Skip to Content.
Sympa Menu

internetworkers - Re: [internetworkers] Palmtops

internetworkers AT lists.ibiblio.org

Subject: Internetworkers: http://www.ibiblio.org/internetworkers/

List archive

Chronological Thread  
  • From: Ilan Volow <listboy AT clarux.com>
  • To: "Internetworkers: http://www.ibiblio.org/internetworkers/" <internetworkers AT lists.ibiblio.org>
  • Subject: Re: [internetworkers] Palmtops
  • Date: Sun, 14 Nov 2004 20:18:22 -0500

I've always tended to be skeptical of people trying to shoehorn user interfaces and os'es that were made for full-size desktop computers into tiny palm-sized hardware that often gets more design input from electric engineers that ergonomists (I've owned a Sharp Zaurus--can you tell?) These things virtually always end up as nothing but geek toys whose sole purpose is to be used by systems administrators who sit in coffee shops and run ssh terminals into who-knows-where when they're not playing anime on the damn things.

IMHO, a well designed mobile device is designed from the ground up both in UI and in OS, and is designed around how people work and move when they're on the run. I think that some mutation of the iPod or BlackBerry would probably make a better mobile device than most of the below devices, and would probably gain more market acceptance. Especially if there was some kind of cell-phone integration.

As for looking to the future, I'm curious as to why most "primitive" humans from 50,000 years ago knew more about how to make mobile tools that fit comfortably in the hand than most silicon valley engineers know today. Perhaps what the tech industry needs to do is to commandeer a Klingon vessel, go back and time, and rescue a few extinct neanderthals who will save them from making yet even more mediocre stuff. ;)



On Nov 14, 2004, at 1:44 PM, Alan MacHett wrote:

Anyone have or ever use a palmtop? What's your experience or opinion?

OQO:
http://www.oqo.com/
http://www.linuxdevices.com/news/NS4054087444.html

Vulcan FlipStart:
http://www.flipstartpc.com/

Sony VAIO U, coming soon:
http://www.geekzone.co.nz/content.asp?contentid=3662


Any of you older folks ever use the Atari Portfolio?
http://www.atarimuseum.com/computers/pccomputers/portfolio.html

just curious; I'm still waiting for that future promised to us, oh, 20
years ago...





-Alan


---
Come and play at the InterNetWorkers Web site! http://www.ibiblio.org/internetworkers/
You are currently subscribed to InterNetWorkers mailing list
To unsubscribe visit http://lists.ibiblio.org/mailman/listinfo/internetworkers


--
Ilan Volow
Ergonomica Auctorita Illico!





Archive powered by MHonArc 2.6.24.

Top of Page