CHAPTER 19 PORTABLE COMPUTING
Portable computing devices provide mobility alongside with accessibility that
bring best out of the world; portable computing allow users to take some/all of
the computing capabilities with them wherever they go.
Common Features of Portable Computing devices
•The use of LCD screen but vary in inches
•The use of sound but vary in quality of sound
•They all run on DC electricity stored in the batteries
•Capability of input and output data
•Storage capability
•Connection ports through USB, FireWire and/or eSATA
•Capability to synchronize data through Infrared, Bluetooth and/or Wi-Fi
•Touch screen capability
•Built-in keyboard/Virtual keyboard
•Multimedia, messaging and calling capability
Portable Computing Devices Comparison
Devices Screen Size Weight Features Basic Uses
Desktop Replacements 14-20 inch+ 8-12+ lbs Everything on a Desktop Mobile multimedia editing &
Gaming and presentation
Desktop Extender, also call 10-14 inch 4-7 lbs Almost usable as a desktop Presentation, note-taking in
Laptop or Notebooks pc, better battery life class or meeting, traveling
compare to desktop companion
replacements, wireless
Netbooks 6-10 inch 2-3 lbs Ultimate mobility, excellent Traveling companion,
battery life, no optical drives, perfect for web browsing or
limited to SSD storage or e-mailing on the road
modest HDD storage,
wireless
Tablet PCs 10-12 inch 4 lbs Pen-based interface, no Niche market for people
optical drive, integrated who need hand written
wireless networking notes
Ultra Mobile PCs 4-7 inch 1-2lbs Variation of table PCs, More of niche market than
UMPCs have window xp Table PCs, UMPCs have
(Table or home edition) pen- been overshadowed by
based or touch pad interface Netbooks
with no optical drive
Personal Digital Up to 4 inches 1 lbs Light, multifunctional Help busy people stay
Assistance(PDAs) devices for address book, organized, (classic PDAs
scheduler, MP3 and Video with no T. phone functions)
playback
SmartPhones Up to 4 inches Less than 1 lbs Tiny PDAs built into Cell Reduces number of gadgets
phone; offer web browsing, some folks carry, have all
SMS, & other internet but replaced standard PDAs
connectivity features
LabTop Vs DeskTop Computers
Common Features LabTop or Note Book PCs DeskTop PCs
Physical Look Portable and Travel Companion Home / Office PCs
PCs
Hard Drive Portable 2.5 inch hard drive, Bigger 3.5 inch hard drives,
maximum of 1 TB HD support more than 2 TB HD
CPU Less Heat & power Generate more heat & high
consumption power consumption
Cable Ports Support fewer connector ports, Support Higher connector ports
mostly USB & FireWire
Management Easily abuse and complicated Highly respected and easy to
in management in case of any manage.
internal damage