Laptops vs. UMPCs: Understand Your Options For Mobile Computing

By Sarah Howland, Integrated Solutions magazine

In today's fast-paced, efficiency-driven world, mobile computing has evolved from a capability that is nice to have to one that is necessary. Businesses were once deploying mobile computers to gain a competitive advantage; now companies do so just to remain competitive. And although the novelty of mobile computing itself may have worn off a bit, there are plenty of mobile computing technology advancements that are keeping the industry interesting, providing new functionality, and giving companies a myriad of options from which to choose. It is important for you to understand what your options are with mobile computers and the functionality those various options provide, so you can choose the technology that best aligns with your business processes, needs, and goals.

One decision many companies deploying mobile computing technology are faced with today is the debate of a more traditional rugged laptop versus a UMPC (ultramobile personal computer). While these devices offer many overlapping benefits, there are also unique characteristics of each that may make one or the other a better fit for your application. I recently spoke with some industry experts in the mobile computing arena to gather information about the advancements in mobile computing technology, the benefits of each of these devices, and other information that may help you make your mobile computing decision.