MOBILE COMPUTING
     Mobile computing: being able to use a computing device even when being mobile and therefore changing location. Portability is one aspect of mobile computing.
     Mobile computing is human–computer interaction by which a computer is expected to be transported during normal usage. Mobile computing involves mobile communication, mobile hardware, and mobile software. Communication issues include ad hoc and infrastructure networks as well as communication properties, protocols, data formats and concrete technologies. Hardware includes mobile devices or device components. Mobile software deals with the characteristics and requirements of mobile applications.
     Mobile computing comes with different operating system(OS) such as andriod, symbian, windows and mac.
       
 Many types of mobile computers have been introduced since the 1990s including the:

1, SMART PHONE
Smart phone, is a mobile phone built on a mobile operating system, with more advanced computing capability and connectivity than a feature phone .smartphones combined the functions of a personal digital assistant (PDA) with   a mobile phone. Later models added the functionality of portable media players, low-end compact digital cameras, pocket video cameras, and GPS navigation units to form one multi-use device. Many modern smartphones also include high-resolution, touchscreens and web browsers that display standard web pages as well as mobile-optimized sites. High-speed data access is provided by Wi-Fi and mobile broadband. In recent years, the rapid development of mobile app markets and of mobile -commerce have been drivers of smartphone adoption. Examples of smart phones are HTC,SAMSUNG GALAXY,IPHONE,NOKIA etc. this are examples of smart phones

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2,TABLET
A tablet computer, or simply tablet, is a mobile computer with display, circuitry and battery in a single unit. Tablets are often equipped with sensors, including cameras, microphone, accelerometer and touchscreen, with finger or stylus gestures replacing computer mouse and keyboard. Tablets may include physical buttons, e.g., to control basic features such as speaker volume and power and ports for network communications and to charge the battery. An on-screen, popup virtual keyboard is usually used for typing. Tablets are typically larger than smart phones or personal digital assistants at 7 inches (18 cm) or larger, measured diagonally . Example of tablets are ipad, hp envy x2, Samsung ,asus, acer
Hybrids that include detachable keyboards has been out now.  For example HP ENVY X2, Samsung ATIV Smart* PC Pro.This are examples of tablets

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

3,Wearable computers,

 also known as body-borne computers are miniature electronic devices that are worn by the bearer under, with or on top of clothing.[1] This class of wearable technology has been developed for general or special purpose information technologies and media development. Wearable computers are especially useful for applications that require more complex computational support than just hardware coded logics.

One of the main features of a wearable computer is consistency. There is a constant interaction between the computer and user, i.e. there is no need to turn the device on or off. Another feature is the ability to multi-task. It is not necessary to stop what you are doing to use the device; it is augmented into all other actions. These devices can be incorporated by the user to act like a prosthetic. It can therefore be an extension of the user’s mind and/or body. this are examples of  wearable computers.

 

 

 

 

NOTE:   mobile computers are used in mission critical applications worldwide. Enterprise customers know that new technologies are needed to address the most demanding business problems today, and  mobile computers can be counted on to stand up to the rigors of the toughest applications.

With a range of products from handheld to vehicle mounted, mobile computers offer a “tool for the task at hand.” Built on years of experience with rugged mobile computing solutions, mobile computer brings the latest technologies to open system based solutions. The mobile computer Developer Library make application development fast and easy. And cost of ownership after installation can be kept low through use of advanced device management tools.

Mobile Computing is both old and new. In the past IBM Researchers have made pioneering contributions, ranging from technology for handheld and notebook computers such as Track Point device and Linux watch, to middleware and standards, such as accessibility Works, Bluetooth and Mobile IP. Today with the penetration of a new generation of mobile devices such as smartphones, iPads, the emphasis is increasingly shifting to mobile and multi-device user experience, mobile social computing, next generation mobile solutions, mobile cloud services and infrastructure. This page provides information relevant to Mobile Computing Professional Interest Community (PIC) at IBM Research. It includes current mobile related projects, events such as seminars, university visits, recent papers and seminal contributions to the field.

 

                                         Advantages of mobile computing

 

1- Increase in Productivity- Mobile devices can be used out in the field of various companies, therefore reducing the time and cost for clients and themselves.

 

2- Entertainment- Mobile devices can be used for entertainment purposes, for personal and even for presentations to people and clients

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3- Portability- this would be one of the main advantages of mobile computing, you are not restricted to one location in order for you to get jobs done or even access email on the go

 

4. Cloud Computing- This service is available for saving documents on a online server and being able to access them anytime and anywhere when you have a connection to the internet and can access these files on several mobile devices or even PCs at home.     (http://mobilecomputingproject.files.wordpress.com/2012/10/cloudcomputing.jpg

 

                  Disadvantages of mobile computing

 

1,    quality of connectivity- as one of the disadvantages, mobile devices will need either WiFi connectivity or mobile network connectivity such as GPRS, 3G and in some countries even 4G connectivity  that is why this is a disadvantage because if you are not near any of these connections your acce
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ss to the internet is very limited.

