The sleek, sophisticated computers of today are virtually unrecognisable compared with their unwieldy forebears. In the past, limitations in technology meant that all such devices were bulky and were therefore the preserve of home or office use.

However, over recent years, advances in technology have revolutionised the digital world. Now, mobile computers are the order of the day. These lightweight devices boast a multitude of designs and functions, and are used by individuals and organisations for a plethora of purposes.

The basics:

Essentially, mobile computing simply refers to the process of using computers that are designed specifically to be portable. It encompasses mobile communication, mobile hardware and mobile software.

This style of computing is now so common that it’s tempting to take it for granted. You no doubt use a smartphone and you might also have a tablet or laptop. Meanwhile, mobile computers are a common sight in shops, hospitals, warehouses, airports and a host of other environments. They can be used for a range of traditional computing applications and they also offer a convenient means of capturing data while on the move.

Different types of mobile computer:

These devices come in a host of guises. As well as tablets, smartphones and laptops, it’s possible to purchase a range of more specialised solutions. For example, many organisations now make use of rugged computers. These products are specifically designed to operate in harsh environments. For example, they can be adapted to withstand extreme temperatures, strong vibrations and wet and dusty conditions. These devices are often used by personnel who are involved in public safety, manufacturing and transportation. They are also highly valued by the military.

Meanwhile, wearable data capture technology is another adaptation of mobile computers. This technology can come in a range of different forms, including wrist strap computers, voice activated devices, medallion-style scanners, headsets and ring scanners.

Vehicle mounted computers are another important subset of these products. These robust devices can be fitted to forklifts, lorries and a host of other vehicles.

Choosing the right solutions for your business:

Because there are so many different types of mobile computer on offer these days, it can be hard to know which will best suit your company. Before you start perusing your options, it’s important to decide which specific functions you need the devices to fulfil. Once you’ve established this, you can start looking at the variety of models on offer. If you’re not sure which versions are right for your business, don’t just guess. Make sure you do plenty of research online, and see if vendors can offer you any advice.

You’ll need to spend some money to get mobile computers for your firm, but this should prove to be a savvy investment. As long as you select suitable products, these devices could help you to improve worker productivity and drive customer service standards up.