In the computer world, the term mobile device refers to any electronic device that be easily moved from one location to another. Over time, this category has expanded to include cell phones, laptops, smartphones, smartwatches, and other portable devices. The picture shows an example of one of the most common mobile devices today: the tablet computer.

Mobile device history

Laptops became one of the first mobile computing devices by eliminating the wires between the computer and its peripherals, then integrating them into one unit. The first laptop, or portable computer, was the IBM 5100, released in September 1975.

Today, mobile device usually refers to any hand-held computer capable of running apps that connects to the Internet wirelessly. However, even by today’s more scrupulous standards, the category keeps expanding with new inventions. As is true in any branch of computing, our mobile devices continue to offer more advanced functions while reducing size and weight.

What is a mobile user?

A mobile user is a person who is visiting a website from a mobile device such as a smartphone or tablet. However, can also describe anyone who uses a computer or the Internet on any device that is mobile (e.g., laptop). With Internet advertising identifying mobile users is beneficial to get the users location using GPS and deliver ads for nearby businesses.

AMOLED, Phone terms, QLED, Smartphone, Tablet

  • Are smartphones and tablets computers?
  • Computer vs. smartphone.
  • Computer vs. tablet.
  • What came before computers and mobile devices?
  • Mobile device help and support.