The Case For Separation

[DTM]

...For me, the downside would be leaving behind all my palmos apps. ... Lastly, there is the issue of GSM vs CDMA. The coverage in NA for GSM is still very spotty, despite the att "more bars" commercials....

And therein lies the real issue about converged devices. The problem is that we're trying to achieve convergence at the device level, rather than at the network level. Think of how many discussions have gone along the lines of, "I like device X, but it's only available through carrier Y, who cripples feature Z."

We have multiple, incompatible cellular networks to deal with. Then, for data, there's Wi-Fi, which got interesting as individual hotspots and is now growing as regional webs are starting to come online. Separate, disconnected regional webs. Layered on top of this are proposals for nationwide Wi-Max networks, that won't be compatible with any of the above.

This is largely due to the misguided notion among service providers that they can benefit by fighting the technology. That has never worked before, and won't here. The idea is that, by limiting technology, I can force people to use my service for everything. But the problem with that approach is that it is just as effective at preventing those who have incompatible technology from using my service. Eventually, I'll realize that I can't succeed by making things difficult for my customers, but rather by making it easy for them. And then I get rich.

Now, we all want our handheld devices connected in some manner. I happen to want a large touch screen for primarily data communication. Others want primarily voice communication with one-hand operation and will accept a smaller screen. Other people have other preferences. What does all of that have to do with the network we're connecting to? Nothing!

But, as it stands, if I want to use Verizon's services, I have to pick one of the devices that Verizon has optimized for their needs, not mine. That doesn't make any sense, except to Verizon, and only until they wise up. (And I'm not picking on Verizon; all of the others are just as guilty.)

Eventually (and I think this will be in the not to distant future) there will be a single wireless standard that every device will support. You'll then connect to the Digital Transmission-Mobile network (to pick a name at random) and simply choose the service you wish to use, just as you choose your long distance carrier now.

At that point, there won't be any difference between a PDA, smartphone or cell phone, and we'll have to come up with a new name. They'll just be handheld devices, some with big screens, some small, with or without thumbpads, optimized for one- or two-handed operation, etc. Just a broad range of general-purpose devices, and you--not the carrier--can choose the features that are important to you, and connect to whatever service you want. Or none at all.

Once convergence happens at the network level, all of these discussions about device-level convergence will seem rather quaint, I suspect.

[RedFox]

Such a pity Palm aren't based in Europe. We don't have all these shenanigans with incompatible networks - that's why mobile phones and SMS took off so rapidly here. The carriers sometimes lock phones to their network - but they can be unlocked again quite easily. I just bought an unlocked Treo 680 online and slapped in a free pay-as-you-go SIM, from the carrier with the best PAYG data rates.

The deals here aren't as generous as in the US (especially data plans), but maybe that's because carriers can't tie you in so easily and need to make more money from customers in the short-term. Swings and roundabouts...

[JCosta]

Like JRakes (Joe), I am a Tungsten T3 owner and for some time I wished a Treo with 320*480 display to be released, which never happened. I quit waiting and bought a Treo 650, for two strong reasons: integrated keyboard and one-handed navigation.

Initially I thought that the Treo 650 would replace the T3, yet nowadays I see myself using the Treo for business and the T3 for leisure (ebook reading, wi-fi web browsing, watching videos with my kids). I have recently bought an iPOD w/30 Gb and it beats the Treo or Tungsten in its main purpose, to easily access, organize and listen to music.

I found that, if you can afford it, you'll be better served having different devices for each need, or preferably, a range of needs. Of course, it's much more geeky and impressive to have an all-in-one device, however, in my opinion, these tend to be more complex to operate (takes more steps to do one thing), to be bulkier and to suffer from shorter battery life.

[Matt J]

I'm not so sure about the claim of not being able to view PIM data on a converged device. I can only speak for the 755p, but I've had no issues garnering this information while on a phone call, and still talking to the other party all along.

I agree. My Treo 680 fits my needs perfectly. I left my T|X and Audiovox phone in favor of a Treo 680.

It's small enough to fit in my pocket and makes a great phone and PDA. If I am on the phone and need to view PIM data, I simply switch over to speakerphone. The Palm OS ease of use makes this possible. I have tried the Windows version but find it a little cumbersome; perhaps just because I'm not used to it.

The Treo keyboard too a little getting used to (I used to own a Tungsten C) but can type quite quickly now. I thought I would miss Wi-Fi, but like the idea of being able to access the Internet ANYWHERE now.

Originally, I thought the screen would be too small, but again, I don't notice the difference anymore. The Treo 680 is a perfect phone and pocket computer for my needs.

Once I moved to a converged device, I don't think I could ever move back to a standalone PDA.

[Pony99CA]

I agree. My Treo 680 fits my needs perfectly. I left my T|X and Audiovox phone in favor of a Treo 680.

It's small enough to fit in my pocket and makes a great phone and PDA. If I am on the phone and need to view PIM data, I simply switch over to speakerphone. The Palm OS ease of use makes this possible. I have tried the Windows version but find it a little cumbersome; perhaps just because I'm not used to it.

Well, on my Motorola Q, I just press the Speakerphone button, then can go to any application I want. I haven't used any other Windows Mobile phone, but this one seems pretty simple.

It's not necessarily the OS that makes things simple; hardware design also comes into play.

Steve

[Streaky]

Agreed, but that assumes you either (a) are alone, (b) don't mind strangers being privy to your conversations and/or (c) have little background noise.

[Matt J]

Agreed, but that assumes you either (a) are alone, (b) don't mind strangers being privy to your conversations and/or (c) have little background noise.

This is easily solved with a wired or Bluetooth earpiece.

[Streaky]

Agreed again, but Pony99CA said "speakerphone" .

[JRakes]

I suppose I'm just "wacko," but carrying a separate earpiece somewhat offsets the idea of a "single" device for me. And I really don't want to walk around with something stuck in or on my ear all the time for that possible occasional call. Nor do I want to have to pull out said device while fumbling with the phone to connect it (by wire or wirelessly.) I know it sounds silly to many folks, but all of these "workarounds" to use a single device seem like yet more compromise to the whole premise for me.

I keep thinking I must be missing something major and blatantly obvious...

[Streaky]

I'm with you, JRakes. Welcome to the asylum.