1.3b - Mobile Device Accessories: Professor Messer

Exam Objectives:

• Accessories

  • Touch pens: Manipulate/activate a touchscreen interface (typically a mobile phone) without directly touching it - useful for fine graphical skills, e.g., note taking and signatures; meant to emulate using pen and paper

  • Digital stylus/active stylus: More advanced writing tool, the stylus communicates independently with the device, has pressure sensitivity, and contains buttons to perform functions.

    • Typically associated/must be compatible with an active stylus.

  • Headsets: Provide hands-free audio via earphones and a microphone.

    • Can be wired, often via a 3.5mm tip-ring-ring-sleeve (TRRS) connector, via a Lightning port (Apple devices) or connect via Bluetooth.

  • Speakers: External devices to play audio through very large speakers/stereo sound). Typically battery powered, and operate via wireless connection (Bluetooth).

  • Camera/webcam: Devices used to capture video (and audio, if a microphone is present) input. Available on laptops, mobile phones, and tablets. Typically used for multimedia applications/video conferencing

• Docking station: Hardware device that connects a laptop to other peripherals, such as an external hard drive, a monitor, or a keyboard/mouse - expands existing laptop interfaces and avoids cable issues (no unplugging/plugging).

• Port replicator: Similar to a docking station (i.e., extends desktop functionality, but doesn’t typically have expansion card options, and is connected to laptops via USB.

• Drawing pad: External digitizer connected to a computer, that can be used with an active stylus - very precise input with multiple operating systems, commonly used with artists.

• Trackpad: Input device that replaces a mouse for laptops, allowing users to control the cursor through finger movements. External trackpads connect to a device via Bluetooth. Can be disabled via some laptop’s function keys.

Input Devices for Tablets and Mobile Phones

• Touch Pens (Stylus)

  • Allow manipulation of touchscreen interfaces without using fingers.

  • Also known as touchscreen styluses or capacitive stylus.

  • Ideal for tasks requiring precision, such as note-taking or signing documents.

  • Emulates the experience of using a pen or pencil on paper.

  • Useful for clearer visibility of screen content since fingers are not obstructing the view.

• Active Stylus (Digital Stylus)

  • Provides more functionality and precision than a capacitive stylus.

  • Communicates with the device even from a distance.

  • Can detect applied pressure, enabling different line widths and styles when writing or drawing.

  • Often features buttons for additional functions (e.g., tapping, double-tapping) without needing to touch the screen.

  • Typically designed for specific devices (e.g., Apple Pencil for iPad).

• External Drawing Pad

  • Adds touchscreen capability to computers that lack it.

  • Combines an active stylus with a digitizer that connects to the computer.

  • Offers precision similar to that of tablets and mobile devices.

Trackpads and Mouse Functionality

• Built-in Trackpad

  • Commonly found on laptops.

  • Useful in spaces with limited room (e.g., airplanes, airports).

• External Trackpads

  • Portable and usually battery-powered.

  • Connects via Bluetooth for easy access on various systems.

  • Supports multi-finger gestures and customization options.

• Disabling the Trackpad

  • Some laptops allow disabling the trackpad through function keys.

  • Useful for preventing accidental cursor movement while typing.

Audio Input and Output Devices

• Headsets

  • Can be wired (USB or 3.5mm TRRS connection) or wireless (Bluetooth).

  • The 3.5mm TRRS connection allows simultaneous audio input and output.

  • Apple users often require headsets with a Lightning connector if they lack standard audio jacks.

• External Speakers

  • Provides better audio quality than small internal speakers in mobile devices.

  • Typically battery-powered and connect wirelessly via Bluetooth for portability.

Camera and Webcam Functions

• Integrated Cameras

  • Used for multimedia and video communication.

Docking Stations and Port Replicators

• Docking Stations

  • Stay in one location; allows easy connection/disconnection of devices.

  • Connects printers, keyboards, mice, and displays for seamless use.

  • Can support additional adapter cards for enhanced functionalities.

• Port Replicators

  • Similar to docking stations but often connect via USB.

  • Smaller and typically don't support adapter cards.

  • Eases the connection/disconnection process for portable laptops.