Future Perfect - Technology and Gear
The Star Trek universe is home to incredible technology. Curiously, outside of episode McGuffins, that technology is limited to just a handful of common devices.
Computers
Handheld Devices
Star Trek handheld devices generally fall into two categories: PADD and Tricorder.
PADD
The PADD, or Personal Access Display Device, is a general purpose handheld device capable of limited computational functionality, with a large storage capacity and a screen based interface. The PADD is generally used for data entry and retrieval.
Tricorder
The tticorder is the standard handheld computational and analysis device in the Star Trek universe. Tricorders can perform complex functions based on their programming, and can take inputs manually, by voice, or through the use of integrated sensing attachments.
Weapons
Outside of Enterprise, which also adds lasers (which are mentioned as lower tech weapons during TNG as well), the standard weapons of the Star Trek universe are phasers and disruptors.
