Handheld electronic devices allow users to send and receive text messages, play games, access media files, and perform other activities. Devices such as cellular phones, personal digital assistants (PDA), global positioning system (GPS) receivers, and MP3 players are small, lightweight, and designed to be held in one hand during operation. Although handheld electronic devices provide a variety of features, they are constrained by device size, thickness, power consumption and cost. There are several major parts to a handheld electronic device. Rotary motors have a small footprint and are used for vibrating alerts. Piezoelectric buzzers consist of a metal plate that vibrates with the expansion or contraction of a piezoceramic element. Piezoelectric actuators, devices that produce a small displacement with a high force capability when voltage is applied, are also used as vibrational elements. Voice coil technology is used in speakers.

Handheld electronic devices include handheld computers, portable products which contain a processor, memory, input/output (I/O) ports, expansion slots, operating system (OS), user interface, and battery power. There are two main types of handheld computers: personal digital assistants (PDA) and pocket personal computers (PC). PDAs combine the functions of a cell phone, fax machine, Web browser, and personal organizer. They may also provide handwriting and voice recognition. Pocket PCs are advanced PDAs with low-power processors, brilliant trans-reflective color screen, and wireless communication features. Like other handheld electronic devices, pocket PCs have one or more expansion slots for added memory.

Handheld electronic devices allow users to send and receive text messages, play games, access media files, and perform other activities. Devices such as cellular phones, personal digital assistants (PDA), global positioning system (GPS) receivers, and MP3 players are small, lightweight, and designed to be held in one hand during operation. Although handheld electronic devices provide a variety of features, they are constrained by device size, thickness, power consumption and cost. There are several major parts to a handheld electronic device. Rotary motors have a small footprint and are used for vibrating alerts. Piezoelectric buzzers consist of a metal plate that vibrates with the expansion or contraction of a piezoceramic element. Piezoelectric actuators, devices that produce a small displacement with a high force capability when voltage is applied, are also used as vibrational elements. Voice coil technology is used in speakers.

Handheld electronic devices include handheld computers, portable products which contain a processor, memory, input/output (I/O) ports, expansion slots, operating system (OS), user interface, and battery power. There are two main types of handheld computers: personal digital assistants (PDA) and pocket personal computers (PC). PDAs combine the functions of a cell phone, fax machine, Web browser, and personal organizer. They may also provide handwriting and voice recognition. Pocket PCs are advanced PDAs with low-power processors, brilliant trans-reflective color screen, and wireless communication features. Like other handheld electronic devices, pocket PCs have one or more expansion slots for added memory.

Handheld GPS receivers are handheld electronic devices that use global positioning system (GPS) technology in personal tracking, navigation, and vehicle location applications. Product specifications include display size, display resolution, horizontal accuracy, battery type, battery life, antenna type and additional memory. Some GPS receivers include a compass, calculator, or barometric altimeter. Others are waterproof or have a backlit display. Mapping and two-way communication features are also commonly available.

Specifications for handheld electronic devices list materials of construction, input signal range, output signal range, physical dimensions, weight, electrical contacts, life limit, drop test results, and operating conditions. Docking stations can be used to transfer data between handheld electronic devices via infrared (IR) communications. A docking station includes housing, a signal emitter, and one or more cradles. Each cradle is designed to receive a separate handheld device.