Ultraportable devices
From Blindside
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[edit] What is it
Miniaturization of electronic devices has been a constant feature since their invention. With Moore's Law dictating the ever-increasing density of transistors in a given space, and the effect this has had on memory as well as processing circuitry, ultraportable devices and their applications will continue to grow (well, shrink, actually). The just introduced Apple iPhone comes with 4 gigabits of memory. Competitors for the winning DVD format are introducing compact discs with 300 gigabits of memory. In a 21 March 2007 paper CSIA defines Ultraportable Computing as devices which confer the ability to carry out the majority of both Offline and Online ICT tasks (in terms of having sufficient storage, processing and networking capabilities) whilst being sufficiently portable (in terms of weight, form factor and battery life) to be always carried. CSIA points out the new launch of the HTC Athena (sold in the UK as T-Mobile’s Ameo2) - "a hybrid between the Mobile Messenger and UMPC types of device, and from a first appraisal offers an interesting evolution of this market...this hybrid could act as a tipping point for the concept of Ultramobile Computing, as although it may not be “perfect”, unlike previous device types it has no obvious downsides. As such, it may well be an ideal compromise for regular travellers, who currently are often seen doing basic tasks on Mobile Messengers when on the move, but find themselves having to revert to a laptop (which may or may not be carried with them on a full time basis due to bulk and weight) for more intensive tasks. From local experience this has certainly been the case for ITsafe Duty Officers, who can carry out their Triage duties anywhere using HP iPAQs, but currently need to find a PC and broadband connection to publish items to the web and issue Warnings.
[edit] Impact & Maturity assessment
We estimate the Impact Level at 2, our intermediate level. Our reasoning is much the same as found in our assessment of pervasive computing. Our estimate of the Maturity Level is 1, our lowest level, as despite the existence of commercial products in this space, the potential for much smaller, much more capable devices is already talked about as an inevitability.
1 http://www.seehtc.com/ 2 http://www.t-mobile.co.uk/eshop/personal/phones/phones.do
[edit] Information Assurance issues
All information security systems will have to be re-evaluated to account for the miniaturization of memory, and increased access to data through mobile networking devices.
[edit] Implications for UK Government
UK government will benefit from ultraportable devices, as field workers, police and emergency responders and the military will have access to smaller kit that does more useful work.
However, ultraportable devices will also pose two important challenges for UK government:
1. As more network capability passes through to ultraportables, services that are either already delivered online or are planned to do so soon may be more effective delivered directly to the person via ultraportables. This may involve expensive duplication of delivery channels, and may involve segmenting the population into delivery targets such as in-person, online, and mobile.
2. Ultraportable devices will bring benefits to criminals and terrorists, and they generally are among the first to adopt new technologies. From electronic eavesdropping to smuggling of data, ultraportables will be involved in crime and terrorism, and security services at the least should be aware of what's commercially available and in development.
[edit] Timescale
We think that the impact of this will be ongoing as there is much room for miniaturization, but that the real difficult adjustment to the implications of ultra portable devices will have to be made between 18 months and 5 years from now.
[edit] Examples
August 2007: Samsung has introduced a 1.8-inch hard drive that holds 160GB, designed for gadgets such as MP3 players.
September 2007: Dell is currently selling an external hard drive for desktop computers with 1 terabyte storage for £193
September 2007: The Pentax PocketJet 3 Ultra-Portable printer is barely over 10" long and 1 lb. in weight but claims to offer laser quality text
September 2007: The Archos 504 Portable Digital Media Player and Recorder has a built-in 80 gigabyte hard disk so you have plenty of space for anything you need, and includes a high-speed USB 2.0 connection for transferring files. This unit features a 3.5-millimeter stereo headphone jack mini-jack and TV output, and dedicated connectors for hooking up optional adapters or the DVR station. The 504 also features a music playback time of up to 17 hours, and a video playback time of up to 5.5 hours on its built-in LCD display, all with its internal, removable lithium-ion polymer rechargeable battery that charges via computer through its USB port, or more quickly with the optional docking adapter or DVR station, or a separate optional power charger. The Archos 504 is compatible with both PCs and Macs with a USB port and Linux, Windows ME or higher, or OS X or higher, and requires Windows XP with Service Pack 2 or higher and Windows Media Player 10 or higher for use with PlayForSure video and subscription services. This media player allows firmware updates to be downloaded via www.archos.com, weighs approximately 11.15 ounces, and measures approximately 5.1 x 3 x 0.9 inches (W x H x D).
September 2007: Kingston 1GB MicroSD Card(TransFlash) (6.5MB/s) Dimensions 43” x .59” x .039” (11mm x 15mm x 1mm) Weight - 0.04 lbs (1.41g)
[edit] Comments (attributed)
What people say about this emerging technology (attributed)
[edit] Organisations
Groups which have a particular contribution or point of view about this emerging technology, eg tech businesses, user organisations or advocacy groups
[edit] Documents & research papers
Very brief abstracts or links to informative documents, presentations or academic research papers about this emerging technology
[edit] Experts (academic, practitioner)
Links to academic experts or expert practitioners and commentators on this emerging technology
