Know and understand characteristics of mobile computers including laptop computers, smartphones, tablet and phablet computers

Published by Patrick Mutisya · 14 days ago

ICT 0417 – Types and Components of Computer Systems: Mobile Computers

1. Types and Components of Computer Systems

Objective

Know and understand the characteristics of mobile computers, including laptop computers, smartphones, tablets and phablet computers.

What is a Mobile Computer?

A mobile computer is a portable computing device that can be easily carried and used in different locations. It typically integrates a display, processor, storage, and input methods into a single compact unit and relies on battery power.

Major Categories of Mobile Computers

  • Laptop computers

  • Smartphones

  • Tablets

  • Phablets

Characteristics of Each Category

Laptop Computers

  • Form factor: hinged clamshell with a physical keyboard and built‑in trackpad.

  • Operating systems: Windows, macOS, Linux.

  • Typical screen size: 11–17 inches.

  • Battery life: 4–12 hours depending on usage.

  • Ports: USB‑A, USB‑C, HDMI, Ethernet (in many models), SD card reader.

  • Upgradability: RAM and storage can often be replaced or expanded.

Smartphones

  • Form factor: handheld device with a touch‑screen covering most of the front surface.

  • Operating systems: Android, iOS.

  • Typical screen size: 4.5–7 inches.

  • Battery life: 8–24 hours of mixed use.

  • Input: multi‑touch screen, virtual keyboard, voice assistants, biometric sensors.

  • Connectivity: cellular (3G/4G/5G), Wi‑Fi, Bluetooth, NFC.

  • Storage: usually non‑user‑upgradable flash memory.

Tablets

  • Form factor: larger touch‑screen (7–13 inches) without a built‑in physical keyboard (optional detachable keyboards available).

  • Operating systems: Android, iOS (iPadOS), Windows.

  • Battery life: 8–15 hours.

  • Input: multi‑touch, stylus (e.g., Apple Pencil, Samsung S Pen), optional keyboards.

  • Connectivity: Wi‑Fi, optional cellular, Bluetooth.

  • Ports: usually USB‑C; some models retain a headphone jack.

Phablets

  • Definition: devices that bridge the size gap between smartphones and tablets, typically 6.5–8 inches.

  • Operating systems: Android, iOS.

  • Key advantage: larger display for media and productivity while retaining phone functionality.

  • Battery life: comparable to large smartphones, 10–20 hours.

  • Input: touch screen, virtual keyboard, voice, biometric sensors.

  • Connectivity: full cellular capability plus Wi‑Fi and Bluetooth.

Comparison of Mobile Computer Characteristics

FeatureLaptopSmartphoneTabletPhablet
Typical screen size11–17 in4.5–7 in7–13 in6.5–8 in
Primary input methodPhysical keyboard & trackpadTouchscreen (virtual keyboard)Touchscreen (optional stylus/keyboard)Touchscreen (virtual keyboard)
Operating systemWindows/macOS/LinuxAndroid / iOSAndroid / iPadOS / WindowsAndroid / iOS
Battery life (average)4–12 hrs8–24 hrs8–15 hrs10–20 hrs
PortabilityMedium – carried in a bagHigh – fits in pocketHigh – fits in large pocket or bagHigh – fits in pocket
UpgradabilityRAM & storage often replaceableNone (fixed)Usually none (fixed)None (fixed)
ConnectivityWi‑Fi, Ethernet, Bluetooth, optional cellularCellular (3G/4G/5G), Wi‑Fi, Bluetooth, NFCWi‑Fi, optional cellular, BluetoothCellular, Wi‑Fi, Bluetooth
Typical use casesProductivity, programming, gaming, multimedia editingCommunication, social media, light productivity, photographyMedia consumption, e‑reading, light productivity, educationMedia consumption, gaming, video calls, light productivity

Key Points to Remember

  1. All mobile computers rely on battery power, but battery capacity and optimisation differ widely.

  2. Laptops provide the most complete set of input devices and upgradability, making them suitable for intensive tasks.

  3. Smartphones combine communication functions with computing, offering the highest portability.

  4. Tablets bridge the gap between smartphones and laptops, emphasizing touch interaction and media consumption.

  5. Phablets give a larger screen for better media and productivity while retaining full phone capabilities.

Suggested diagram: A size comparison chart showing the relative dimensions of a laptop, tablet, phablet, and smartphone.

Summary

Understanding the characteristics of each mobile computer type helps learners choose the most appropriate device for a given task. While laptops excel in productivity and upgradability, smartphones dominate in communication and portability. Tablets and phablets offer a middle ground, focusing on touch interaction, media consumption, and, in the case of phablets, continued phone functionality.