Summary

Many factors must be considered when selecting a mobile device: size, cost, performance, support for peripherals, data input mechanism, and wireless connectivity. It is important to select the device that is appropriate for the job at hand. This means paying special attention to data input mechanisms and wireless connectivity options. The decision is further complicated by the number of mobile device classes available. You will have to select from Web-enabled phones, smart phones, PDAs, Handheld PCs, Tablet PCs, and laptops. Each of these devices has its strengths and weaknesses.

In the next chapter, we are going to cover the wide range of wireless networks that are available for personal area, local area, and wide area networks. This information should help with the device selection process, as wireless is often a key criterion.