Mobile Computers
Portable computing devices, such as laptops, smartphones, tablets, and phablets, that allow users to access and use computer applications and resources on the go
Characteristics of Mobile Computers
- Laptop Computers:
- Portable with integrated display, keyboard, and touchpad
- Battery powered
- Less powerful and less expandable than desktops
- Smartphones:
- Portable and lightweight
- Touchscreen interface
- Multifunctional (phone, internet access, camera)
- Anti-glare screen
- Front and rear facing camera
- Battery powered
- Uses Bluetooth, WiFi, 3G, 4G, 5G
- Has an on screen keyboard
- Tablet Computers:
- Larger touchscreen than smartphones
- Ideal for media consumption and web browsing
- Limited expandability
- Anti-glare screen
- Front and rear facing camera
- Battery powered
- Portable and lightweight
- Uses Bluetooth, WiFi, 3G, 4G, 5G
- Has an on screen keyboard
- Phablet Computers:
- Combine features of smartphones and tablets
- Larger screen than smartphones
- Can be used for phone calls
Uses of Mobile Computers
- Office and business management:
- Remote access to office applications
- Email and communication on the go
- Mobile payment processing
- Calendar
- Education:
- E-books and digital textbooks
- Educational apps and tools
- Note-taking and research
- Gaming and entertainment:
- Mobile gaming apps
- Streaming movies and music
- Social media
- Remotely controlled devices:
- Controlling smart home devices
- Remote access to surveillance systems
- Controlling drones and other devices
- Communication:
- Video calling
- Text messaging
- Other:
- Sat Nav
- Online banking
- Searching the Internet
- Taking photos
- Language translation
Advantages and Disadvantages
|
|
|
|
Easy to carry and use on the go (Portability) |
Limited expandability (Difficult to upgrade hardware) |
|
Access to internet and resources from anywhere (Flexibility) |
Less powerful (Lower performance compared to desktop computers) |
|
Can be used for various tasks and activities (Multi-functionality) |
Shorter battery life (Needs frequent charging) |
Worked example
Circle two input devices that could be used in a smartphone.
| HDD | magnetic stripe reader | microphone | mouse |
| remote control | speaker | touchpad | touch screen |
[2]
Microphone [1]
Touch screen [1]
