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A mobile handheld device.

A mobile device (also known as converged device, handheld device, handheld computer, "Palmtop" or simply handheld) is a pocket-sized computing device, typically comprising a small visual display screen for user output and a miniature keyboard or touch screen for user input. In the case of the personal digital assistant (PDA) the input and output are combined into a touch-screen interface. Smartphones and PDAs are popular amongst those who require the assistance and convenience of a conventional computer, in environments where carrying one would not be practical.

The following are typical mobile devices:

• Voice phone
• Feature phone
• Smart phone
• Cordless phone
• Bluetooth headset
• Handheld game console
• Portable media player (PMP)
• Personal digital assistant (PDA)
• Personal Navigation Device (PND)
• Digital Still Camera (DSC)
• Digital Video Camera (DVC or Camcorder)
• Pager
• eBook Reader
• Notebook PC
• Ultra-Mobile PC

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Due to the varying levels of functionality associated with mobile devices, in 2005 T38 and the DuPont Global Mobility Innovation Team proposed the following standardized definition of mobile devices:

• Limited Data Mobile Device: devices that have a small, primarily text-based screen, with data services usually limited to SMS (Short Message Service) and WAP access. Typical examples of these devices are cellular phones.
• Basic Data Mobile Device: devices that have a medium-size screen (typically between 120 x 120 and 240 x 240 pixels), menu or icon-based navigation via a thumb-wheel or cursor, and which offer access to e-mail, address book, SMS, and a basic web browser. Typical examples of these devices are BlackBerry and Smartphone.
• Enhanced Data Mobile Device: devices that have medium to large screens (typically above 240 x 120 pixels), stylus-based navigation, and which offer the same features as the "Basic Data Mobile Devices" plus native applications such as Microsoft Office Mobile applications (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) and custom corporate applications such as mobilized versions of SAP, intranet portals, etc. Typical devices include those running Windows Mobile 2003 or version 5, such as Pocket PCs.

Handheld devices have become ruggedized for use in mobile field management situations to record information in the field. They are now used to achieve a variety of tasks for increasing efficiency that include digitizing notes, send and receive invoices, asset management, capture signatures, manage parts and scan barcodes, etc^[1]. Handheld computers used at work have molded over time into a variety of form factors, including SmartPhones on the low end, handheld PDAs, Ultra Mobile PCs, Tablet PCs, and even notebook computers.

Major manufacturers of handheld devices for the work environment include:

• General Dynamics / Itronix Rugged Notebooks
• Hand Held Products Rugged Handhelds
• Intermec Rugged Handhelds
• MobileDemand xTablet Rugged Tablet PC
• MP2 Solutions Inc / MRT300 Series Handhelds
• Nordic ID Rugged handhelds
• Panasonic Toughbook Rugged Notebooks
• Psion Teklogix Rugged Handheld and Vehicle Mount Computers
• Samsung Ultra Mobile PCs
• Symbol / Motorola Rugged Handhelds

• Most handhelds can be used to send and receive faxes by email using an Internet fax service. Internet faxing also enables handheld users to print documents by sending them to a nearby fax machine. This service is available through most internet fax providers.

1. ^ Handhelds Work Benefits Sourced March 2007

• BlackBerry
• Converged device
• Digital dictation software
• Mobile web
• Mobile games
• Mobile software
• Multiplayer Mobile games
• Symbian OS
• Palm OS
• Technological convergence
• Windows Mobile