Mobile computing refers to the use of any kind of computer in a moving environment. The motion may be of the device itself, as in laptops, palmtops, wearable computers, and mobile phones; or it may refer to the dynamics of the computing process, as in digital cameras, podcasters and MP3 players. Mobile computing devices generally use wireless technologies such as LAN, Wi-Fi, GPRS and the more recently introduced MAN.
Mobile computing can be broadly classified into two categories x96 portable computing and mobility computing. Portable computing actually refers to wired communication. Portable devices themselves are movable, but in order to access them one needs to connect them to a network port. That means, portable computing devices can be carried to wherever there is a network port available. Mobility computing is also called simply mobile computing nowadays. This is true wireless communication. Not only are the devices movable, but they can also be accessed from almost anywhere. Today, portable computing is almost on the verge of extinction; mobile computing has made its foray into almost every aspect of human life.
The first usage of mobile computing devices was perhaps in vehicles. Speedometers were among the first devices to get computerized. Almost every modern vehicle has several mobile computing devices under its dashboard. Cell phones are another rampant proliferation of mobile computing today. Every single cell phone is a computer in its own right. With the advent of wireless technologies, it is also possible to access the Internet through cell phones. Blue tooth has brought cell phone users closer than ever before and has facilitated data transfer within a stipulated area. Another brilliant advancement in the field of wireless technologies is the Metropolitan Area Network, or MAN, which will allow vehicles and cell phones to remain in communication with each other forming a network probably much vaster than the internet.
Today, mobile computing is a boon to people on the move. It can be used for checking mails while in transit and even carry out transactions and businesses. Services like SMS (Short Messaging Service) and MMS (Multimedia Messaging Service) are targeted towards the younger generation to remain in contact with their colleagues and friends. During sports events, mobile networks keep users informed of the goings-on.
However, critics are concerned with the intrusion of privacy that mobile computing creates. Several members of the younger generation are turning into ‘gizmo freaks’ and becoming almost addicted to their mobile computing devices like watches and cell phones. Some of these devices which work on infrared technologies can also pose potential health risks.
Yet, mobile computing has become an indispensable extension of technology today. It is definitely here to stay.
Related Articles of Interest :
-
Mobile Computing Networks
10 August 2010 8:30 PM |
No Comments
Using mobile computers when in transit implies mobile computing. This is effectuated by using wireless technologies such as LAN, WAN, Wi-Fi, GPRS, etc. LAN refers to Local Area Networking. This is not a very mobile technology, as it restricts the area of its reach. LAN...
-
Mobile Computing Devices
10 August 2010 8:30 PM |
No Comments
Any small portable computer that can be used while on the move can be termed as a mobile computing device. Pocket PCs, palmtops, cell phones and mobile trackers are some examples of mobile computing devices. Mobile computing devices may be operated by a miniature keyboard...
-
What Is Mobile Computing?
10 August 2010 8:30 PM |
No Comments
Mobile computing refers to the use of small and portable computing devices in wireless enabled networks that provide wireless connection to a central main server. These devices include laptops, notebook PCs, tablet PCs, palmtops, personal digital assistant (PDAs) and other hand held devices. A radio-signaling...
-
Mobile Computing Solutions
10 August 2010 8:30 PM |
No Comments
There are several companies that provide mobile computing solutions especially for commercial purposes. Mobile computing includes connecting several computing devices by means of wireless networking to make them accessible with each other. Hence, a person can be communicable with the office even though not physically...
-
Mobile Computing Industry
10 August 2010 8:30 PM |
No Comments
The mobile computing industry consists of all entities that play a role in enabling wireless connectivity. It includes manufacturers of mobile computing devices who produce different items such as laptops, notebook PCs, tablet PCs, palmtops, personal digital assistant (PDAs) and other hand held devices. It...
-
Mobile Computing Accessories
10 August 2010 8:30 PM |
No Comments
Mobile computing accessories include electronic devices such as laptops, notebook PCs, tablet PCs, palmtops, personal digital assistant (PDAs), other hand held devices, networking software and access point devices. These devices have inbuilt radio signaling devices that are used to receive and transmit electronic data. They...
-
Mobile Computing Software
10 August 2010 8:30 PM |
No Comments
Mobile computing software is used in portable computing devices such as laptops, notebook PCs, tablet PCs, palmtops, personal digital assistant (PDAs) and other hand held devices. The software allows users to perform all the functions that are possible in a standard desktop PC connected to...
-
Wireless Networks
10 August 2010 8:30 PM |
No Comments
The information age has been revolutionized not just by the power of computers to process data, but also by the power of communication amongst computers. This communication is responsible for the proliferation of computer networks. Sharing of information, sharing of resources (both software and hardware)...
-
Buy Cell Phones
10 August 2010 8:30 PM |
No Comments
Cell phones have ushered in a new revolution in the world of telecommunications. Apart from offering users the liberty to talk from any part of the world, top of the line cell phones employ advanced communication technologies and integrate functionalities of several gadgets in one....
-
Wireless Network Cards
10 August 2010 8:30 PM |
No Comments
Network cards are the backbone of any network. The Network interface card or the network card is a hardware device that allows a computer to be connected to a network, and through the network to other computers and devices. It is installed in one of...