What type of computing specifically refers to handheld smartphones and tablet computers?

Mobile computing specifically refers to the use of handheld devices such as smartphones and tablet computers. This term encompasses the ability to use these devices in a variety of locations, allowing for communication and data access on the go. The key aspect of mobile computing is its focus on portability, which enables users to perform tasks anywhere, taking advantage of wireless connections.

This concept not only includes the hardware (the mobile devices themselves) but also the software and services that facilitate connectivity and functionality, enhancing the usability of applications in a mobile environment. Mobile computing often relies on technologies like mobile networks, wireless broadband, and GPS, which are integral to smartphones and tablets.

In contrast, virtual computing typically involves running operating systems or applications in a virtual environment on a powerful server rather than on portable devices. Client-server computing describes a model where client computers communicate with a central server, while cloud computing refers to the delivery of computing services over the internet. Both of these concepts do not specifically highlight the portability and user mobility that characterize mobile computing.