2,    security concerns- Mobile VPNs are unsafe to connect to, and also syncing devices might also lead to security concerns. accessing a WiFi network can also be risky because WPA and WEP security can be bypassed easily.

3,    Power Consumption- due to the use of batteries in these devices, these do not tend to last long, if in a situation where there is  no source of power for charging then that will certainly be a let down.

Mobile computing embraces a host of portable technologies that makes Internet access on the go not only possible, but integral to every day life. From notebook computers to personal digital assistants (PDAs) like the Blackberry® and iPhone®, to standard cell phones, mobile computing has become an indispensable way of life.

Mobile laptop and notebook computers can use one of two types of wireless access services when away from the home or office. The most commonly used and least expensive is WiFi®. WiFi uses radio waves to broadcast an Internet signal from a wireless router to the immediate surrounding area. If the wireless network is not encrypted, anyone can jump on. WiFi is commonly used in public places to create “hotspots.”

The drawback to WiFi is that you must locate a hotspot, then stay put within broadcasting range to use it. An alternative to WiFi is cellular broadband. This type of mobile computing technology utilizes a cellular modem or AirCard® to connect to cell towers for Internet access. The AirCard fits into the PC Card or ExpressCard slot of a notebook or laptop, delivering Internet access on the go, literally. One needn’t remain stationary to use cellular broadband as the signal will remain strong everywhere there is cellular service.

 

 

 

HISTORY OF MOBILE COMPUTING

The Idea of mobile computing has only been around since the 1990s. Since then, Mobile computing has evolved from two-way radios that use large antennas to communicate simple messages to three inch personal computers that can do almost everything a regular computer does. People can’t go to their local Starbucks and not see a laptop linked up to a hotspot Static network. This actually used to mean radio transmitters that operated on a stable base, usually with the help of large antennas. 2 way radios used by police officers were also considered mobile technology but now, it means people can connect wirelessly to the internet or to a private network almost anywhere. As long as a person has one of the devices capable of wirelessly accessing the internet, they are participating in mobile computing. Chances are, you have done it with a laptop computer or a personal digital assistant or PDA.So they decide to came up with an idea of portable devices These days, Pocket PCs are another way to conveniently access the internet on the earth devices that have been developed for mobile computing have taken over the wireless industry. This new type of communication is a very powerful tool for both businesses and personal use. The portable computer has change computing world confiered to hundred years’ back. from huge machines that could not do much more than word processing to tiny hand held device. It offers the opportunity to bring people together and give everyone access to a greater wealth of information and knowledge, and to share their knowledge with others.


WHY MOBILE COMPUTING

 

Mobile computing is all about portable and small computers, which includes PDAs (Personal Digital Assistants) like mobile phones, palmtops, laptops etc. In this growing technological world, people are much bound to work on computers and Internet. People are attracted towards mobile devices because of their major features such as-
Mobile computing can be defined as the ability to use technology that is not physically connected to any static network. Nowadays, most laptops and personal digital assistants(PDA) all have wireless cards or Bluetooth interfaces built into them for very Good mobile internet access. Mobile computing is “taking a computer and all necessary files and software to the next Level.
They are wireless devices.
Mobile devices are portable that enables easy to carry and work with while you are on the move.
Has attractive user interface.
Provide many features like wireless LAN to access Internet from any part of the world.
Enables voice and typical data transmission
Enables one to one contact to have conversations
Though the mobile computing devices have drawbacks such as low bandwidth, lack of security, loss of connectivity and battery backup issue, people still prefer mobile computing devices to desktops.
They are wireless devices.
Mobile devices are portable that enables easy to carry and work with while you are on the move.
Has attractive user interface.
Provide many features like wireless LAN to access Internet from any part of the world.
Enables voice and typical data transmission
Enables one to one contact to have conversations
Though the mobile computing devices have drawbacks such as low bandwidth, lack of security, loss of connectivity and battery backup issue, people still prefer mobile computing devices to desktops. Because you can carry it along to where ever you go( this link is a video you need watch. its a must watch).http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_detailpage&v=Nn5Xw-ZrMkM&list=PLA62D07DFBD8F4C58
 

 

 

 

 we hope you guys enjoyed the blog and get ready to see more blogs on mobile computing.      pmva engineer.