What is a mobile device?

A mobile device is a small computer that may be carried about. Every portable computer device comes with an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display)/OLED(Organic Light-Emitting Diode) plasma screen interface with a touchpad, has digitalized buttons, input devices, and a keyboard.

Car entertainment systems and headphones, connect to the Internet and create communication with each other via Wi-Fi, bluetooth and cellular networks. Audio and video calls, games are all commonly found in smartphones. Lithium(Li) ion battery is commonly used to provide power. On mobile devices/smartphones running mobile operating systems(OS), third-party programs can be installed and performed.

Some mobile devices are listed below.

• Laptops, tablets, and netbook PCs.
• Mobile phones/smartphones.
• Devices that use the global positioning system.
• Payment terminals for debit and credit cards can be done wireless.

Mobile device communication technology

A variety of communication technologies are used by portable devices, including:

• Wi-Fi is a wireless local area network technology.
• Bluetooth provides mobile devices to get wireless data and networking services.
• Dial-up internet connections - modem and phone-based data networking services.

While traveling long distances or at business, these technologies allow us to connect mobile devices such as phones and laptops to our workplace or the internet.

Mobile device characteristics

• Access to the internet via Wi-Fi or cellular data, or a Bluetooth connection to another device.
• A long-lasting battery that keeps the device running for long hours.
• Real or on-screen keyboard is needed for entering data.
• It can be carried with one hand and controlled with the other due to its size and weight.
• It has a user-friendly interface.
• Virtual assistants are used in smartphones, tablets, iPad and so forth. It provides an easy to use interface.
• Wireless operation is possible.

Mobile devices 

• Smartphones /Tablets
• Laptop computers are portable computers.
• Wearable computers/smartwatches
• E-readers
• Handheld video game consoles

Smartphones/mobile phones are mobile devices that runs on Android and iOS. Smartphones/mobile phones are portable and can fit in a pocket. It enables people to stay connected with a persistent network connection. There are numerous device options that suits the diverse requirements of the user.

Tablets, like smartphones, offer many of the same advantages but in a bigger physical factor. When completing tasks that would be better suited to a larger display with higher battery life, a tablet is found to be useful. Work presentations, gaming, or even live streaming of high-definition showed on Netflix are some of the target applications for tablet.

Laptop computers have always been popular because they provide us with the capability of a desktop computer while allowing us to take it with us wherever we go. It is similar to a personal computer in all aspects except that it can be carried easily. Additional advantages include a full-sized keyboard, the same input and output ports, and the possibility to attach an external display.

Smartwatches are a relatively new technology that now serves a small market. The ability to receive notifications and important information on our wrist without having to pick up another device is one of the key advantages a smartwatch may bring. It can be used to make and receive phone calls on some of the new standalone versions, just like it can be done on the smartphones.

E-readers have been around for a long time, and while they have some similarities to tablets, their major function is to allow people to read. E-readers like the Amazon Kindle and Barnes & Noble Nook have made them a popular choice for folks who prefer reading books in digital format. These technologies revolutionized the way people read, ushering in a new era of books.

F-Handheld gaming consoles have transformed the way we think about mobile gaming since Nintendo's Game-boy. The Nintendo Switch and the Nintendo 3DS are two of the most well-known mobile gaming devices available today. Gaming has become one of the most popular kinds of entertainment, and such devices will continue to be needed.

Advantages of mobiles devices

• Mobile devices have a distinct advantage over desktop computers in terms of portability and flexibility of use.
• Mobile devices are smaller and take up less room than desktop PCs.
• The power utilized by mobile devices is lower than that of a desktop computer, which can aid with power and cost savings.
• Mobile devices are not meant to be used full-time, but they're wonderful for an hour of perusing the web before stowing them beneath the sofa or in a drawer.
• Better access to current apps and services enhanced capacity to communicate in and out of the workplace
• Increased networking capacity.
• While working remotely, mobile devices can connect you immediately to the workplace network. You could, for example, remotely:
• Users can check the price and stock availability.
• Users can place an online order.
• Rapid advancements in cloud computing increases the usage of mobile devices in the workplace, allowing for more flexible working habits and internet-based services.

Mobile devices drawbacks

• Costs – new technology and equipment are generally expensive to buy and maintain, and they require constant maintenance and upkeep.
• Distractions in the workplace - like the spectrum of technology and gadgets expands, so does the potential for them to disrupt corporate productivity and efficiency.
• Staff may require further training and guidance on how to use new technologies.
• Increased security requirements - portable devices, particularly those containing sensitive or vital company data, are subject to security threats.
• Security measures must be in place when mobile devices are used in office environments.

Context and Applications

This topic is important for postgraduate and undergraduate courses, particularly for, 

• Bachelors in Computer Science Engineering.
• Associate of Science in Computer Science.

Practice Problems

Question 1: ________ provides wireless data networking services to mobiles devices.

1. Bluetooth
2. Dial-up
3. WI-FI
4. None

Answer: Option A is correct.

Explanation: Bluetooth is a wireless communication technology that allows devices to communicate across short distances wirelessly.

Question 2: In mobile devices, ______ runs different types of software applications called apps.

1. Grid system
2. Operating system
3. Distributed system
4. None of these

Answer: Option B is correct.

Explanation: Mobiles devices are installed with respective operating systems which support and run various apps.

Question 3: What are the disadvantages of mobile devices?

1. Smaller keypads
2. Faster power consumption
3. Requirement of large power source
4. All the above

Answer: Option D is correct.

Explanation: For virtually all users, there are certain common downsides of mobiles, such as the need for a quicker source since they exhaust the battery source quickly.

Question 4: Which of the following OS is not used in mobile phones?

1. Android
2. IOS
3. Windows
4. MS-DOS

Answer: Option D is correct.

Explanation: MS-DOS OS runs on PC and it is designed for mobile phones.

Question 5: Which field uses wireless communication to exchange data over a short distance between many mobile phones?

1. Computing adhoc
2. Mobile computing
3. Bluetooth technology
4. None of these

Answer: Option C is correct.

Explanation: Bluetooth is typically used to exchange information between mobile devices over a short distance.