Information Technology Reference
In-Depth Information
mobile device: Hardware
the top most popular (defined by the number of
web inquires and searches for specific handheld
devices) PDAs and smartphones include:
Mobile devices in m-learning environments have
followed similar developmental and design trends
of other electronic devices such as consumer
electronics and personal computing. As microelec-
tronics technology continues to mature, the quest
for the ever smaller, faster, more power efficient
device is still the focus of research and develop-
mental efforts. Sources for hardware information
such as technology journals and trade shows (i.e.
the International Consumer Electronics Show
[CES], produced by the Consumer Electronics
Association [CEA], and IEEE Technical Com-
mittees), address the future of the technology
not just the development of consumer electronic
products. The following sections discuss hardware
devices that have capabilities conducive for m-
learning, and the direction for future technological
development.
1. Palm Pre (released 2009)
2. Nokia E63 (released 2009)
3. RIM BlackBerry Curve 8330 (released 2008)
4. Apple iPhone 3G (released 2008)
5. Nokia 5800 Xpress Music (released 2008)
6. HTC Touch Pro2 (released 2009)
7. Samsung Alias 2 (released 2009)
8. HTC Touch Diamond2 (released 2009)
9. T-Mobile G1 (released 2008)
10. Nokia E71 (released 2008)
Handheld Portable Gaming Devices
Handheld portable gaming devices have evolved
from purely entertainment-based user devices to
Wi-Fi enabled m-learning capable hardware. The
appeal as potential m-learning devices is hinged
on the fact that devices such as the Nintendo
DS family have supported software that targets
learning and training among adult users. Another
example of the growth of the handheld portable
gaming device is Nokia's N-Gage QD, which in-
cludes an option of using the combination device
(gaming and cellular phone) software application
that can be downloaded to Nokia N-Gage ready
devices. Finally, most noted for bringing a more
true multimedia experience to portable gaming
devices is the Sony PSP, another gaming device
that can be used in a m-learning environment.
Handhelds
Handheld devices are the central devices of m-
learning applications. Their functional mobility
and wireless capabilities have evolved as advances
in microelectronics technology have persisted.
The handheld may be defined by its physical size.
Typically the device may be held by one or both
hands without excessive effort. The following
sections discuss various types of handheld devices.
Personal Digital Assistant (PDA) and Smart-
phones
The Personal Digital Assistant (PDA) is a handheld
device that has comparable functionality with a
laptop, notebook, or desktop computer. The PDA is
especially designed to increase the organizational
capacity of the individual in a mobile environment
untethered from the desktop. Screen sizes usually
do not exceed 4 inches (100 millimeters) diago-
nally. In comparison, smartphones share much of
the functionality of PDAs with the added function
of wireless cellular communication. Names of
Wireless Portable Reading Devices (eReader
Digital Book)
Wireless Portable Reading devices, also known as
eReaders, occupy a small niche in m-learning envi-
ronments. Much like a printed topic or newspaper,
eReaders are designed to make print electronic,
thus minimizing the need for printed versions of
text and informational documents. The focus of
eReader development is the display functionality;
the goal is to develop eInk technology that rivals
the depth and extending viewing angle character-
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