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Originally Posted by BobR
I have a feeling that if you can get over the fact it's coming from Microsoft, it's going to be an exciting development in the world of mobile computing!
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It still seems like a big YAWN to me.
1. It's a Microsoft product. Which means that it will not support any standard formats. Microsoft has historically only thought of new developments as ways to promote its monopoly rather than how to meet the needs of the consumers.
2. If the rumors are true:
"...new PC category, including that it be wearable, always on, no larger than 10-inches, connected through 3G networks, pen-based, and have a suggested retail price of $500 or less. … One notable spec that could differentiate this one: Microsoft is apparently insisting that this run the full version of Windows."
Then...
a) You will probably need to pay a monthly fee to have it (to the 3G network provider).
b) You will have to worry about OS exploits on it (one thing that WinCE typically doesn't have an issue with).
c) At 10 inches, it's no better than a PDA. So what's it going to do above the current crop of PDAs?
d) Since they still haven't licked the power problem, battery life isn't going to be very good - especially for an always-on, full Windows system.
"Essentially, it's a Transformers toy for adults. The device, which acts as a phone, camera, camcorder, MP3 player, PDA, Internet picture frame, laptop, workpad, and weapon, twists around every which way to morph."
I still maintain that anything that acts like a phone+anything is useless. People who use their phones alot and want some PDA functionality sometimes probably would find it useful because they wouldn't have to carry around 2 units, but that's it.
Cameras/camcorders are falling out of favor in many places. Some companies don't permit devices with cameras in them on company property. Because of some people's misuse of cameras (like in lockerrooms), many other places are banning them - at least banning their use in those places. Putting a camera on something is a negative - not a positive.
I highly doubt that it will be an MP3 player. A WMA player, perhaps, but not MP3.
"Laptop"? At 10 inches? I have a Zaurus SL-C760 that I normally term "Barbie's Laptop" because it's that small. It's not usable as a laptop. People's hands aren't that small.
"Internet picture frame"? Boy, the 3G provider will like to charge you for that.
Bottom line is that I don't see anything exciting about this. It's just some hype that the MS marketing guys have smoked up.