Mobile Computing

Kabindra Koirala
Introduction

• Mobile Computing refers a technology that allows transmission of data, voice and video via a
computer or any other wireless enabled device.

• It is free from having a connection with a fixed physical link or cables.

• It facilitates the users to move from one physical location to another during communication.

• In this technology, data transmission is done wirelessly with the help of wireless devices such as
mobiles, laptops etc.

• Mobile computing technology provides a vast coverage diameter for communication.

• It is one of the fastest and most reliable sectors of the computing technology field.
Characteristics of Mobile Computing
1. Portability - The Ability to move a device within a learning environment or to different environments with ease.

2. Social Interactivity - The ability to share data and collaboration between users.

3. Context Sensitivity - The ability to gather and respond to real or simulated data unique to a current location, environment, or time.

4. Connectivity - The ability to be digitally connected for the purpose of communication of data in any environment.

5. Individual - The ability to use the technology to provide scaffolding on difficult activities and lesson customization for individual

learners.

6. Small Size - A typical mobile device will fit in the average adult's hand or pocket. Some mobile devices may fold or slide from a

compact, portable mode to a slightly larger size, revealing built-in keyboards or larger screens. Mobile devices make use of touch

screens and small keypads to receive input, maintaining their small size and independence from external interface devices. The

standard form of a mobile device allows the user to operate it with one hand, holding the device in the palm or fingers while

executing its functions with the thumb.

 Netbooks and small tablet computers are sometimes mistaken for true mobile devices, based on
their similarity in form and function, but if the device's size prohibits one-handed operation or
hinders portability, then it cannot be considered a true mobile device.
7. Wireless Communication - Mobile devices are typically capable of communication with other
similar devices, with stationary computers and systems, with networks and portable phones. Base
mobile devices are capable of accessing the Internet through Bluetooth or Wi-Fi networks, and
many models are equipped to access cell phone and wireless data networks as well. Email and
texting are standard ways of communicating with mobile devices, although many are also
capable of telephony, and some specialized mobile devices, such as barcode.
The concept of Mobile Computing can be divided into three parts:
◦ Mobile Communication
◦ Mobile Hardware
◦ Mobile Software
 Mobile Communication
• Mobile Communication specifies a framework that is responsible for the working of mobile computing technology.
• In this case, mobile communication refers to an infrastructure that ensures seamless and reliable communication
among wireless devices.
• This framework ensures the consistency and reliability of communication between wireless devices.
• These devices are responsible for delivering a smooth communication process.

Mobile communication can be divided in the following four types:

1.Fixed and Wired

2.Fixed and Wireless

3.Mobile and Wired

4.Mobile and Wireless

Fixed and Wired: In Fixed and Wired configuration, the devices are fixed at a position, and they are
connected through a physical link to communicate with other devices.
For Example, Desktop Computer.

Fixed and Wireless: In Fixed and Wireless configuration, the devices are fixed at a position, and they are
connected through a wireless link to make communication with other devices.
For Example, Communication Towers

Mobile and Wired: In Mobile and Wired configuration, some devices are wired, and some are mobile. They
altogether make communication with other devices.
For Example, Laptops.

Mobile and Wireless: In Mobile and Wireless configuration, the devices can communicate with each other
irrespective of their position. They can also connect to any network without the use of any wired device.
For Example, WiFi Dongle.
Mobile Hardware

• Mobile hardware consists of mobile devices or device components that can be used to receive or
access the service of mobility.
• These devices are inbuilt with a receptor medium that can send and receive signals.
• These devices are capable of operating in full-duplex.
• It means they can send and receive signals at the same time.
• Examples of mobile hardware can be smartphones, laptops, portable PCs, tablet PCs, Personal
Digital Assistants, etc.
Mobile Software
• Mobile software is a program that runs on mobile hardware.

• This is designed to deal capably with the characteristics and requirements of mobile applications.

• This is the operating system for the appliance of mobile devices.

• In other words, you can say it the heart of the mobile systems.

• This is an essential component that operates the mobile device.

• This provides portability to mobile devices, which ensures wireless communication.

Applications of Mobile Computing

Following is a list of some significant fields in which mobile computing is generally

applied:
◦ Web or Internet access.
◦ Global Position System (GPS).
◦ Emergency services.
◦ Entertainment services.
◦ Educational services.
History and Evolution of Mobile Computing
Devices used in Mobile Computing

1. Portable Computers
A portable computer is a computer that is designed in a way that you can move it from one place to another. It includes a
display and a keyboard. Generally, portable computers are microcomputers.
Compaq Portable and Contemporary portable computer with 3 LCD screens were the early examples of portable computers.
Now, portable computers are discontinued.

2. Personal Digital Assistant/Enterprise Digital Assistant (PDA or EDA)

A Personal Digital Assistant (PDA) is also known as a palmtop computer. Sometimes, it is also called Enterprise Digital Assistant
(EDA). A personal Digital Assistant (PDA) is a mobile device used to function as a personal information manager or a personal
data assistant. Its name, Personal Digital Assistant (PDA), was evolved from Personal Desktop Assistant, a software term for an
application that prompts or prods the user of a computer with suggestions or provides a quick reference to contacts and other
lists.
Apple Newton and UPOP PDA were the early examples of Personal Digital Assistant. Now, a Personal Digital Assistant (PDAs)
are also discontinued.

