Types of Electronic Communication Devices

As technology becomes more advanced and affordable, we are often presented with new ways to perform old tasks. Many of these advances improve the ways we communicate with others, allowing us to stay better informed and better connected. As these devices evolve, our communication methods will continue to evolve with them.

While their use continually declines, pagers are still important items in many situations in which a cellular phone cannot function well. Pagers are one-way communication devices used to notify an individual of urgent events. Often these are either phone numbers to call or SMS messages with extended information. Pagers are best suited to individuals who may not have immediate access to a telephone.

Cellular phones began as simple mobile telephones, but have since evolved into handheld computing and communication devices with numerous useful features. One of the first models, the SRA/Ericsson MTA (Mobile Telephone System A), weighed 88 pounds and needed to be installed into a vehicle to meet the necessary power requirements, according to PCWorld magazine. Modern devices are much smaller and lighter, and have much more functionality.

The traditional telephone, invented in 1875 by Alexander Graham Bell, is among the oldest electronic communication devices. It has been a device vital to communication since its inception, and has continued to evolve as technology allowed. Telephones were quickly adopted nationwide, and have become a prominent part of the national communication infrastructure.

A smartphone is a cellular phone with extra computing functionality and connectivity capabilities. While many cellular phones can run a set of simple applications that come pre-installed on the device, smartphones allow the user to download and install applications of widely varying complexity. Many smartphones double as portable computing devices, providing the user with business and personal communication functionality from any location.