Handheld Computers

See also: Portable communications device

A mobile device (also known as cellphone device , handheld device , handheld computer , "Palmtop" or simply handheld ) is a pocket-sized computing device, typically having a display screen with touch input or a miniature keyboard. In the case of the personal digital assistant (PDA) the input and output are combined into a touch-screen interface. Smartphones and PDAs are popular amongst those who require the assistance and convenience of a conventional computer, in environments where carrying one would not be practical. Enterprise digital assistants can further extend the available functionality for the business user by offering integrated data capture devices like barcode, RFID and smart card readers.

Types of mobile devices

Mobile devices have been designed for many applications and include:

Mobile computers
Personal digital assistant/enterprise digital assistant
Graphing calculator
Handheld game consoles
Digital still camera (DSC)
Digital video camera (DVC or digital camcorder)
Portable media player
e-book reader
Mobile phone
Pager
Personal navigation devices (PNDs)

Usage

Handheld devices have become ruggedized for use in mobile field management situations to record information in the field. They are used to achieve a variety of tasks for increasing efficiency that include digitizing notes, sending and receiving invoices, asset management, recording signatures, managing parts and scanning barcodes. Handheld computers used at work have molded over time into a variety of form factors, including smartphones on the low end, handheld PDAs, Ultra Mobile PCs, tablet PCs, and even notebook computers.