook computer

3 Laptop computer

4 PDA

Ex 3 Answer the questions:

1 What do we call a small, portable computer?

2 What do we call a portable computer that is slightly lighter and smaller than a full-sized

notebook computer?

3 What do we call a small computer that literally fits in your palm?

4 What do we call short for personal digital assistant, a handheld device that combines computing, telephone/fax, and networking features?

5 How do we call PDAs?

Ex 4 Summarize the text

Grammar: Complex Infinitives and Gerunds

See the Unit 11 from the Oxford Practice Grammar by George Yule and follow the instructions.

Do the grammar exercises: Unit 11/11.7-11.9 p. 63 Oxford Practice Grammar. Supplementary exercises, 2007 by George Yule.

Задания на СРМ:

Ex 1 Make an essay of Computer types

History of modern Science and Mathematics, Brian S. Baigrie, Volume 1, 2002.(pp 169-177)

Ex 2 Do grammar exercises 468-469, pp. 383-384 Ю. Голицинский Сборник упражнений по грамматике, СПб: КАРО, 2005

Unit 15

Theme: Computer-addicted