[From Frank H. Tano, Spokane, WA] There is a segment of the population which believes that when it comes
to mobile electronics, two can be better than one. To be specific,
having both a mobile phone AND a PDA is not just a common choice but a
necessary one. Sure, it's not ideal for everyone but then again,
neither is using a single convergent device.
The "Industry" today, based on sales data, word of mouth, and perhaps
even reading tea leaves is convinced that the future of mobile
computing is in the convergent device. With a quick scan of PalmAddict
and sites like it, you will find numerous arguments for and against
this belief based on both facts and speculations. Personally, I
believe that there is still a market for the stand alone PDA. Sure,
some will agree with me and admit that there is a small niche market
for these devices but what no one is saying is that, to be honest the
PDA has always been a small niche market. So what has changed?
Interest has just stagnated because, well innovation has stagnated.
Then Apple introduced the iPhone. Yeah, there was some innovation
there but for the most part, the iPhone couldn't do much that you
couldn't do before with devices already on the market. Granted the
iPhone was just a bit more elegant in some of the things it did and the
interface was just pure modern lickable candy that even the most
hardened critic couldn't help but ogle. Oh, and yes, it's a convergent
device. Then, surprise it was shortly followed by the iPod Touch which
at first blush, seems so much like a stand alone PDA.
Now for the interesting bit and the only reference that I have here. I came across this article.
The iPod Touch seems to be selling well or well enough but wait, it's
not a phone. Why are people getting an iPod Touch when the market
clearly states that it's convergent devices that rule. Well, maybe
people just want a device that can be a media player. Oh wait, people
are hacking them to give them enhanced PDA functions. What? Why
aren't they handling their PDA their smart phones? The market clearly
states that people want smart phones. Well, with speculation, things
are never very clear. With the promise of supported third party
applications for the iPod Touch (and iPhone) in the near future, it
will be interesting to see what the fate of the iPod Touch will be.
Will it sell or will people want iPhones (or other smart phones)
instead? Will Palm take notice? Will anyone? It is a niche market
after all.
