An information appliance is a portable computing device that can transfer data to or from another device. It performs specialized tasks and has an embedded system. It may have internet access and wireless networking capabilities. Its primary function is to retrieve and manipulate data, and it usually has limited input and display. The term was coined by Jef Raskin and originally referred to single-function devices. The software and hardware should be developed around open standards. Many early products failed due to being ahead of their time or not unique enough.
An information appliance can be any portable computing device that can transfer data to or from another device. It usually performs more specialized tasks, such as the calendar, notepad, and address book functions of a Personal Digital Assistant (PDA). The core of an information device is usually an embedded system rather than a complete laptop or desktop motherboard. Computer appliances are used by people from all walks of life such as telephones, notepads and mobile web browsers. They are also used by transportation and warehouse workers to track the contents of packages and deliveries.
Internet access is not required for a device to be considered an information appliance, but it is often a feature. More important is the ability to transfer data to and from the appliance over some sort of connection. It can use a wired Ethernet port or a Universal Serial Bus (USB) connection for this. It may also include wireless networking capabilities, either directly over the Internet or over a local area network (LAN).
The primary function of an information appliance is usually to retrieve and manipulate data, for business or consumer purposes. To do this, it must include some means of input and display for its user, usually more limited than that of a laptop computer. Depending on the intended use of the device, it may have a specialized keyboard and display. Some units include a touch screen and stylus for data entry. These devices may also be able to read handwriting.
Jef Raskin of Apple® Computer, Inc. is thought to have coined the term information device around 1979. At the time, it usually referred to an easy-to-use single-function device such as an electronic typewriter with built-in memory. Had they existed in the early 1980s, digital audio players, video players, and e-book readers would also have been considered information devices. Over time, the term has evolved to imply something very different. A modern computing device is generally considered to be a multifunctional device that has the ability to communicate with other devices.
Jef Raskin’s original definition of the information appliance also stipulated that all software and hardware in such equipment should be developed around open standards. At least one of the very first appliances was completely open but has not survived for market reasons. Most of the early products failed because they weren’t unique enough or were ahead of their time.
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