One device to rule them all

[StoryEnthusiast]

What I want is a 5' to 7" tablet that also does voice calls and, when inserted into a docking station on my desk, can be charged and at the same time allow me to work on a standard size keyword and large display. This will allow me to get rid of my PC and phone.

[HansTWN]

Originally Posted by StoryEnthusiast

What I want is a 5' to 7" tablet that also does voice calls and, when inserted into a docking station on my desk, can be charged and at the same time allow me to work on a standard size keyword and large display. This will allow me to get rid of my PC and phone.

If you don't need the full functionality of a PC, then the Galaxy Note would fit the bill. You can use it with a charging stand and bluetooth keyboard/mouse combo.

The original 7" Galaxy Tab international version could also be used as a phone. I see a lot of people in HK still using that. Perhaps they will have another similar device. A 7" Note with phone function would be great.

[charlesatan]

As much as possible, I prefer to have "one device to rule them all"--and the only reason I have both a mobile phone and an iPod Touch (as opposed to an iPhone) is because the iPhone is too expensive here (at least $1,000 unlocked).

That said, sometimes it's not possible to have one device for everything. I own an iPad as well and there are some things it can do better than an iPod Touch can't. (And I don't think a 7" phone is portable...)

[AlbertaCowboy]

Until I can get an Earth Systems Alliance Omni Tool, I'll stick with having a dedicated device for each purpose. My one compromise has been loading my iPhone with the music I listen to most, not using my big ol' iPod as much these days.

[HansTWN]

Originally Posted by charlesatan

(And I don't think a 7" phone is portable...)

For women or men carrying purses, bags, or briefcases a 7" device is actually very portable.

[graycyn]

I don't think one device could do it for me, my Samsung Galaxy Note comes very close, but for reading I still prefer e-ink. I can actually read on the Note with reasonable comfort using the Mantano Reader app, but I've set it up so that the text is on a gray background similar to my Sony e-ink readers.

[ebusinesstutor]

The trend certainly is towards having one device. Stand alone PDAs are rare now (are any even sold) because smart phones have taken over their functions. I used to use a separate MP3 player, but when I bought my iPhone, it took over for my MP3 player.

I had a 7" Android tablet (one of the early cheap ones) that I used as an ebook reader.

But I recently switched to "one device to rule them all" my Galaxy Note. It replaced my iPhone and my 7" tablet. With its 5.3" screen, it is very comfortable as an ereader.

Smart phones are like swiss army knives. They aren't the best at much of anything, but very handy because you have so many tools in one device you can put into your pocket.

I am sure our first pictures of Sasquatch or aliens will be taken on a smart phone instead of a DSLR because everyone has a camera phone with them.

[KindleChickie]

I like the idea of an all in one device, for casual use. But when I want to get immersed, I usually go for the device that suits my immediate need best.

If I want to do some hand held gaming, I mean really get lost in a game, I pick up my PSP or Vita. Sure, the iPad, android phone, and even my kindle have games (I I do game on each of them), but they can't compare to my PSP/Vita experience.

Same thing with reading. I wanna really get lost in a book, my Kindle is heaven.

[Kumabjorn]

Originally Posted by wodin

This entire thread bring to my mind three words; Samsung Galaxy Note! Does it all for me.

With some additional gadgets it is surprisingly close to be the do-it-all, be-it-all. I have purchased a HDMI connector and can now watch 1080 HD movies from my Note to a large screen TV, a BT keyboard allows me to create texts, but only if connected to a larger monitor. I want to find some sort of connector for VGA so I can use an external monitor (I have a few old ones). A docking station with built-in VGA, HDMI, USB, etc. would be a hot seller in my mind.

[sabredog]

Originally Posted by pidgeon92

I can't see how there would ever be one device that would suit all of my media. For me, eink is the best for reading, but even then I like my Kindle Touch for reading in bed, and my DX for reading at the table or outdoors. The iPad is great for magazines and games, but is too large to fit in my pocket, or even some of my purses, and it's relatively heavy. The iPhone is great for lots of things, but reading isn't one of them, and most games are too small for me to play comfortably. If I were to go on vacation, I'd take my iPad, iPhone and Kindle Touch.

This is the same device usage pattern for me.

iPad for games, browsing comics and PDF's etc. I lug it around in a special carrybag.
iPhone for comms
PRS-650 for reading goodness

The old saying "jack of all trades and master of none" comes to mind.

[Joy736]

I have an iphone, ipad and a e-ink reader. If the ipad would end up getting a "readable in the sun"-screen and would let me make a phonecall, I would get rid of the phone and e-ink reader. I'm not on the phone too much and I carry a bag with me anyway, so the size doesn't matter that much. And if the battery-life is good enough to last one day, even if I would use it a lot on a free day (I don't mind charging it over-night) I'm happy.

[kennyc]

Well, the problem is really the display technology, eh? It is either the wrong size or uses too much power etc. So we do away with that! Direct retina projection or glasses to provide a "heads up display" in mid air. Viola!

Then there's the typing problem so we have to improve voice recognition and we're set!

[kennyc]

Originally Posted by ebusinesstutor

...

But I recently switched to "one device to rule them all" my Galaxy Note. It replaced my iPhone and my 7" tablet. With its 5.3" screen, it is very comfortable as an ereader.

Smart phones are like swiss army knives. They aren't the best at much of anything, but very handy because you have so many tools in one device you can put into your pocket.
....

Yes this is almost true for me with my Galaxy SIII - it is very usable (other than in direct sunlight) for reading, email, websurfing, texting, phone calls. Not perfect by any means, but definitely usable.

[transmitthis]

First of, fjtorres WTF, how did I miss that entire show? cool, something to look forward to.


One device is where it's heading, just think what the PC did (Your TV, HIFI, Video Recorder, File storage, mail, Photo Album, etc...)

Tech is not there yet, so screen size and battery are issues at present. But I believe in the future the one device will just be your "Account" whether that be with Google or Microsoft or Skynet, is openn to debate

You will have one device in you home, some box in the basement, connected to fibre or future wifi, with x amount of storage, it will be used for local storage, personal stuff and as a buffer for you cloud account.

The way you will actually get the data will be glasses, wearable, as this needs the least amount of power and screen real estate, while giving you the best view.

IMO

[fjtorres]

Originally Posted by AlbertaCowboy

Until I can get an Earth Systems Alliance Omni Tool, I'll stick with having a dedicated device for each purpose.

The self-defense add-in mods certainly take the *all* in all-in-one seriously. The Swing-out holoblade is particularly useful on camping trips to the Amazon.