Handheld

Handheld refers to equipment that is designed to be operated while held in the hand, typically with one or two hands, and without being mounted or anchored. The term encompasses a broad range of devices and tools, including electronic devices such as smartphones, handheld computers, cameras, GPS units, and game consoles, as well as traditional manual tools like screwdrivers, drills, wrenches, multimeters, and measurement sensors.

In electronics, handheld devices are characterized by portability, integrated power sources, and user interfaces optimized for one-handed use or touch input. They commonly rely on batteries, microprocessors, and wireless communications, and they may incorporate ruggedization for field use. Design considerations include ergonomics, battery life, durability, thermal management, and software usability. For tools, handheld design emphasizes torque or speed control, safety interlocks, and ergonomics to reduce user fatigue.

History and development: while humans have long used hand-held tools, the modern handheld device era began with portable instruments and pocket calculators in the late 20th century, followed by mobile phones and portable computing devices in the 1990s and 2000s. Advances in battery technology, microelectronics, and wireless standards expanded the range and capability of handheld products.

Applications: handheld devices serve consumer, professional, and industrial roles. Common examples include smartphones, handheld gaming devices, portable medical imaging probes, field instrumentation, and cordless power tools.

See also: portable device, mobile computing, handheld radio, handheld scanner.