1src Forums - View Single Post - Companion device for your PALM.

I see a true "companion" should have the following characteristics:
1) Connectivity
In order to be a companion to anything the device should be versatile enough to connect to anything using a wide array of methods (ex. cellular, wimax, wifi, bluetooth, usb, etc)
2) Screen
In a mobile companion the screen is pivotal to device success, and not just size-wise. Manufacturers need to realize that the device is PORTABLE and MOBILE which means the screen has to be viewed not only in the comfort of your office but also in direct sunlight. OLPC has shown progress in that area by using a screen that would revert to monochrome in direct sunlight. Also the screen should be touch capable, as thats crucial to a true intuitive interface.
3)Battery
The device should be designed to be used when traveling, which means more time between recharges. 3-4 hours just doe not cut it.
4) UI
The UI needs to be simple and intuitive, having a full-blown "Windows" interface just does not make sence. The EEE and Foleo UIs were 2 different approaches to this problem (1st was using a PDA-like interface, the other was using a "windowless" window manager for simple application switching)
5) Instant-on
When travelling, waiting for a device to boot up is a MAJOR annoyance
6) CPU architecture
I think that X86 architecture provides access to a larger application library.
7)Price
Needs to be under $500 (The highest price point at which it still could be an impulsive buy) A companion device should not cost more than the device its trying to be a companion to.
8) Keyboard
I a a firm believer in the fact that a physical keyboard is necessary for rapid data input. Plus it has to be large enough for a person to be able to type comfortably.

I do not believe large storage capability is necessary.

Anyhoo, thats my 2 cents, sorry for a lengthy post.

02-27-2008, 10:53 AM	#10
BaDZeD Registered User Join Date: Dec 2006 Posts: 302	I see a true "companion" should have the following characteristics: 1) Connectivity In order to be a companion to anything the device should be versatile enough to connect to anything using a wide array of methods (ex. cellular, wimax, wifi, bluetooth, usb, etc) 2) Screen In a mobile companion the screen is pivotal to device success, and not just size-wise. Manufacturers need to realize that the device is PORTABLE and MOBILE which means the screen has to be viewed not only in the comfort of your office but also in direct sunlight. OLPC has shown progress in that area by using a screen that would revert to monochrome in direct sunlight. Also the screen should be touch capable, as thats crucial to a true intuitive interface. 3)Battery The device should be designed to be used when traveling, which means more time between recharges. 3-4 hours just doe not cut it. 4) UI The UI needs to be simple and intuitive, having a full-blown "Windows" interface just does not make sence. The EEE and Foleo UIs were 2 different approaches to this problem (1st was using a PDA-like interface, the other was using a "windowless" window manager for simple application switching) 5) Instant-on When travelling, waiting for a device to boot up is a MAJOR annoyance 6) CPU architecture I think that X86 architecture provides access to a larger application library. 7)Price Needs to be under $500 (The highest price point at which it still could be an impulsive buy) A companion device should not cost more than the device its trying to be a companion to. 8) Keyboard I a a firm believer in the fact that a physical keyboard is necessary for rapid data input. Plus it has to be large enough for a person to be able to type comfortably. I do not believe large storage capability is necessary. Anyhoo, thats my 2 cents, sorry for a lengthy post.