Editing Mobile computing (section)

==In-vehicle computing and fleet computing==
[[File:MOBIDIC cutaway.jpg|left|thumb|[[MOBIDIC]] mobile computer of 1959]]
Many commercial and government field forces deploy a rugged portable computer with their fleet of vehicles. This requires the units to be anchored to the vehicle for driver safety, device security, and [[ergonomics]]. [[Rugged computer]]s are rated for severe vibration associated with large service vehicles and off-road driving and the harsh environmental conditions of constant professional use such as in [[emergency medical services]], fire, and public safety.

[[Image:Compaq portable.jpg|thumb|The [[Compaq Portable]] - {{Circa|1982}}, pre-[[laptop]]]]

Other elements affecting function in the vehicle:
* [[Operating temperature]]: A vehicle cabin can often experience temperature swings from {{convert|-30|-|60|C|abbr=on}}. Computers typically must be able to withstand these temperatures while operating. Typical fan-based cooling has stated limits of {{convert|35|-|38|C|abbr=on}} of ambient temperature and temperatures below freezing require localized heaters to bring components up to operating temperature (based on independent studies by the SRI Group and by Panasonic R&D).
* Vibration can decrease the life expectancy of computer components, notably rotational storage such as [[Hard disk drive|HDDs]].
* Visibility of standard screens becomes an issue in bright sunlight.
* Touchscreen users easily interact with the units in the field without removing gloves.
* High-temperature battery settings: Lithium-ion batteries are sensitive to high-temperature conditions for charging. A computer designed for the mobile environment should be designed with a high-temperature charging function that limits the charge to 85% or less of capacity.
* External antenna connections go through the typical metal cabins of vehicles which would block wireless reception and take advantage of much more capable external communication and navigation equipment.