Module 3: Other Mobile
Devices
Computer Hardware
Module Objectives
Module Title: Other Mobile Devices
Module Objective: Explain the features and functions of other mobile devices.
Topic Title Topic Objective
Mobile Device Overview Describe the features of mobile devices.
Describe common mobile device hardware and preventive
Other Mobile Device Hardware maintenance.
7
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3.1 Mobile Device Overview
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Mobile Device Overview
Mobility
Mobility in information technology means
the ability to access information
electronically from different locations
outside of the home or office.
Mobile connectivity is limited only by the
availability of cellular or data networks.
Mobile devices:
• have self-contained power (rechargeable
batteries)
• are generally small and lightweight
• do not rely on other connected peripheral
devices to operate.
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Mobile Device Overview
Smartphone Characteristics
Smartphones run special operating systems that are
designed for mobile devices.
Smartphones may have limited OS upgradability and
can require the purchase of a new model to take
advantage of the latest OS features and apps.
Software for smartphones is usually limited to apps
that can be downloaded from stores such as Google
Play or the Apple App Store.
Smartphones use cellular connectivity options for
voice, text, and data services.
Other data connections include Bluetooth and Wi-Fi.
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Mobile Device Overview
Smartphone Features
Most smartphones include global positioning system
(GPS) functionality.
• A GPS receiver in the phone uses satellites to
determine the geographic location of the device.
• Some apps allow a smartphone to act as a
navigational GPS that provides guidance for driving,
biking, or walking.
Devices without a GPS service can still determine
the location, in a less precise way, by using info
coming from nearby mobile service antennas or
nearby Wi-Fi access points.
Another feature of some smartphones is the ability
to "tether", or share, the cellular data connection
with other devices.
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Mobile Device Overview
Tablets and E-Readers
Tablets are similar to smartphones in that they
use special mobile operating systems like
Android or iOS.
Tablets usually offer Wi-Fi and Bluetooth
connectivity and most have USB and audio
ports.
Most of the apps that work on phones are also
available for tablets.
Unlike smartphones, tablets normally have
larger touch-screen displays.
Most tablets do not have the ability to access
cellular networks and they usually do not
include GPS receivers.
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Mobile Device Overview
Tablets and E-Readers (Cont.)
E-readers, such as the Amazon Kindle, are
special purpose devices with black and white
displays that have been optimized for reading text.
Although they resemble tablets, they lack many of
the features and functions that tablets provide.
Many have touch displays that make it easy to
turn pages, change settings, and access eBooks
online.
For connectivity, some offer free cellular data
connections for downloading books from a specific
store, but most rely on Wi-Fi.
E-reader battery life is usually longer than tablets.
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Mobile Device Overview
Wearables: Smartwatches and Fitness Trackers
Wearables are smart devices that are meant to be worn
on the body or attached to clothing.
Smartwatches are a type of wearable that includes a
microprocessor, a special operating system, and apps.
• Sensors in the smartwatch can gather data about various
aspects of the body and use Bluetooth to report this
information back to another device
• Some smartwatches can connect directly to a cellular
network, utilize GPS location services, provide convenient
displays for notifications from apps, and store and play
music and playlists.
Fitness trackers are similar to smartwatches but are
limited to monitoring the body such as physical activity,
sleep, and exercise.
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Mobile Device Overview
Wearables: Augmented and Virtual Realities
In Augmented Reality (AR), computer graphics are
integrated with what is seen in the real world.
• The graphics overlays can range from cartoon
characters in a game application to information for
emergency management training for first
responders.
In Virtual Reality (VR), a user wears a special
headset which displays graphics from a separate
computer.
• The graphics are immersive 3D and create very
realistic worlds.
• The VR user's motions are detected by sensors
which allow the user to interact with and move
around in the virtual environment.
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Mobile Device Overview
Lab – Mobile Device Information
• In this lab, you will use the internet, a technical journal, or a local store to gather
information about an Android and an iOS device.
• You will document the specifications of each Android and iOS device onto this
worksheet.
• Be prepared to discuss your decisions regarding the devices you select.
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3.2 Other Mobile Device
Hardware
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Other Mobile Device Hardware
Cell Phone Parts
The cell phone contains one or more of these field
replaceable parts:
• Memory, a SIM card, and a battery.
A SIM card contains information used to authenticate a
device to mobile telephone and data providers.
• The card can also hold user data such as personal
contacts and text messages.
A Secure Digital (SD) card is used to add memory to
many mobile devices.
When a mobile device malfunctions, it is usually sent to
the manufacturer for repair or replacement.
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Other Mobile Device Hardware
Cell Phone Wired Connectivity
A mini-USB cable is used to connect a mobile device to an electrical outlet charger or to
another device in order to charge and/or transfer data.
A USB-C cable and port can be plugged in either direction and are used on mobile devices to
connect to an electrical outlet charger or to another device in order to charge and/or transfer
data.
A micro-USB cable is used to connect a mobile device to an electrical outlet charger or to
another device in order to charge and/or transfer data.
A Lightning cable and port is used to connect Apple devices to host computers and other
peripherals such as USB battery chargers, monitors, and cameras.
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Other Mobile Device Hardware
Wireless Connections and Shared Internet Connections
Besides Wi-Fi, mobile devices also use the following wireless connections:
• Near field communication (NFC) – NFC enables mobile devices to establish radio communications
with other devices by placing the devices close together or by touching them together.
• Infrared (IR) – If a mobile device is IR enabled, it can be used to control other IR controlled devices
remotely, such as a TV, set top box, or audio equipment.
• Bluetooth – This allows data exchange over a short distance between two Bluetooth-enabled devices
or connect to other Bluetooth-enabled peripheral devices, such as speakers or headphone
A smartphone’s internet connection can be shared with other devices.
• Tether – This uses your cellular phone as a modem for another device, such as a tablet or laptop.
• Mobile hotspot – A hotspot is where devices connect using Wi-Fi to share a cellular data connection.
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Other Mobile Device Hardware
Mobile Device Preventive Maintenance
Mobile devices can be damaged by drops, excess moisture,
heat, or cold
The touchscreen should be protected using a screen protector.
Preventative maintenance for mobile devices requires only
three basic tasks:
• Clean using a soft, lint-free cloth and cleaning solution designed
for a touchscreen.
• Back up the data to another source or to a cloud drive.
• Update the operating system and applications when available.
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7.8 Module Summary
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Conclusion
Module 3: Other Mobile Devices
Explain the features and functions of Other Mobile Devices.
Explain how to configure laptop power settings and wireless settings.
Explain how to remove and install laptop components.
Describe the purpose and characteristics of other mobile devices.
Explain how to configure network connectivity and email on mobile devices.
Explain common preventive maintenance techniques for Other Mobile Devices.
Explain how to troubleshoot Other Mobile Devices.
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