Mobile computing

Mobile computing is a form of human–computer interaction where a computer is expected to be transported during normal usage. Mobile computing has three aspects: mobile communication, mobile hardware and mobile software. The first aspect addresses communication issues in ad-hoc and infrastructure networks as well as communication properties, protocols, data formats and concrete technologies. The second aspect focusses on the hardware, i.e. mobile devices or device components. The third aspect deals with the characteristics and requirements of mobile applicatio...

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Definitions

Mobile computing is "taking a computer and all necessary files and software out into the field."[1] "Mobile computing: being able to use a computing device even when being mobile and therefore changing location. Portability is one aspect of mobile computin...

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Devices

Many types of mobile computers have been introduced since the 1990s, including the Wearable computer Personal digital assistant/enterprise digital assistant Smartphone Carputer Ultra-Mobile ...

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Technical and other limitations of mobile computing

Insufficient bandwidth Mobile Internet access is generally slower than direct cable connections, using technologies such as GPRS and EDGE, and more recently HSDPA and HSUPA 3G networks. These networks are usually available within range of commercial cell phone towers. Higher speed wireless LANs are inexpensive, but have very limited range. Security standards When working mobile one is dependent on public networks, requiring careful use of VPNs. Power consumption When a power outlet or portable generator is not available, mobile computers must rely entirely on battery power. Combined with the compact size of many mobile devices, this often means unusually expensive batteries must be used to obtain the necessary battery life. Transmission interferences Weather, terrain, and the range from...

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In-vehicle computing and fleet computing

Many commercial and government field forces deploy a ruggedized portable computer such as the Panasonic Toughbook or larger rack-mounted computers with their fleet of vehicles. This requires the units to be anchored to the vehicle for driver safety, device security, and user ergonomics. Ruggedized computers are rated for severe vibration associated with large service vehicles and off-road driving, and the harsh environmental conditions of constant professional use such as in emergency medical services, fire and public safety. The Compaq PortableOther elements that enables the unit to function in vehicle: Operating temperature: A vehicle...

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Portable computing devices

There are several categories of portable computing devices that can run on batteries but are not usually classified as laptops: portable computers, keyboardless tablet PCs, Internet tablets, PDAs, ultra mobile PCs (UMPCs) and smartphones. A Nokia N800 Internet tabletA portable computer is a general-purpose computer that can be easily moved from place to place, but cannot be used while in transit, usually because it requires some "setting-up" and an AC power source. The most famous example is the Osborne 1. Portable computers are also called a "transportable" or a "luggable" PC. A tablet PC that lacks a keyboard (also known as a non-convertible...

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System software

System software provides the basic functions for computer usage and helps run the computer hardware and system. It includes a combination of the following: device drivers operating systems servers utilities window systems System software is responsible for managing a variety of independent hardware components, so that they can work together harmoniously. Its purpose is to unburden the application software programmer from the often complex details of the particular computer being used, including such accessories as communications devices, printers, device readers, displays and keyboards, and also to partition the computer's resources such as memory and processor time in a safe and stable mann...

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