Case Study 2

Would a newspaper reporter and a supermarket manager use a handheld computer in their work?

A hand held computer is a mobile device and is a pocket-sized computing device, typically having a display screen with touch input and/or a miniature keyboard. A portable computer that is small enough to be held in one's hand. Although extremely convenient to carry, handheld computers have not replaced notebook computers because of their small keyboards and screens.

The handheld computer greatly reduces data entry time by providing a way to record data quickly and easily. Data can then be transferred to a desktop or laptop computer database or spreadsheet application for manipulation and storage. Their small size and long battery life allow them to be used in situations where laptop computers are inconvenient.

Handheld devices have become ruggedized for use in mobile field management situations to record information in the field. They are used to achieve a variety of tasks for increasing efficiency that include digitizing notes, sending and receiving invoices, asset management , recording signatures, managing parts and scanning barcodes. Handheld computers used at work have molded over time into a variety of form factors, including smart phones on the low end, handheld PDAs, Ultra-Mobile PCs and Tablet PCs. Laptops do not come under handheld computers as they are not small enough to hold in one's hand.

Now, what does a newspaper reporter do?

A newspaper reporter investigates a subject, performs research and conducts interviews to gather information, then writes a newspaper article on what he or she discovered. Sometimes used synonymously with the word journalist, a newspaper reporter is usually someone who actually performs research and investigation into a subject or story and reports it.

As a newspaper reporter, you must be accurate, quick and provides proper data for the reader. In gathering information, you must interview someone for that information. Sometimes if the person you’ve interviewed speaks faster, you must have a proper gadget for that. The handheld computer greatly reduces data entry time by providing a way to record data quickly and easily. The data you then gathered would be transferred to a laptop or PC for encoding it and make it as an article.

One example of handheld computer is the new iPhone 4 that has all the features any journalist (CJ or PJ) needs to never again be in a newsroom.

Of these features include FaceTime, the ability for video calling (right now just WiFi capable) is a feat that will put an end to mobile video cameras such as the FlipCam, which could not even transmit data remotely.

Another is the overall video capabilities of the phone itself. No more is there a need for a film crew or bulky cameras for on-the-spot news. Point, shoot, edit, send. This is possible and will be the future. High school and college students will use this technology to enhance their newspapers’ websites as schools cut back on their budgets. Professional journalists and bloggers will do the same.

How about a delivery person for a courier service?

A courier is a person or company who delivers messages, packages and mail. Couriers are distinguished from ordinary mail services by features such as speed, security, tracking, signature, specialization and individualization of services, and committed delivery times, which are optional for most everyday mail services.

It has being proven and tested that some companies nowadays are using the latest technology for that faster and easier processing of their job. On of which is the DX group, a courier firm which handles a million items of mail daily, is rolling out handheld devices to its 850 couriers to ensure accurate delivery and create real-time parcel tracking. The system plans a route and delivery order for couriers, taking into account the time of day, likely amount of traffic, and number of deliveries in the area. It also monitors couriers’ locations, and warns customers and couriers of deliveries that are likely to be late.