There are three main types of mobile computers: laptops, netbooks, and tablets, as well as ultra-portable PCs, PDAs, and smartphones. Laptops are the most powerful, netbooks are lower cost and less powerful, and tablets are good for consuming content. Smartphones have internet capabilities, while PDAs and ultra-portable PCs are smaller but less powerful. It’s important to ensure that any chosen mobile computing solution has an internal WiFi antenna for internet access.
As computers have gotten smaller and more powerful, many users are opting for a mobile computing solution to assist them in their personal and professional lives. As of spring 2011, there are three main types of mobile computers: laptops, netbooks and tablets, as well as ultra-portable personal computers (PCs), personal digital assistants (PDAs) and so-called smartphones. Laptops are the most powerful of the three major portable computers and are aimed at users who need high-performance applications on the go. Netbooks are designed for people who need portability and low cost more than power, while tablets are an emerging product category better suited for users looking to consume rather than produce content. PDAs are typically the size of a cell phone and have limited capabilities, while ultra-portable PCs are similar in size to PDAs but more fully featured.
Laptops, or notebooks, first appeared in the late 1970s. Laptops can run Windows®, Linux® or Macintosh® operating systems. These devices represent the most powerful mobile computing solution and can be used for processor-intensive tasks such as video encoding and photo editing. Typically, laptops are also the most expensive and least portable mobile computers. Users typically carry an additional laptop bag or sleeve for the computer and its accessories.
Netbooks are essentially smaller, lower-cost versions of a laptop. They usually run a Windows® or Linux® operating system. Netbooks typically don’t have much hard drive space and can’t run intensive programs. They are more useful for light applications such as web browsing and word processing. The low cost of netbooks makes them a good mobile computing solution for students, and many of these devices are small enough to fit in a purse or briefcase.
Tablets are a recent trend in computer technology and the features of these devices are still developing. Tablets are highly portable computers with touch screen interfaces. Their price range generally falls between laptops and netbooks. The tablet’s main drawback is the lack of a physical keyboard, although these devices are good for web browsing, video streaming, and other light tasks. The tablet usually offers excellent battery life, and users don’t have to worry about running out of power midway through a cross-country flight.
Smartphones are mobile phones with Internet and other processing capabilities, enabling a person to browse the Internet, use global positioning system (GPS) technology, and run other applications from handheld devices. Ultraportable PCs are similar in size and offer access to a full operating system. PDAs are also roughly the same size, but are intended for use as a computer accessory rather than a standalone computer.
Anyone considering a new mobile computing solution should be sure that the chosen solution has an internal WiFi® antenna, which can allow access to the Internet through any open hotspot. Some laptops also have wireless cards that allow users to connect to the Internet from anywhere within a coverage area. Users typically pay a monthly fee to access this service and can receive a subsidized device in exchange for signing up for an extended contract.
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