page_title: Mobile computing
section_title: In-vehicle computing and fleet computing
hierarchical_section_title: Mobile computing / In-vehicle computing and fleet computing
caption_attribution_description: Español: Compaq Portable el primer Compatible PC portable. English: Compaq Portable the first portable IBM PC compatible
context_page_description: Mobile computing is human–computer interaction in which a computer is expected to be transported during normal usage, which allows for transmission of data, voice and video. Mobile computing involves mobile communication, mobile hardware, and mobile software. Communication issues include ad hoc networks and infrastructure networks as well as communication properties, protocols, data formats and concrete technologies. Hardware includes mobile devices or device components. Mobile software deals with the characteristics and requirements of mobile applications.
context_section_description: Many commercial and government field forces deploy a rugged portable computer with their fleet of vehicles. This requires the units to be anchored to the vehicle for driver safety, device security, and ergonomics. Rugged computers are rated for severe vibration associated with large service vehicles and off-road driving and the harsh environmental conditions of constant professional use such as in emergency medical services, fire, and public safety.
  Other elements affecting function in vehicle:
  Operating temperature: A vehicle cabin can often experience temperature swings from −30–60 °C (−22–140 °F). Computers typically must be able to withstand these temperatures while operating. Typical fan-based cooling has stated limits of 35–38 °C (95–100 °F) of ambient temperature, and temperatures below freezing require localized heaters to bring components up to operating temperature (based on independent studies by the SRI Group and by Panasonic R&D).
  Vibration can decrease the life expectancy of computer components, notably rotational storage such as HDDs.
  Visibility of standard screens becomes an issue in bright sunlight.
  Touchscreen users easily interact with the units in the field without removing gloves.
  High-temperature battery settings: Lithium ion batteries are sensitive to high temperature conditions for charging. A computer designed for the mobile environment should be designed with a high-temperature charging function that limits the charge to 85% or less of capacity.
  External antenna connections go through the typical metal cabins of vehicles which would block wireless reception, and take advantage of much more capable external communication and navigation equipment.
caption: The Compaq Portable - circa 1982 pre-laptop
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