STARFLEET DATABASE FILE: PADD

The Personal Access Display Device has been, and still is, the best method of transferring and executing data between various personnel. It is a small handheld control and display terminal, typically not much larger than a human hand, though larger ones have been used, and is linked directly to the vessel's main computer. The device is sufficiently isolated from the ship's computer though, so that high level computer systems can not be accessed from the PADD. Virtually all known space faring races have some form of PADD, each with their own distinctive design attributed to that particular culture.
 
It has been theorised, though never attempted, that a properly configured PADD could allow the user to fly a starship from anywhere on board the ship. Though this is obviously impractical, it demonstrates the versatility of the PADDs.
