Mobile computing - What is "mobile" anyway? - Page 2

Steven Lyle Jordan · 03-29-2007, 10:30 PM

Back on topic: I can't argue with any of your points, Bob. They are all valuable measuring sticks today, and they can all be improved down the line. I feel my PDA satisfies my need for "mobility" right now, especially in points 1, 3 and 4. (I recently straightened out my battery drain problems simply by switching to a lower display mode on battery power. Now the battery lasts for hours longer than before.)

Against "the whole package," I wish this PDA was my desktop computer too, like the OQO NatCh mentions, essentially docking with my full monitor and keyboard, and allowing me to take it all with me when undocked. Given the differences in the way you use a full sized computer versus a PDA, I think it would have to have two modes, a Full OS and a Portable OS, in order to be useable.

On the other hand, I can't just crack open up my PDA whenever I want to replace my sound card. Mobility demands some sacrifices, like flexibility, and often serviceability (although this is the one thing mobility should NOT sacrifice). Like I said... there's a ways to go yet.

nekokami · 04-02-2007, 09:04 AM

But your PDA probably doesn't often need sound card updates anyway, does it? (Oh, wait, I forgot about the mp3 player phenomenon....) Anyway, what I meant was that you could add the upgrade goodies to the docking station and keep the PDA more bare-bones.

I like my Honda Civic Hybrid, but when our other car (a Hyundai) was having trouble, we looked at the Honda Fit. Very station-wagon-ish, nice flexibility.

yvanleterrible · 04-02-2007, 10:42 AM

The problem with a PDA is the same as the SUV's.

Its multiple use feature is its drawback.

If I need to carry lots of cargo, I use my Express van. If I need to go somewhere I use my Corolla. Some people buy an SUV because they feel they might use it to haul a house when they will never get to do so, or maybe once or twice.

That is the waste.

I still prefer dedicated devices optimized for a specific use.

NatCh · 04-02-2007, 11:42 AM

I always find it hysterical to see some little-bitty 80 lb blond lady driving a full up Hummer and easing it ever so gently over a speed bump -- the fool thing was built to take over a small nation and she's worried about a speed bump?!?!

yvanleterrible · 04-02-2007, 01:55 PM

Yeah! and the thing's oufitted with worn out street radials.

Steven Lyle Jordan · 04-03-2007, 07:50 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by yvanleterrible

If I need to carry lots of cargo, I use my Express van. If I need to go somewhere I use my Corolla. Some people buy an SUV because they feel they might use it to haul a house when they will never get to do so, or maybe once or twice.

That is the waste.

True... that's why I went with a hatchback. I use that storage space all the time, but if I need to move something bigger (like the old furniture I'm hoping to sell this weekend), I rent a U-Haul for $30 for the day. Since I do that, at most, once a year on average, it saves me tons o' money.

I've tried to explain that logic to my truck-driving friends, but they just look at me like I'm from Mars...

NatCh · 04-03-2007, 08:57 AM

Better yet, just borrow your friends' trucks ... which is another reason not to buy a truck, your friends will always want to borrow it (and you) to move their stuff!

04-02-2007, 10:42 AM	#18
yvanleterrible Reborn Paper User Posts: 8,616 Karma: 15446734 Join Date: May 2006 Location: Que Nada Device: iPhone8, iPad Air	The problem with a PDA is the same as the SUV's. Its multiple use feature is its drawback. If I need to carry lots of cargo, I use my Express van. If I need to go somewhere I use my Corolla. Some people buy an SUV because they feel they might use it to haul a house when they will never get to do so, or maybe once or twice. That is the waste. I still prefer dedicated devices optimized for a specific use. Last edited by yvanleterrible; 04-02-2007 at 01:53 PM.

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03-29-2007, 10:30 PM	#16
Steven Lyle Jordan Grand Sorcerer Posts: 8,478 Karma: 5171130 Join Date: Jan 2006 Device: none	Back on topic: I can't argue with any of your points, Bob. They are all valuable measuring sticks today, and they can all be improved down the line. I feel my PDA satisfies my need for "mobility" right now, especially in points 1, 3 and 4. (I recently straightened out my battery drain problems simply by switching to a lower display mode on battery power. Now the battery lasts for hours longer than before.) Against "the whole package," I wish this PDA was my desktop computer too, like the OQO NatCh mentions, essentially docking with my full monitor and keyboard, and allowing me to take it all with me when undocked. Given the differences in the way you use a full sized computer versus a PDA, I think it would have to have two modes, a Full OS and a Portable OS, in order to be useable. On the other hand, I can't just crack open up my PDA whenever I want to replace my sound card. Mobility demands some sacrifices, like flexibility, and often serviceability (although this is the one thing mobility should NOT sacrifice). Like I said... there's a ways to go yet.

04-02-2007, 09:04 AM	#17
nekokami fruminous edugeek Posts: 6,745 Karma: 551260 Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: Northeast US Device: iPad, eBw 1150	But your PDA probably doesn't often need sound card updates anyway, does it? (Oh, wait, I forgot about the mp3 player phenomenon....) Anyway, what I meant was that you could add the upgrade goodies to the docking station and keep the PDA more bare-bones. I like my Honda Civic Hybrid, but when our other car (a Hyundai) was having trouble, we looked at the Honda Fit. Very station-wagon-ish, nice flexibility.

04-02-2007, 11:42 AM	#19
NatCh Gizmologist Posts: 11,615 Karma: 929550 Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Republic of Texas Embassy at Jackson, TN Device: Pocketbook Touch HD3	I always find it hysterical to see some little-bitty 80 lb blond lady driving a full up Hummer and easing it ever so gently over a speed bump -- the fool thing was built to take over a small nation and she's worried about a speed bump?!?!

04-02-2007, 01:55 PM	#20
yvanleterrible Reborn Paper User Posts: 8,616 Karma: 15446734 Join Date: May 2006 Location: Que Nada Device: iPhone8, iPad Air	Yeah! and the thing's oufitted with worn out street radials.

04-03-2007, 08:57 AM	#22
NatCh Gizmologist Posts: 11,615 Karma: 929550 Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Republic of Texas Embassy at Jackson, TN Device: Pocketbook Touch HD3	Better yet, just borrow your friends' trucks ... which is another reason not to buy a truck, your friends will always want to borrow it (and you) to move their stuff!

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