A Beginner’s Glossary of Mobile Computing
"Hey, let me tell you about these great products!" the salesman says, and you say, "So tell me!" Then the salesman says something that sounds like "Well, we have UMPC XMO62s dia SGFX via QUOWs, YG7T-ZX wjUGT3#22, m87&*js%w [PP)00-+, ~#@$%^!, and some great GG^;:?/\-=!" As we shake our heads to clear them, wondering how on Earth the salesman even managed to pronounce "~#@$%^!", we wish for a translation guide from gadgetese to English. So, that's what we're going to try to do here. That is, if we can understand this stuff ourselves.
Mobile Computing Devices by Size
Desktop Replacement Computer - These are really not "mobile" at all. They are "portable", but then, a grand piano is "portable" if you're strong enough. Example: Apple MabBook Pro.
Laptop - The first step away from the desktop. Laptop computers are typically the full-sized computing experience. You won't be cramped for space here, but you'll definitely have some extra weight to lug around. This is also the smallest computer you can get that has the full power of any computer. Example: HP Omnibook.
Notebook - A laptop on a diet. Notebook computers are thinner than laptops, but still the same area. They're very close to being as powerful as a laptop, with maybe the limit that you can't do Quake3 LAN Deathmatch at full frame-rate. Example: Lenovo ThinkPad.
Subnotebook - This is our first step away from a full lap. Subnotebooks typically have screen sizes of 7 to 13 inches, and weigh around one kilogram. There are usually fewer ports, relying on USB connectors to port larger media onto the device. They can still provide all of the basic functionality of a home/work computer, but "basic" does not include heavy gaming or design activities. They're also the first major step down in price from a full computer. Example: Fujitsu LifeBook
Netbook - An even smaller subnotebook. This is actually a subclass, with screens around the range of 6 to 8 inches. Can still perform most of the subset of standard computer functions. This is actually what many people describe as a "kneetop", because it's almost exactly half the size of a laptop. Example: ASUS Eee PC.
Tablet - A notebook-size computer without the keyboard. Look, ma, no keys! A tablet PC may be larger than a notebook or smaller than a subnotebook, but the distinguishing feature is no keyboard. Instead, you input with a touchscreen, handwriting recognition with a stylus, or other device. Example: Axiotron Modbook
Ultra-Mobile PC - At last, we get down to the subject of all the latest buzz. UMPCs have a screen size anywhere from 4.5 inches to 8 inches, and are nearly as small as a PDA, very close to the handheld size. May have either a mini keyboard or touch-screen. Processors run in the 1 Ghz range, memory around 256 MB to 2 GB, and hard drive or Flash storage up to 160 GB, though 80 GB is more typical. Perfect for web browsing and light document use - anything else is a maybe. Will usually have other capabilities like webcam or GPS support. Example: Samsung Q1.
Personal Digital Assistant - The first of the true handheld sizes. A keyboard is out of the question here unless it's on the screen or very tiny, but all such models have touchscreen or stylus capability. Monochrome displays are the norm. Typically these will feel and act more like a mobile phone than a computer, with icons and support for simple functions like mapping, reading, graphing, address/phone books, calendars, and other light use. Example: Windows Mobile PDA.
Palmtop - Somewhat comparable to a smartphone or mobile phone, with some half-measure keyboard buttons. Can send and receive text messages and emails. Very popular device amongst teens. Example: BlackBerry.
Smartphone - A regular phone with a slightly larger screen up to 4 inches and the ability to use the Internet. Barely qualifies as a "computer" at all, but they're dandy-handy and popular anyway. Example: Sony Ericsson.
Pocket Computer - A calculator on steroids. What used to be a full-featured scientific calculator is now a beefed-up calculator with a simple programming language built in and a two-line readout. The "keyboard" is actually an array of buttons like you'd find on a mobile phone. These are mostly museum pieces, but a few niche products are out there and given the current size-shrinking trend, who's to say they couldn't come back? Example: Sharp PC-1280.
Of course, as soon as we finished this list, twelve more companies invented twelve new gadget classes that we didn't cover here. But at least we tried!
Filed Under: Mobile Computing
