12.4.1 Mobile Devices

Learn the basics behind the common types of mobile devices.

There are several different types of mobile devices, and they all serve different functions. Most mobile devices use a variation of Android or iOS.

Tablets

A tablet uses a touchscreen interface. Modern touchscreens are usually capacitive, meaning that they can recognize and process fingerprint inputs. Newer tablets come with styluses that grant the user more precise inputs used for drawing.

Smartphones

These devices combine the functionality of a cellular phone with the features of a desktop computer. They can access the Internet through a 2-5G cellular connection or another form of LTE cellular network connection. Modern smartphones come with a GPS, support the installation and playing of games, and can extend their Internet connection to other devices through the use of a mobile hotspot.

Wearable Devices

Mobile device meant to be worn somewhere on the body. Usually on the wrists for smartwatches or on the head for VR headsets. They often use Bluetooth to connect and interface with a bigger, more robust device (phones for smartwatches, PCs and gaming consoles for VR headsets).

Webcams

They capture audio and video, typically used for communication over the Internet. Laptops usually come with a webcam & microphone, but external ones are still available for purchase and use through a USB port.

E-Reader

Kind of a tablet, but the OS is only for fetching and displaying text content. The display uses a special type of technology called E-Ink, which is good for high-contrast grayscale displays. It uses much less power than LCD and can be seen in direct sunlight.

#XII

#Aplus