mobile computing device

The device for mobile computing can be either a computing device or a communication
device. In computing device category it can be a desktop computer, laptop computer,
or a palmtop computer. On the communication device side it can be a fixed line
telephone, a mobile telephone or a digital TV. Usage of these devices are becoming
more and more integrated into a task flow where fixed and mobile, computing and com-
munication devices are used together. When computing technology is embedded into
equipments, Human-Computer Interaction (HCI) plays a critical role in eflectiveness,

Inmrduction 1 I
efliciency and user experience. This is particularly true as mobile information and
communication devices are becoming smaller and more restricted with respect to infor-
mation presentation, data entry and dialogue control. The human computer interface
challenges are:
l. Interaction must be consistent from one device to another.
2. Interaction has to be appropriate for the particular device and environment in
which the system is being used.
Note that the requirement does not call for identical metaphors and methods. The desk-
top computer allows for different interaction techniques than a palmtop computer or a
digital TV. Using the keyboard and a mouse may be the obvious for the desktop com-
puter. Using the pen may be appropriate for the palmtop or Tablet PC. Microphone and
speaker may be appropriate for a fixed or mobile phone. A remote control on the other
hand will be more desired for a digital TV.