Updated June 9, 2023
Introduction to Mobile Computing
Mobile computing is the type of mobile computing of two types, i.e., Portable computing and Mobility computing. Mobile computing is a technology that provides an environment to enable users to transmit data from one device to another device without any use of physical cables or links. Mobile computing allows data transformation, video, and voice through any wireless-enabled device or computer. People generally use computing technology in mobiles, laptops, tablets, and other devices that support mobility. Here we will see types of mobile computing and the concept behind mobile computing.
Concept Behind Mobile Computing
Mobile computing is based on the below concepts:
- Mobile Communication
- Mobile Hardware
- Mobile Software
1. Mobile Communication
Mobile communication refers to infrastructure in place to ensure seamless, reliable, and hassle-free communication with wireless devices. It includes ad-hoc and infrastructure networks, protocols, and data formats. Data format ensures there are no collisions with other systems. Radio wave infrastructure is utilized for transmitting signals through the air.
2. Mobile Hardware
Mobile Hardware includes mobile devices or device components. It refers to mobile devices that can access mobility services, which include laptops, tablet PCs, smartwatches and smartphones, and other PDAs (Personal Digital Assistants). In such devices, receptors are installed to sense and receive signals. These devices can send and receive signals at the same time, which is known as full-duplex.
3. Mobile Software
A mobile operating system (OS) program is specifically developed for mobile hardware. It deals with the requirements of mobile applications and remains responsible for all the functions in devices called a device engine.
Different Types of Computing
We have two types of mobile computing:
- Portable Computing: It needs wired communication. All the users have the freedom to move devices anywhere and at any time, but they require access to connect within a network line.
- Mobility Computing: It refers to wireless communication and is also known as “Mobile Computing”. It provides a better environment for users to send data from one location to another anytime using these mobile computing devices without physical connections.
Some of the mobile computing devices are listed below:
- Tablet: It is a wireless portable computer with a touch interface. It is smaller than a notebook but larger than a smartphone.
- Laptop: It is a portable computer, usually with a battery charge.
- Smartphone: It performs many computer functions, basically with a touchscreen interface, network access, and Operating system, which is capable of accessing or downloading applications.
- Personal Digital Assistant (PDA): A pocket computer capable of synchronizing data from one terminal to another. In PDA, the user can access video calls, voice calls, calendars, clocks, etc. Nowadays, PDAs vary based on Operating systems.
- iPad: It is a personal tablet computer designed by Apple Inc. It has 9.7 inches screen with touch, used to browse the web, listen to audio, watch videos, play games, etc.
- Portable Gaming Devices: A video game console with a built-in screen, mice, game controllers, and speakers. They are small in size when compared with home video consoles.
- E-Readers: Portable electronic devices, commonly known as e-book readers, are utilized to read digital content, including e-books and e-newspapers.
- Graphing Calculator: A special hardware calculating device that displays plotted graphs for solving complicated equations such as parabolas, etc.
- Netbook: It is a mobile computing device with lightweight, less processing power comparatively, and less power consumption. The primary purpose of its design is to facilitate word processing tasks and provide access to the internet through web browsers.
- Pocket PCs: These are also known as Microsoft Windows classic device, which is different from PDA and can run Windows mobile OS and also can perform tasks similar to modern PCs
- Ultra-Mobile PCs: It is a portable hardware device that can run Windows OS and has good functionality compared to laptops. It has a screen size of 5-7 inches and a weight of 2 pounds.
- PlayStation Portable (PSP): It is a slim gaming console released by Sony Entertainment.
- Atari Lynx: It is an 8-bit or 16-bit portable gaming device developed by Atari Lynx in 1989.
- Gizmondo: It is a handheld hardware gaming console designed by Tiger Telematics.
- N – Gage: It is a Symbian smartphone and a combination of handheld gaming systems introduced by Nokia in 2002.
- GamePark 3: It is a portable hardware device for video games, released by the Game Park company in 2001.
- PC Engine GT: The Japanese introduced a portable version of the PC Engine in 1990, later released by the USA as the TurboExpress.
Advantages and Disadvantages of Mobile Computing
Given below are the advantages and disadvantages mentioned:
Advantages:
- These devices save time while the user is traveling or whenever, in an urgency, work can be done over mobile devices.
- Users have location flexibility and can work anywhere and at any time of the day.
- These devices have enhanced productivity and provided ease of research.
- People can use mobile devices for entertainment and connect with people worldwide through social engagement applications.
Disadvantages:
- Users might face security issues, too, as many mobile computing devices can be hacked.
- These devices consume more power, even though a better battery exists.
- Cost also plays a major disadvantage to users, as with new technologies coming through, the cost of these also increases, which becomes difficult for users to buy.
Conclusion
We conclude the topic “Mobile Computing types.” Throughout our discussion, we have explored the concept of mobile computing and examined the various types of devices utilized in contemporary society. We have also seen the concept behind mobile computing, which comprises three major points. We have also listed a few mobile computing devices and their specifications. Have gone through some of the advantages and disadvantages of mobile computing devices.
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