Mobile computing
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Mobile computing is a generic term describing one's ability to use technology while moving, as opposed to portable computers, which are only practical for use while deployed in a stationary configuration.
Many types of mobile computers have been introduced since the 1990s, including the:
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[edit] Technical and other limitations of mobile computing
- Insufficient bandwidth
If the user needs access to a network such as the internet on the go, they must resort to slow wireless WAN systems primarily intended for telephone use. Higher speed wireless LANs are only available in specific sites
- Security standards
When working mobile one is dependent on public networks, requiring careful use of VPNs.
- Power consumption
Since the grid can not be used, mobile computers must rely entirely on battery power. Combined with compact size, this means unusually expensive batteries must be used
- Transmission interferences
Weather and terrain problems as well as distance-limited connection exist with some technologies. Reception in tunnels and some buildings is poor.
- Potential health hazards
Potential health damage from cellular radio frequency emission is not known yet. However, more car accidents are related to drivers who were talking through a mobile device. Also, cell phones may interfere with sensitive medical devices.
- Human interface with device
As HMDs are still uncommon, screens are often too small. Keyboards are impractical, especially one-handed, and alternate methods such as speech or handwriting recognition require training.
- GH Forman, J Zahorjan - Computer, 1994 - doi.ieeecomputersociety.org
- David P. Helmbold, "A dynamic disk spin-down technique for mobile computing", citeseer.ist.psu.edu, 1996
- MH Repacholi, "health risks from the use of mobile phones", Toxicology Letters, 2001 - Elsevier
- Landay, J.A. Kaufmann, T.R., "user interface issues in mobile computing", Workstation Operating Systems, 1993.
- T Imielinski, BR Badrinath "mobile wireless computing, challenges in data management- Communications of the ACM, 1994 - portal.acm.org
[edit] Mobile computing: 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 EMS, fire and public safety.
Other elements that enables the unit to function in vehicle:
- Operating Temperature: A vehicle cabin can often experience temperature swings from -20F to +140F. Computers typically must be able to withstand these temperatures while operating. Typical fan based cooling has stated limits of 95F-100F of ambient temperature, and temperature below freezing require localized heaters to bring components up to operating temperature(based on independent studies by the SRI Group and by Panasonic R&D).
- Vibration: Vehicles typically have considerable vibration that can decrease life expectancy of computer components, notably rotational storage such as HDDs.
- Daylight, or sunlight readability: Visibility of standard screens becomes an issue in bright sunlight.
- Touchscreens: These enable users to easily interact with the units in the field without removing gloves.
- High-Temperature Battery Settings:. Lithium Ion batteries are sensitive to high temperature conditions for charging. A computer designed for the mobile environment should be designed with a high-temperature charging function that limits the charge to 85% or less of capacity.
- External wireless Connections, and External GPS Antenna Connections: Necessary to contend with the typical metal cabins of vehicles and their impact on wireless reception, and to take advantage of much more capable external tranception equipment.
Several specialized manufacturers such as National Products Inc (Ram Mounts), Gamber Johnson and LedCo build mounts for vehicle mounting of computer equipment for specific vehicles. The mounts are built to withstand the harsh conditions and maintain ergonomics.
Specialized installation companies, such as TouchStar Pacific, specialize in designing the mount design, assembling the proper parts, and installing them in a safe and consistent manner away from airbags, vehicle HVAC controls, and driver controls. Frequently installations will include a WWAN modem, power conditioning equipment, and WWAN/WLAN/GPS/etc… transceiver antennæ mounted external to the vehicle.
[edit] Portable computing devices
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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 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 Tablet PC) is shaped like slate or a paper notebook, features a touchscreen with a stylus and handwriting recognition software. Tablets may not be best suited for applications requiring a physical keyboard for typing, but are otherwise capable of carrying out most tasks that an ordinary laptop would be able to perform.
An Internet tablet is an Internet appliance in tablet form. Unlike a Tablet PC, an Internet tablet does not have much computing power and its applications suite is limited, and it can not replace a general purpose computer. Internet tablets typically feature an MP3 and video player, a web browser, a chat application and a picture viewer.
A Personal digital assistant (PDA) is a small, usually pocket-sized, computer with limited functionality. It is intended to supplement and to synchronize with a desktop computer, giving access to contacts, address book, notes, e-mail and other features.
An Ultra Mobile PC is a full-featured, PDA-sized computer running a general-purpose operating system.
A Smart phone is a PDA with an integrated cellphone functionality. Current smartphones have a wide range of features and installable applications.
Boundaries that separate these categories are blurry at times. For example, the OQO UMPC is also a PDA-sized tablet PC; the Apple eMate had the clamshell form factor of a laptop, but ran PDA software. The HP Omnibook line of laptops included some devices small enough to be called Ultra Mobile PCs. The hardware of the Nokia 770 internet tablet is essentially the same as that of a PDA such as the Zaurus 6000; the only reason it's not called a PDA is that it doesn't have PIM software. On the other hand, both the 770 and the Zaurus can run some desktop Linux software, usually with modifications.
[edit] See also
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Wikimedia Commons has media related to: Mobile computers |
- Enterprise digital assistant
- Location-based service
- Mobile ad-hoc networks
- Mobile Computing and Communications Review
- Mobile development
- Mobile Device Management
- Mobile identity management
- Mobile software
- Mobileers (users of mobile rigs)
- Perimeter (EU Project)
- Ubiquitous computing
- Mobilis
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