Choosing a mobile device these days can be confusing – let’s take

a look at the configuration options available:

Communications Options

• Wireless Communications
• HSDPA and HSCSD are 3G
• GPRS and EDGE : Wireless Wide Area Networks WWANs maintained by major public carriers like Cingular, Sprint

  Nextel, T-Mobile, and Verizon in the United States. Throughput is variable but I see around 300 KBPS in most markets. Each carrier offers an

  unlimited data plan for approximately $25 USD per month. GPRS is a subset of GSM. EDGE is an enhanced GPRS compression that allows greater bandwidth

  over GSM timeslots.

• WIFI : Wireless Fidelity or Wireless Local Area Networks WLANs known as 802.11a,b,g, and the latest g chips are

  included in many mobile devices. These privately maintained networks have low overhead costs and a range of around 300 meters with throughput up to 54

  MBPS – greater in proprietary manufacturer-introduced multiplexing configurations.

• Bluetooth : Personal Area Networks PANs are designed

  to connect personal devices to one another in a range of 30 meters in enhanced mode.

• IRDA : Infrared Data has long been a

  standard for mobile device data transfer – useful still today for sync and IRDA modem capabilities.

• GSM : Voice and Data services from

  the major carriers allow the mobile device to be used as a mobile phone. GPRS is a subset of GSM.

• Tethered or Cradled :Â

  Don’t forget that your mobile device can sync and access network resources when cradled or tethered to an x86 computer.

• NICÂ : Some

  devices have a bulit in 10/100 Ethernet card, or an add-on expansion card can be purchased in memory card format.

• GPS : Integrated GPS

  devices are very handy for the mobile worker needing location-based services. WAAS-enabled GPS reciever chips have greater accuracy but use more

  power. Consider that mapping applications are also available without the extra cost of an integrated GPS chip.

Form Factor

Considerations

• Dedicated Input Keys : Some devices have dedicated input buttons built into the device. Alternatively, the

  operating system allows for so-called “soft keys”, which appear on the screen when data input is needed.

• Keyboard : A full

  QWERTY keyboard is available on some devices. Some slide in or under the screen to provide a slimmer form factor. Some keyboards are shared key

  systems designed to decrease the number of buttons, and therefore increase user frustration.

• Keypad : Other devices forgo the keyboard

  and have a number key pad for numerical data entry only – especially handy in asset management systems data capture when those darn bar codes won’t

  scan!

• Assignable Buttons : Many devices have dedicated buttons that are assignable to specific programs or tasks, allowing the user to

  “jump” to a desired function instantly.

• Expansion Slots : most devices provide expansion slots for flash memory cards such

  as SecureDigital SD cards or CompactFlash CF cards. Normally used for memory expansion, these slots can also accomidate a wide array of periphals such

  as network cards, modems, even bar code scanners. Some device manufacturers offer expansion slot sleves that buckle on the devices and add even more

  options, such as PCMCIA card slots.

• Screen : Less important today, most devices have very high resolution screens – keep in mind that

  the brighter and larger the screen, the more impact on battery life with today’s current Lithium Ion batteries. OLED technology will improve this

  problem once mass production is a reality.

• Overall Size : With the larger screen comes a larger case size. Consider that these

  devices loose their portability at some point!

• Milspec : While ruggedized hardware is necessary in some operating environments, normally it

  is cost-prohibitive. Using standard devices even if it means replacing them more often may still be a more economical path. Additionally, some

  third-party manufacturers make ruggedized cases for consumer-targeted devices.

Perhiphals

• Asset Management :

  Organizations are constantly improving the data capture involving their asset management systems. Physical inventory checks and reciept of new assets

  at the loading dock are the two primary concerns – but don’t forget to de-commission your assets and pull them back out of the system when they are no

  longer in use.

• RFID and Barcoding : Many options exist for many devices.
• Integrated RFID and / or Barcode

  scanners are normally the most expensive option, but they are the most durable. Ensure the barcode types that you want to scan are supported by the

  hardware.

• Expansion Card devices fit into expansion slots such as SecureDigital SD or CompactFlash CF card slots and are inexpensive

  and portable. Since the reader or scanner is removeable, it can be shared between mobile devices quickly and easily.

• Bluetooth bar code

  scanners and RFID readers provide a wireless asset management capability for devices.

• External Keyboards : When

  greater amounts of manual data entry are needed, and external full size keyboard may be used – these folding devices do not need a power source and many

  include stands for the mobile device, providing the optimal viewing angle.

• Integrated Cameras : Many devices include an integrated

  camera, useful for capturing images or video and importing them into applications.

• Magnetic Stripe Readers : Add-on mag stripe readers

  can provide payment processing solutions or security access control functionality to mobile devices.

• Printers : Bluetooth or tethered

  battery powered thermal printers allow for printing in the field. Simple bluetooth print servers can also allow mobile devices to print in an office

  environment. Software is available for network printing as well.

• GPS : Previously mentioned as integrated devices, external GPS

  devices can also be used tethered with a cable or proprietary docking port, or over bluetooth as a wireless and completely independant device.Â

  Consider battery life in various modes such as WAAS. Stand-alone devices without screens or buttons are available for under $100 USD. When paired

  with a PDA device and a mapping application, the devices offer great functionality with the ability to leave the GPS in an ideal reception area away

  from the PDA.