3. Ultra-Mobile PC
An ultra-mobile PC was a small form factor version of a pen computer. It was a class of laptops whose specifications were
launched by Microsoft and Intel in 2006.
Samsung q1 ultra-premium was the early example of an ultra-mobile PC. Now, ultra-mobile PCs are also discontinued.
4. Laptop
A laptop is a small, portable personal computer (PC) built in a foldable device. The folding structure
of a laptop is called a clamshell form factor. The flip or clamshell is a form factor of a mobile phone
or other devices that include two or more folded sections via a hinge. A laptop typically has a
thin LCD or LED computer screen mounted on the inside of the clamshell's upper lid and an
alphanumeric keyboard on the inside of the lower lid. Laptops are easy to carry for transportation,
and that's why they are best suitable for mobile use.

5. Smartphone
A smartphone is a mobile device that combines cellular and mobile computing functions into one
unit. The smartphones are invented to provide more advanced computing capability and
connectivity than basic feature phones.
Smartphones are different from basic feature phones by their more robust hardware capabilities
and extensive mobile operating systems, which facilitate more comprehensive software, internet
i.e., web browsing over mobile broadband, and multimedia functionality i.e., music, video, cameras,
and gaming etc., along with the core phone functions such as voice calls and text messaging.
IBM Simon Personal Communicator thought to be the first smartphone in the world. Below is the
image of IBM Simon Personal Communicator.
6. Tablet Computers 8. E-reader
A tablet computer is generally known as a tablet. It is a An e-reader is also called an e-book reader or e-book
mobile computer with a mobile operating system and a device. It is a mobile electronic device that is mainly
touch-screen display processing circuit, and a designed to read digital e-books. A right e-reader
rechargeable battery in a single, thin and flat unit. provides great portability, readability, and battery life.
Tablets can do what other personal computers can do, The main advantages of e-readers over printed books are
but they don't have some input/output (I/O) abilities that portability. A average e-reader can hold thousands of
computers have. Nowadays, tablets are very much books while weighing less than one book. The best
similar to modern smartphones. The only difference is example of an E-reader is a Kindle.
that tablets are relatively larger than smartphones, with
screens 7 inches or larger and may not support a cellular 9. Personal Assistant Device
network.
The early trend of Mobile device has been developed in
First-generation Ipads and Sony Z2 Android were the such a way that we can carry the Personal Assistant
early examples of tablets. device, where ever we move. One of the famous device
name for this technology is Amazon Alexa Device. This
device use modern AI technology and follow the
instructions given by the user through Voice
7. Wearable computers
Recognization. It detect the voice of Master/user and
Wearable computers are a type of computer that can be perform the task, what the user want to do. Eg: modern
worn by the bearer under, with or on top of clothing. houses are built with sensor’s electric connection. When
They are also known as body-borne computers or we connect Alexa with these household electric machines,
wearables, which are small electronic devices. Some we can instruct Alexa to perform the task, like switching
examples of wearable computers are smartwatches, off the electric bulb.
digital fitness bands etc.
Issues occurred in Mobile Computing

1. Costly due to Wireless Medium

The Mobile computing technology mainly focuses on wireless infrastructure, so the cost of implementation is
always high. It also faces issues like efficiency, delays and security, which we have to consider in project
establishment.
2. Issue due to Device Mobility
The device mobility is one of the most significant advantages of mobile computing technology. But, it is one
of its major issues too. To obtain the device mobility feature of mobile computing technology, we have to
install the highest standards' types of equipment. So, whenever the mobile device changes its environment,
we have to restructure its configuration environment.
We have to configure the device mobility feature according to the location, environment and surroundings of
a mobile device regularly.
3. Security Issues in Mobile Computing
This is undoubtedly the biggest and one of the most discussed issues we face in mobile computing
technology. It arises due to the shared medium ability of mobile computing.
Advantages and Disadvantages of Mobile
Advantages of Mobile Computing Technology
Computing
Enhanced Productivity
We can use mobile devices in various companies, which can reduce the time and cost for clients and themselves and enhance
the productivity of the company.
Location Flexibility
This technology facilitates users to work efficiently and effectively from whichever location they want to do their tasks. So, a
user can work without being in a fixed position. This facility makes them able to carry out numerous tasks at the same time
and also benefitted the company.
Saves Time
The location flexibility facility of mobile computing makes it time-saving. It cuts down the time consumed or wasted while
traveling from different locations or to the office and back. It facilitates users to access all the essential documents and files
over a secure channel and work on their computers. It has also reduced many unnecessary incurred expenses.
Support Cloud Computing
By using mobile Computing technology, you can save your documents on an online server and access them anytime and
anywhere when you have an internet connection. You can access these files on several mobiles simultaneously.
Entertainment
Nowadays, mobile devices can be used as an entertainment source. They provide a lot of entertainment facilities to their users.
Besides the above advantages, it provides some other facilities such as Device Mobility, Simple Framework, easy and simple
infrastructure etc.
Disadvantages of Mobile Computing Technology

Poor Quality of Connectivity

This is one of the biggest disadvantages because if you are not near any of these connection providers,
your access to the internet may be minimal.
Security Issues
Mobile VPNs are not very safe to connect, and there is always a chance of security concerns.
High on Power Consumption
These devices run on batteries that do not tend to long-lasting. So, if in a situation where there is no
source of power for charging, then that will be a failure.