3G

3rd Generation mobile network that provides fast mobile access to Internet content, making it possible to combine the features of several different handheld devices into a single device

Accessories for Handhelds

Hardware options that extend or increase the power of your handheld (Examples: Science probes, keyboards, GPS receivers, Bluetooth adapter cards, Wi-Fi cards, memory cards, digital camera accessory)

Archive

A backup copy of files kept for long-term storage and can be used to restore lost or deleted information

Batteries

Units that provide or restore electrical power to handhelds (Examples: replaceable AA or AAA batteries or internal rechargeable batteries)

Beaming or Infrared Beaming

Transferring data through the use of infrared or sending documents to infrared-enabled printers for printing

Bluetooth

Technology that allows short-range radio links between mobile devices and does not require a clear line of sight to operate (Infrared requires a direct line of sight between devices.)

Cradle

A device connected to a computer by a cable which allows handhelds to recharge and exchange or synchronize data with the computer, keeping your information up-to-date

eBook

Text from an entire book saved as a computer file to be read from a handheld computer, desktop computer or a special device designed specifically for eBooks

GPS

GPS or Global Positioning System of 24 satellites equipped with atomic clocks continuously orbiting the earth, sending out radio signals transmitting their location and the exact time

How it works: Ground receivers or GPS equipment pick up the radio signals from the satellites. Once the ground receiver (GPS) locks on to four or more of these satellites, it can determine the latitude/longitude of its current position. Locations tend to be accurate to within 50-100 meters.

Handhelds

any one of several computing devices that can fit in your hand and are mobile (Examples: palm-sized PCs, pagers, cell phones, and PDAs or personal digital assistants)

Handwriting recognition

Turning pen (stylus) strokes into electronic text

Infrared

A wavelength used to send data back and forth (Most handheld electronic devices have infrared ports that allow this exchange of data without using cables, but they must be in line-of-site alignment to work.)

Memory Cards

Small brand-specific units that expand the memory that comes with your handheld (Examples: Compact Flash, Secure Digital, Memory Sticks)

Mobile or mobility

Having to do with moving about freely or easily

MP3 Files

A file format that permits users to store, transfer, manage and listen to music

Navigation Buttons

Buttons (usually below the handheld screen) used to move around within an application or switch between applications

OS or Operating System

The most important software on the computer or handheld device because it acts like a traffic cop to perform basic tasks, keep track of files, recognize input, control devices, maintain security, (to name a few) to ensure that all the different programs coexist peacefully on one machine

PDA

Personal Digital Assistant or a device that organizes personal information, like calendars and address books

Plug and Play

The ability to plug in a device and use it immediately, without having to install special software

Stylus

A pen-shaped tool that allows the user to make selections by tapping on a touch-sensitive screen

Sync or synchronization

Synchronization, or sync, is the exchanging and updating of information on both a handheld device and a desktop computer at the same time. This can be done with a device called a cradle or by using an infrared port.

USB

Universal Serial Bus or computer ports that can be used to connect up to 127 other devices, like printers, keyboards, or mice

Wireless

Term used to describe a device connected to the Internet or intranet without wires