Portable devices can be carried to different workplaces, used in meetings, while travelling, or at home. They can then be connected to a network for data transfer.

Most laptop computers have network cards built in so they can be connected to a network using a cable or by using a wireless connection.

For example, a business employee may use a laptop on the way to work on the train to write a document. On arriving at work, the laptop can be connected to the office network, and the document downloaded to the file server, so that it can be circulated or emailed to all other employees using the intranet.

Many PDAs employ touch screen technology.

• calculation,
• clock and calendar, address book
• accessing the Internet,
• sending and receiving E-mails,
• digital photos or video recording,
• word processing,
• spreadsheets,
• scanning bar codes,
• use as a radio or music player,
• playing computer games,
• recording survey responses,
• and Global Positioning System (GPS) or satellite navigation systems.

Newer PDAs also have both color screens and audio capabilities, enabling them to be used as

• mobile phones,
• web browsers, or
• portable media players.

Many PDAs can access networks (the Internet, intranets or extranets) via Wireless Networks.