Practical 6b

UIR: http://www.mobilephonedevelopment.com/

Purpose
The purposes of the website are clearly stated in the link ‘about this site’. This site was launched by a mobile developer to bring together some of his recent experiences of mobile software development. It includes problems, hints, tips and reviews. Besides, it contains comments on market research, tools and technologies. The issues covered are equally applicable to management as they are people who implement solutions.

Coverage
Basically the site covers all information related to hand phone development. Thus it was easy for me to find information regarding my research topic on 3G development in mobile devices. The content of the site includes popular articles, recent events, regular updates, freeware etc. Under popular articles, there is a list of frequently read articles and readers can give their comments on the articles. Recent event contains all the up-to-date information regarding mobile phones and its technology. Likewise, user can also download some hand phone application such as dictionary under the section on ‘My freeware’.To enhance the coverage of the site, there are links on related articles located at the bottom of each article for readers to enhance their reading. There are also links to other relevant websites.

Authority
I will regard the site as an authoritative one as most of the information given seemed to be reliable as they are based on reports and researches. However, the site is not included in any gateways or virtual libraries.

Accuracy
As the site is created by a professional mobile developer, I believe that most of the facts are accurate. In addition as highlighted above, he uses research and report as a basis, thus giving more accurate facts. However, the site also contains some of his personal opinions and is biased towards those people undertaking mobile software development. This can be since from the words ‘I think’ as highlighted.

Currency
The in the site is updated almost daily. Thus giving very current and up-to-date information on the latest trend and technology in mobile devices. Personally, I think the site is well-maintained as the clear layout of the site, sub-headings and links make it easy for user to navigate though the site.

Accessibility
The site is easily accessible through power search like google. All the information in the site is accessible for free and no log-ins is required. The ease to access the website can greatly encourages more users to view the site.

Presentation and Arrangement
The presentation and arrangement of the site is clear and well-organized. All the links(About, Recent Events, Popular articles etc.) are all located at the left side of the site. This made it easier for user to research according to the relevant sub-headings. In its home page, articles are arranged in a chronological manner, showing the latest article first. The site also has high consistency in terms of its presentation and arrangement.
In addition, a search facility is available and located on the top left of the site. This will greatly enhance navigation through the side.

Usability
With the search facilities located at the top left of every page of the site, user can gather relevant information on their research rather than searching all over the site. Thus this is a very useful facility that enhances the navigation of the site.

Overall
In summary, I am impressed with the quality of the site in terms of its presentation, high accessibility as well as its wide coverage. The organized presentation and its search facility make searching on topic very easy. Besides I am able to gather ample information on my research topic – 3G, due to its wide coverage.