Mobile Computing

What is Mobile Computing?

The term mobile computing is used to describe one’s use of computing devices while away from a normal, fixed workplace. In other words, mobile computing is using portable computing systems and communications devices to access mobile wireless networks while in transit. The most common misconception is that wireless means the Internet. However, wireless actually refers to the underlying technology that supports the transport of data between a mobile device and a central computing system without a wired communication between the two. Mobile computing is extremely versatile and can be beneficial to anyone, including individuals, small companies, and large organizations.

Mobile computing involves three components: (1) a mobile network, (2) systems and applications software, and (3) a portable communications system. First, a person must be able to access a mobile network. Mobile wireless networks involve radio communications services carried on between mobile stations or receivers and land stations, and by mobile stations communicating amongst themselves. These services consist of Wi-Fi (wireless fidelity) network service providers who provide wireless network coverage in offices, public places, homes, small workplaces, etc. The network service providers use a wireless access point device to provide wire-free network coverage in designated areas, which allow mobile devices to connect to the mobile wireless network. These mobile networks typically provide users with service that is comparable to that of stationary subscribers.

Second, a person must have system and applications software, which is also referred to as mobile services. The software, or mobile service, enables a person to access the Internet, send and receive e-mails, and download electronic content on their portable communications system. Additionally, users may work on windows word documents, excel spreadsheets, make audio/video presentations using Microsoft PowerPoint, draw images, write text message, and download audio files such as mp3.

Third, a person must have some form of a portable communications system, also referred to as mobile computing devices or handheld computing devices. Such devices are mobile because they are designed to be easily carried around. Examples of these devices include laptops, notebooks, palmtops, smart cell phones, or PDAs.

Advantages of Mobile Computing

Mobile computing offers several advantages for everyone who chooses to utilize the increasingly attractive technology. For example, mobile computing is extremely versatile. Additionally, ad hoc mobile networks allow for increased capability, improvements in information accessibility and efficiency, enhanced flow of information, and quick and efficient information retrieval. Utilizing a mobile network through mobile computing saves time, reduces rework, reduces unnecessary travel, and can reduce costs. Advantages of mobile computing specifically related to business environments may include reducing operational and administrative staff, improving communications, improving customer service, reducing manufacturing costs, shortening business cycles, reducing costs, and increasing worker efficiency.

Limitations of Mobile Computing

Although mobile computing offers numerous advantages, there are some limitations to the technology. For example, a user may experience insufficient bandwidth. This means when a user needs access to a network such as the internet while in transit may have to resort to slow wireless WAN (wide area network) systems that were primarily intended for telephone use. Higher speed wireless LANs (local area network) are available, but only in specific locations. Another limitation of mobile computing is security. When accessing mobile wireless networks, a person is dependent on public networks, which may provide the same internet security as private networks. A third limitation of mobile computing is the high power consumption of the portable communications system that one is utilizing in order to access a mobile wireless network. In other words, the battery power of your mobile device may quickly decrease since generally a person is relying on battery power when mobile computing. Another possible limitation of mobile computing is potential health damage.

This limitation is controversial because there are arguments on both sides of the fence. The argument that mobile computing may be a health hazard relies on studies showing cellular radio frequency emissions to cause damage to humans. The major concern is cancer. However, another health concern, especially with the ever-increasing use of technology on the go, is car accidents caused by a person not paying attention to driving because they are using their portable computing system.

The bottom line is that mobile computing is an important, evolving, and increasingly popular technology and method of communicating. Regardless of the limitations of mobile computing, using mobile computing systems is extremely beneficial and has become, and will continue to be, a very important part of life.

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