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

[Ilan Volow <listboy AT clarux.com>]

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
>
>
> ---
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--
Ilan Volow
Ergonomica Auctorita Illico!