EOC Summary

1. What are the advantages and limitations of mobile computing? Mobile computing allows you to communicate with others, remain productive, and have access to your personal information and schedules, Internet-based information, and important software no matter where you are. However, because mobile devices have been miniaturized, they are more expensive and less rugged than desktop equipment. In addition, battery life limits the usefulness of mobile devices, the screen area is small on most devices, the speed of Internet connection is currently lower than is available in the home, and wireless Internet coverage can be limited in some areas.

2. What are the various mobile computing devices? A range of mobile computing devices are on the market today, including paging devices (pagers), cell phones (and smartphones), portable media players (PMPs), personal digital assistants (PDAs), tablet PCs, and notebook (laptop) computers.

3. What can pagers do, and who uses them? A pager is a small wireless device that allows you to receive numeric (and sometimes text) messages on a small display screen. Two-way pagers support both receiving and sending messages. Pagers have long battery lives, are very compact, and are the most inexpensive mobile computing device. People who need to be reachable but want an inexpensive and lightweight device are the primary market for pagers.

4. How do cell phone components resemble a traditional computer, and how do cell phones work? Just like a computer system, cell phones include a processor (CPU), memory, input and output devices, software, and an operating system. When you speak into a cell phone, the sound enters as a sound wave. Analog sound waves need to be digitized, so an analog-to-digital converter chip converts these sound waves into digital signals. The digital information is then compressed (by a digital signal processor) so that it transmits more quickly to another phone. Finally, the digital information is transmitted as a radio wave through the cellular network to the destination phone.

5. What can I carry in a portable media player, and how does it store data? A personal media player (PMP) is a device that enables you to carry digital music, image, and video files around with you. Some PMPs also allow you to carry contact databases and calendars as well. The most inexpensive players use only flash memory to store data, whereas more expensive models use a built-in hard drive, which provides more storage.

6. What can I use a PDA for, and what internal components and features does it have? PDAs are powerful devices that can carry calendars, contact lists, personal productivity software programs, songs, photos, games, and more. Like any computer, a PDA includes a processor, operating system software, input and output devices, and ports. All PDAs feature touch-sensitive screens that allow you to enter data with a stylus. You can use either handwritten text or special notation systems to enter data into a PDA. In terms of output devices, PDAs come with LCD screens in a variety of resolutions. The two main PDA operating systems are the Palm OS and Windows Mobile. PDAs do not come with built-in hard drives, but for memory needs beyond their built-in RAM and ROM, certain PDAs use removable flash memory.

7. How can I synchronize my PDA with my desktop computer? The process of updating your data so that the files on your mobile device and desktop computer are the same is called synchronizing. To synchronize your desktop and PDA, you place the PDA in a cradle and touch a “hot sync” button. This begins the process of information transfer (or synchronization) that updates both sets of files to the most current version. Other options for synchronizing or transferring files include using IrDA ports and the Bluetooth wireless connectivity option.

8. What is a tablet PC, and why would I want to use one? Atablet PC is a portable computer that includes advanced handwriting recognition and incorporates the use of digital ink. Tablet PCs are so-named because the display monitor can be used either in a traditional notebook mode or in tablet mode. The most innovative input technology on the tablet PC is digital ink. Supporting digital ink, the tablet’s screen is pressure-sensitive and reacts to a digital pen. Atablet PC can be the ideal solution when you require a lightweight, portable computer with full desktop processing power.

9. How powerful are notebooks, and how do they compare to desktop computers? The most powerful mobile computing solution is a notebook (or laptop) computer. Notebooks offer large displays and can be equipped with DVD/CD-RW drives, hard drives, and 2 GB or even more of RAM. Many models feature hotswappable bays and a full set of ports. Still, desktop systems are more reliable and cost-effective than notebooks. In addition, it is easier to upgrade and add new ports and devices to a desktop than to a notebook. And though powerful, CPUs for notebooks are usually a bit slower than the latest CPU offered for desktop units. Still, many users feel that the mobility notebooks offer is worth the added expense.