John Tokash makes a lot of sense to me in his recent post about the Nokia 770. He writes about how it fulfils the tasks he requires.
“…the tasks he requires.”
That’s the important bit. He analysed his requirements and found a device to suit. He didn’t do what most people do and dream about high-end gaming or whine about the lack of 3.6mbps cellular data connectivity because he knows that its not part of his requirements.
I really wish more people would be honest with themselves and analyse exactly how they use their computing devices. Do you really need a web-cam when you don’t have anyone to talk to. (For example!) and do you really need Vista to browse websites and read email? Do you really need MS Office to create simple documents? Being honest allows you focus on the capability you really require and potentially save money too.
John’s requirements is very similar to mine and breaks down into three parts. I quote:
The Mobile Phone/Email device (LG CU320, no email, now, but hopefully a smartphone soon) is something I need to have with me at all times to keep track of projects while away from the office and while in meetings. The Mobile Internet Tablet is something that I like to carry with me throughout the day to meetings, errands, etc, but the required screen size makes it something I can’t have with me ALL the time (was Palm TX, then TK eo UMPC, now: Nokia 770). The Mobile Workstation (Dell Inspiron 6000d) is with me at work and at home, carried to some meetings.
I agree. The mobile phone is with you all the time. If you can handle having a PDA-sized device on your belt then that’s even better. The mobile Internet tablet (I’d call this the ultra-mobile PC class.) is the middle ground and the workstation is a semi-permanent installation. This could be a desktop PC for most people.
Read Johns blog entry to find out why his chosen device was the 770 Internet Tablet and remember – be honest with yourself or the marketing machine will get you!
Steve.
I agree John Tokash.
I have the same result as 770 with a Nokia Communicator 9500 but with GSM Data/Vox inside (Vox, Email, Surf web…).
I hope the 780 with more screen. I hope particuly The E90 with UMTS/HSDPA.
Fir information, I have also a AMtek Origami.
The Commnicator 9500 is my surf web all day.
(Sorry for my english !).
I second that. What we need is not necessarily what we want.
I myself want a pocket xp computer that will play some older games, surf the web, play movies at a decent clip, and last 4 hours at least per charge. I do not need Vista, Phone, high-end gaming, Webcam, Fingerprint Security, or anything bulk inducing to my pocket or depreciating to my wallet.
Where or where are you now magic pc?
Even with an honest assessment, cannot see an ideal device for me. I don’t need email/phone (my Blackberry is optimised for this already). What I need is a highly portal web browser (min 800×480, ideally 1024×480) with fast anywhere connection ie. 3G, that is small/light enough to put on a belt clip and carry anywhere, that does music, video playback and has a decent camera. Don’t need keyboard.
Nokia N95 is getting close, but very small screen. Nokia 770 has no 3G and no camera. Sony UX has perfect screen but is too bulky and too expensive.
Sigh, I can but wait…!
“min 800×480”
“small/light enough to put on a belt clip”
Thats the reason that the UMPC form factor exists. Until we get foldable or roll-out screens, the above combo is just not physically possible. For 800×480 you need min 4″ screen. Thats 200dpi which is already too small for most people.
“Nokia 770 has no 3G and no camera”
Is the 770 form factor OK for you though? I still don’t see that as ‘beltable’
Until then I think we have to say that a 640×480 smartphone is about the nearest we are going to get.
Steve
The 770 is very ‘beltable’, and at 220g a good weight. The UX screen size is excellent, and if the other stuff was removed (e.g. keyboard) this would also be beltable. The HTC Universal has enought space for a 4″-4.5″ screen and most people carry that on a belt.
Just need a manf. like Sony to take the leap, this is do-able IMO.