There are several types of mobile computers that benefit businesses in industries across the globe. Each type comes in a variety of sizes, shapes, and styles with features unique to certain environments.
For example, there are vehicle-mount mobile computers that attach to trucks and forklifts and handheld devices for environments that where the potential for explosions exists. There are even wearable computers that expedite processing in warehouses and protective sleds that turn consumer tablets and smartphones into enterprise-ready devices.
The following table compares the features and benefits of each type of mobile computer. Review it to determine which mobile computer works best for you.
mobile computer TYPES
Type
Feature
Benefit
Handheld
Combines functionality of a PC and a scanner into a single device
Extends organizational knowledge into the field
Small and light, yet rugged and durable
Withstands the rigors of mobile computing better than laptops or consumer devices
Variety of sizes, shapes, and styles with many features and accessories
Enhances mobile workforce performance across a wide range of environments and industries
Designed to protect against environmental factors like dust or rain
Expands the life of your hardware investment
Light, medium, and heavy duty handling
Ensures a perfect match for your requirements
Operating systems such as Windows, Android, and Linux
Offers same functionality as desktop computer or laptop for optimal productivity
Preloaded applications software or custom programs
Increases efficiency of everyday tasks
Wireless connectivity options such as Bluetooth
Syncs devices such as printers, modems, and headsets for improved productivity
Latest Wi-Fi technologies
Facilitates fast data transmission
Wearable
Hands-free operations
Maximizes workers’ productivity by keeping their eyes and hands on the task at hand
Sophisticated voice-directed applications
Improves performance and accuracy by streamlining the picking process
Easy to use
Requires minimal training time for quicker results
Vehicle-Mounted
Full PC functionality
Ensures compliance and improves safety
Rugged construction, yet compact and lightweight
Makes it easier for employees to work under extreme conditions
Fits tight-spaced vehicles
Improves productivity with instant access to needed information
Tablets
High-speed Wi-Fi connections that supports the latest WLAN or WWAN networks
Promises superior performance with the ability to work from virtually any location
Highly customizable
Reduces application and support costs
Encrypted data security
Secures sensitive information to help comply with industry and governmental regulations
Enterprise sleds for consumer devices
Improves the customer experience while transforming consumer devices into enterprise-ready ones
Smartphones
Always-on availability of enterprise applications
Gives instant access to the latest information, enables immediate updates, and relays critical data
Switchable networks
Connects to 3.5G broadband WANs on both GSM and CDMA networks to accommodate any situation
Customizable user interface
Promotes efficiency with by tailoring screens for easy access to the applications and functions used most
Enterprise sleds for consumer devices
Provides added durability and increased safety to consumer devices used in the enterprise
Hazardous Environment
Combines global certifications with cutting-edge technologies
Supports high performance in environments where the risk for explosion exists
Intrinsically safe mobile computers meet or exceed stringent requirements for gases, vapors, liquids, dusts, and fibers
Ensures compliance with industry and governmental regulations in the most volatile environments
Non-incendive configurations with same benefits as other handheld mobile computers
Complies with Division 2, Class I – III requirements for safe operations in harsh environments
