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Mobile Computing - Laptop, Smartphone or Personal Digital Assistant (PDA)?

Author: TechShortcut Staff | Article updated: March 11, 2009

2. Option Comparison

	1. Laptop	2. Smartphone	3. Personal Digital Assistant (PDA)
Internet Connectivity	Most laptops have Wi-Fi. A cellular access device can be added which will give the same Internet connectivity range as a smartphone. It is also possible to connect to the Internet by connecting your cell phone to your laptop but it can be difficult to configure.	Cell phones have access to the Internet for additional fees. Some cell phones also have Wi-Fi capability which allows you to save if you are on a data plan that charges by the amount of data transferred.	PDA's usually have a Wi-Fi connectivity option Some PDAs even include a cell phone add-on which would classify them as a smartphone.
Internet Browser	A standard web browser is used	The browser can vary based on the phone's operating system	The browser can vary based on the PDAs operating system
Applications	Since a laptop uses a commercial operating system, there is maximum flexibility to install and run any applications you need.	Applications are dependent on the phone's operating system. Some phones only provide basic applications like address books and calendars while others provide mini versions of regular computer applications.	Same as smartphones
Size	Not pocket-size	Smartphones are usually bigger than regular cell phones.	Same as smartphones.
Cost Factors	Hardware
	Hundreds of dollars	Hundreds of dollars	Hundreds of dollars
	Software
	Depends on the need	Depends on the need	Depends on the need
	Services (approximate costs)
	Cellular Internet connectivity will cost $50 to $100 per month Wi-Fi costs depend on whether the Wi-Fi hotspot charges	Cellular Internet connectivity will usually be an addition to your cell phone plan and may cost an additional $20 per month Wi-Fi costs depend on whether the Wi-Fi hotspot charges.	Wi-Fi costs depend on whether the Wi-Fi hotspot charges