Editorial: Changing Times, Changing PDA

[Antoine Wright]

fficeffice" />>>

A consistent theme among many people in PDA forums around the Internet lately has been that Palm OS based PDAs are not making the effort to cater to the need for more useful features (for example, there is only one current PDA model that includes Wifi built in). There is another group of users who have for many model releases asked manufacturers to just design a good looking product, and not Star Trek's next tricorder (read: every new iPaq). For one reason or another, PDA device makers, who were once at the top of the capability chain, now seem to have taken good design and product placement principals and thrown them out the window. What happened to end-users in the past four to six years that has made what once worked, now dated and needing a new tank of fresh air? Products that once defined a genre have now been overtaken by trendier products. What is palmOne, HP, and other PDA manufacturers going to do about this?

> >

While going to a job interview this week in the ffice:smarttags" />lace w:st="on">Washington DClace> area, I took the time to look at the PDA landscape. I had this thought that I would see a good mix of mobile phone, PDA, and laptop users. I took the train from lace w:st="on">Philadelphialace> and thought it would be an easy thing to see PDAs and laptops. Even when I traveled from lace w:st="on">Lancasterlace> to lace w:st="on">Philadelphialace> the day before, I saw a few people on their mobile phones and laptops. I was expecting a bit more of the same, but to nonetheless be impressed. I was in for a shock; the mode of communication in DC is the BlackBerry. And when I saw that, I stopped and understood why the current non-connected PDA (meaning no live connection for Internet and email) is no longer going to work. PDAs have to change if they are to live.

> >

So what has happened? I can give a brief analysis from my user perspective. In 1999, I was first exposed to PDAs in a college class. I had experience with Sharp organizers before that, but never saw something as good as that Phillip Windows CE device. I did my homework and ended up with a Palm IIIxe. It was great. I found games, Wordsmith, and Olive Tree. When I needed more space for bibles, I went to the m515. It wasn't hi-res, like the Sony PDAs, but it was just right. Enough features to keep me satisfied, but also well designed. Because of the need for MP3 play while walking to class, and a trip to lace w:st="on">San Juanlace>, I went for the Zire 71 as soon as it came out. I was more than satisfied, but something was missing besides the vibrating alarm. It was a great device, just not as polished as the m515 was. My Zire 71 took some water damage this September and never recovered. Since I have been without a permanent PDA; still looking for the right match. I have not been in this position since before I owned that IIIxe, and it's safe to say that PDAs have changed much since then. Now my needs are data collection, organization, and email. Honestly, the best devices for that now are smartphones like the new BlackBerry 7100. But I do find that a PDA will be all that more future proof if it has the right features. Having all the latest features is not necessarily on the list, but if it can be done in a clean interface with little setup time, then that is what I want.

 

> >

PDAs have not done that. There have been features, but to configure them in many cases is a lesson in rhythmic tapping. There have been product releases that have needed a federal grant proposal to justify the lack of features. All the while, the mobile phone industry as been slowly creeping in features that many PDA users are most likely to want, and at a lower price than all but the least expensive PDA models.

> >

I don't think the alternative is to go completely to the smartphone route. Having a device in the design of a PDA with the functions of a mobile phone (like the iPaq h6310), but is simpler to set up in getting online or grabbing email would be great (oh, and cheaper would be nice). For that to happen, I would like to see more thought go into the interface elements. Having one tap access to seeing the status of a wireless connection is great. Why not go a step further and have tap and hold mean that a setup panel comes up? Instead of having to wade throughout menus of Bluetooth phones and headsets, why not design the "host" device to detect the hardware and then file away all the other models.

> >

All I am asking is that PDA makers stay in the game by changing the way business is done. Sure, no one wants to be like Sony and release a dozen models per year at low profit margins, knowing many are going to fail; but you can't say that Sony didn't try. Companies like HP and palmOne need to consider a tri-annual release schedule, not bi-annual. And in palmOne's case, it would be nice if they got over the desire to extend product lifecycles beyond 18 months. This will keep the competition on its toes and also allow for technology to move more.

> >

For example: palmOne uses Spring/Winter release to add a Zire and Treo model, and an OS update for the latest released Zire, Tungsten, and Treo models that would address any bugs and maybe add a new feature. A midsummer release of Tungsten and Zire models that would run into the pockets of back to school sales; and then a Fall/Winter release that would hit on holiday sales with a new Tungsten and Treo model.

 

> >

Seeing new models often will refresh the industry and make PDAs fun once again for all who need data on the go. It will push developers to be more on top of an already demanding schedule, but will also allow developers and accessory makers to get more out of a product. It can happen. I don't want to think that I would have to be like that guy who had a BlackBerry up to his ear. I would rather have my Bluetooth headset; pausing the music on my PDA to answer the call on my mobile phone. Sounds like much, but when things work, it would be smooth. And then change will no longer be the issue, but what tie to wear with the headset will be.

[theharmonyguy]

Amen, d-roC. *Excellent* editorial.

I went for a 7135 as soon as Verizon had them because it finally brought what I wanted in a device: convergence of phone and PDA, clamshell design, and some great features like MP3 player. Since then I've certainly been satisfied, but have longed for more, like an actual keyboard (I know there's debate on that and a hi-res screen.

When I first saw the MPx I was thrilled. I'm no MS fan, but the MPx combines the features and form factor I've been looking for. (If it were PalmOS and supported EV-DO it would be perfect. But there's no telling how long of a wait that device will have, especially on Verizon. (You mentioned palmOne's product lifecycles, let's bring up VZW's testing cycles as well. [}] With smartphones, the network companies are as much a part of this as the device makers.)

Anyway, I know not everyone's a smartphone fan, but I was just saying that even there I've been noticing the lack of innovation. Devices like the Treo 6x0 and new Samsung models are bright spots, but as a whole I wonder where things are going.

How did I get off on all that? Sorry. Your perspective was fantastic, though, and I completely agree. Let's hope the manufacturers take notice . . .

[boyscouter]

Thanks for the editorial. I am so frustrated with PalmOne. Besides a personal organizer, my main desire for my pda is to access and edit Word and Excel files and be able to send them via Wireless email or bluetooth through my cell phone back to my office. From what I have read, Documents to Go is so much better than Microsoft's Pocket Office that I do not want to even consider Window's Mobile Edition. But until PalmOne comes out with an internal WiFi enabled machine AND a replaceable battery, I am holding out. Does anyone else out there have the same needs as I do for a PDA?