Blurred Line Between Mobile Phones & Computers

I use the O2 XDA Orbit, which is a PDA with Windows Mobile. I find it’s really useful for keeping in touch, up to date and organised. I keep my calendar synchronised with my PC using an exchange server, so I always have access to my latest work and home commitments. I can back up my contacts so I always have the phone numbers and email addresses I need. It’s got Sat Nav, so I can find my way to meetings.

I can check my emails, create Office documents, play games, browse the Internet, listen to music, take photos and upload them straight to Flickr.

Oh yes, I can phone people on it too.

It’s an inevitable step, but I’m still impressed with these two tiny computers. They are ultra mobile, you could carry it in your handbag or a large pocket, and they have performance and functionality that really compares to a PC.

The OQO model 02:

And the budget, lower spec version – The Asus EEE:

A well known assertion is that computer technology is getting cheaper and smaller as time progresses. Moore’s Law states that technology is improving exponentially. The law can be applied to processing speed, memory capacity and resolution of digital cameras.

Although I would agree that the power and capabilities are improving exponentially, I feel that ergonomics will dictate how small things can go. I expect technology to keep shrinking, become more powerful and relatively lighter. But screens still need to be large enough to comfortably read text and watch video. Input devices such as keyboards and mice need to be big enough to control and type accurately.

Touch screens, and laptop touch pads are great for mobile use, but the accuracy and usability of these tools still don’t compare to a traditional keyboard and mouse in my opinion.

Laptops are becoming the first choice for home computing, because they have become powerful enough and cost effective. They save space and allow computer access in the living room, garden and away from home. But some people still like the traditional desktop.

Although I love my phone, and it has the capability to do great things, the size of it means it’s slower and a bit more awkward to use for a lot of the tasks it boasts about. I couldn’t imagine creating a long document in Word for example.

Posted: September 17th, 2008 under Digital Media.

Comments