Mobile Tech Computing Future

Who says innovation is dead in America? Every time I turn around I'm reading an article of another innovative entrepreneur in the personal technology space. And, the rapid increase in new innovations in mobile computing technologies is a bit overwhelming, and we have been inundated with new ideas and great concepts for over a decade. Many people thought that after Silicon Valley crashed, that was that. But now we see companies like Apple, Google, and others have been coming out with new innovations faster than anyone could have imagined.

There was a very interesting article in Forbes Small Business Magazine in April of 2005 titled "Cell Calls by Balloon? And Arizona Entrepreneurs Cheap Weather Balloons Are Replacing Expensive Telecom Satellites," by Justin Martin of Chandler Arizona. In this article, a small business person was using a weather balloons with a device not larger than a 4 one-gallon milk container dangling from underneath.

Green and Clean Computing

Little thought may be given to the energy consumption of computers, but as more and more computers are purchased each year, it is not just the number of computers that forces increased energy consumption but the way in which computers are being used that adds to the building energy burden. Research has shown that most computer desktops are not being used a great deal of the time they are running and are left on for long periods of time. As with other forms of energy consumption, electricity is wasted when it is not being used and this burns fossil fuels that emit carbon dioxide into the air and cause smog, acid rain and other detrimental environmental side effects.

The typical desktop computer consists of a system unit which houses the central processing unit (CPU), a monitor and a printer. The CPU may require 100 watts of electrical power; the monitor, which may be 15 to 17 inches, may require another 50-100 watts; a laser printer can use as much as 100 watts or more while ink printers use as little as 12 watts while printing. The cost for operating a 200 watt system all day and night, everyday, would be $125 annually, while the cost of operation for normal business hours of 40 hours per week would range around $30 annually. Considering the tremendous benefits derived from using computers, this figure may not appear extensive, but when multiplied by the many computers used on a daily basis in this country, the total grows phenomenally.

There are many ways to reduce personal computer energy consumption. 

Computers, printers and monitors can be turned off when not in use. Many years ago, it was considered harmful to the computer if it were turned on and off periodically during the course of a day. However, the internal circuitry of personal computers is designed to be protected from power damages that might result from on and off switching. Doing so will not substantially affect the computer's useful life.

Mobile Computing Innovations

Mobile computing is the crossover between two technologies: fixed wireless applications and mobility applications. Advances in wireless networking technology have brought about a new genre of computing called mobile computing, in which users carry portable devices that have access to a shared infrastructure independent of their physical location. This provides continuous access to networked services and flexible communication between people located anywhere.

Mobile computing is revolutionizing the way people are using computers. Mobile computing in its most general sense refers to the use of any computer that is not connected by physical wires to the server or host computer with which it needs to interact. The required interaction occurs through a wireless, real-time connection, a batch synchronization procedure, or a combination of both.

With several innovative ideas in the software market, lots of resultant innovations are seen on the mobile computing front. The companies that have not innovated and have not evolved their platform are forced to take a backseat in the market. Companies focused on mobile computing platforms are turning old models on their head. So, in effect, there are more innovative solutions coming out than ever before. Innovation will continue to spur change across all classes of devices.

The challenge of today's mobile computing environments is to give users access to any information at any time, from any place, in any form. The current innovative audio and video experiences in mobile computing are attracting new users and creating new opportunities for developers. New mobile products, platform innovations and industry enabling programs are ensuring the growth of this industry.

Ultimate In Mobile Computing

Ever since the first laptop computers our infatuation with smaller and smaller computers has been driving a lot of the technology. Its seems like we want everything to fit into our pockets and when Palm brought the first truly mobile computers to life it was the start of something big. While pocket PC's have become a bit redundant with things like the iPhone and other smart phones, it laid the foundation for even bigger dreams.

Today, most mobile phones can do virtually every basic task that you can do on a normal computer. You can send and receive emails, create slide shows (and present it from your phone), surf the web and with thousands of applications coming out daily, its truly without limits. Every device has its limits and its limitations though and many of the problems with mobile phone devices is what keeps it from becoming as main stream as it should.

The biggest issue is screen size. While we want smaller and smaller computers, we want bigger and bigger screens. This contradiction in technology is what's driving a lot of the technology. In many ways the ultimate mobile computer will be a an iPhone with a screen the size of your TV - while still fitting into your pocket.

Can this be done?

Well, although it sounds like a "new" problem its actually been something that scientists at IBM started working on for one of the NASA space missions. They developed a screen that's capable of folding up. Its as thin as a piece of paper and allows you to fold it of and unfold it when you need to use it. Although there was a lot of issues with the technology, its been reported that Apple got hold of that technology - who knows what they will do with it.

Mobile Computing Accessories

Mobile computing accessories include electronic devices such as laptops, notebook PCs, tablet PCs, palmtops, personal digital assistant (PDAs), other hand held devices, networking software and access point devices. These devices have inbuilt radio signaling devices that are used to receive and transmit electronic data. They can be used in any location that is wirelessly networked using Wi-Fi or WiMax technology.

Different accessories are designed to offer varied services. Portable computing devices such as laptops and notebooks can be used to access the Internet or an organizations LAN( local area network) or WAN (wide area network) server. Hand held devices such as mobile phones can also be used to access the Internet and download electronic data.

Mobile computing accessories are used in different industries such as education and corporate training, retail, transportation and logistics, warehousing and distribution, office and public space environment, manufacturing, healthcare and hospitality. They are used to transfer large data files and other electronic data, access the world wide web, support audio/video conferencing, send and receive e-mails and reconfigure high bandwidth sites. They also help in just-in-time inventory infrastructure management, real-time information management, customer service, and access to vital network resources. These enable organizations to boost productivity, cut costs, and increase profitability.

The Mobile Computing Networks

Using mobile computers when in transit implies mobile computing. This is effectuated by using wireless technologies such as LAN, WAN, Wi-Fi, GPRS, etc. LAN refers to Local Area Networking. This is not a very mobile technology, as it restricts the area of its reach. LAN refers to the connectivity of two or more fixed or mobile computing devices within a particular area. This connection can be done physically by cables (in which case it would not be an example of mobile computing) or other connections such as infrared rays and wireless connections. LAN enables computers within its reach to share and compute data. It is primarily an intranet network.

WAN is Wide Area Networking. It is wider in its outreach. WAN refers to the connection of two locations. These locations may be connected internally through LAN networks. WAN essentially uses wireless connections between its locations.

MAN is another kind of network used in mobile computing. It stands for Metropolitan Area Networking and it connects mobile computing devices within a particular city or metropolitan area. Devices such as mobile phones and car computers can be hooked up onto MAN to keep them interconnected. MAN provides speeds of 128 kbps or 256 kbps. Cities such as New York, Philadelphia, Minnesota, Atlanta, Baltimore, Dallas and about 15 major airports in America are currently connected by MAN.