Theme 2: Working smarter

Topic 12:

Explore portable devices and learn more about connections

Chapter 1.4. Page 61 – 75

Mobile technology

Portable devices

Laptops

• Computer with miniaturised parts

• More expensive than normal computers

• Difficult and expensive to upgrade

Discuss: What are the advantages of using a laptop?

Laptop – the Tablet

Personal Digital Assistant (PDA) (Palmtop)

• Small device that acts like an electronic diary.

• Also contains word processing and spreadsheet programs (less functions than standard versions)

• Name 3 advantages of a PDA compared to a laptop.

• Name 4 tasks for which a PDA can be used.

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Compare a laptop and a

PDA

Portable media devices

• Media files = photos, music, video

• When stored as compression files, they can be played by various devices.

• Types of compression files:– MP3 (most popular format)– ama– aac

Information on MP3-players

• Can store from 200 to 12 000 songs (CD stores 20 – 30 songs)

• iPod, manufactured by Apple, is very popular

• Certain flash memory devices can also play MP3’s

Video devices

• Video files are larger than sound files – thus 20 GB hard drives in these devices.

• Have small LCD-screens.

• Can be connected to a TV.

Remember to use good

batteries in portable devices!

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Explore portable devices

Smartphones

• A cellphone with additional facilities– Internet; e-mail; extra programs; MP3-player;

PIM-programs– Camera/video recorder– Modem for a laptop– Connect without cables

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Explore smartphones

3G and 4G

• Cellular communications technology – your cellphone can be used to– Watch TV– Do video conferencing– Connect to the Internet– Receive E-mail

• You pay only for the amount data received.

• 4G – even faster than 3G

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Choose the most suitable device

Connecting devices

• Media files (music, videos, movies, photos, books, magazines) can become too large for portable device.

• Must be able to transfer data to computer. – Cables (USB or FireWire)– Wireless (Bluetooth or Infrared)

Discuss

What advantages can there be if you can connect your cellphone to your computer?

USB Symbol for USB-port

Mini-USB(Usually used for cameras, MP3-players, etc.)

Full size USB(Usually used for printers, scanners, portable hard drives, etc.)

The end that connects to

the computer

USB hub

• Plugs into 1 USB port, and gives access to 4, 6 or 8 USB ports.

• Some must be connected to a power supply.

FireWire

• Also high speed data transfer.

• Certain video cameras and external hard drives.

Wireless connectivityBluetooth

• Short range radio connection between devices– Does not have to be in line of sight of the other

device

– Can transmit through non-metal objects like walls

– Most effective within 10 meter

• Cellphone and hands-free headset• Cellphone, keyboard, GPS, mouse connected to

computer• Two cellphones – exchange photos without having

to pay.

Wireless connectivityInfrared

• Very short distances between two devices in line of sight.

• Cellphone connected to computer and other cellphones.

• Wireless mouse and keyboard.

Discuss

What are the advantages and the disadvantages of both Bluetooth and Infrared connections?

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Theory questions

Implications and issues of portable computer technology

• What are the advantages of making use of portable computer technology?

Implications and issues of portable computer technology

• How does the availability of portable technology influence the following aspects of our lives?

• Health

• Security

• Etiquette

• Economy

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Cellphone survey

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TechnologyIssues

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I can . . . .I can . . . .