The first nomadic devices were laptops, usually connected to the Internet through a modem. Now handheld devices can access Internet information through wireless connections. The next phase will be to integrate these different devices functions into a single multifunction device. Many people think of wireless communications as the primary enabler, but this is just one mode of communication. It is, however, making people more aware that they would like to be able to access the Internet without being connected and while they are on the move.
Wireless technology comes in few flavors.
Cellular gives us voice and data access over fairly long distances. But I think short-range wireless technologies such as Bluetooth, 802.11 wireless LANs, and fixed wireless are even more exciting. Some of these have limitations for example, with Bluetooth, you have only 3 bits of address space, only eight devices can connect at a time, and users don t get a true IP connection. But the field is moving quickly, and as wireless technology gets faster, less expensive, and more ubiquitous, people will be able access the Net from many more locations. I see middleware as essential to nomadic computing.