Three Technologies That Could Profoundly Change Handhelds

Ed Hardy · 03-07-2003, 09:27 AM

While today's handhelds are good, technologies currently being developed will make them much more useful. Brighthand's Editor-in-Chief predicts which of these will be the most significant.

Read more at http://www.brighthand.com/article/Te...ange_Handhelds

CTSLICK · 03-07-2003, 09:36 AM

I like the idea of fuel cells however...

First...its my understanding that methanol, at least the pure stuff, is fairly toxic not to mention incredibly flammable. Most likely not something that you want John Q. Public handling.

Second...do you think that the airlines are going to be letting you onboard with a methanol fuel cell? Just wondering...

Equilibrium37 · 03-07-2003, 09:43 AM

fuel cells would be great for better battery life, but like CTSLICK said, there are going to be other problems that arise with them...

Also, those Virtual Keyboards look neat but they would take a while to getting used to. It's kinda funky to type onto nothing.

That guy is using it in his car! Is that safe?

Ed Hardy · 03-07-2003, 10:22 AM

Gasoline is also toxic and flamable yet everyone uses it every day.

Companies like Toshiba seem to think the airlines will be OK with methanol, where they aren't with hydrogen fuel cells. Keep in mind, with a handheld we're talking about a few CCs of methanol. Not very dangerous. Of course they'd stop you if you tried to go on a plane with a gallon of the stuff.

Underbelly · 03-07-2003, 10:50 AM

It amazes me when they publish pictures like that of the guy typing while driving as a legitimate use. Yeah, like reading a newspaper is a legitimate thing to do while driving!

It does look cool though..I'd use it when I'm not driving. One of the reasons I haven't actively looked for a keyboard is the added bulk to carry around.

I am not sure if a fuel cell could be taken on the plane. You aren't allowed to take pressurized flamables..

Equilibrium37 · 03-07-2003, 11:00 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by Underbelly
It amazes me when they publish pictures like that of the guy typing while driving as a legitimate use. Yeah, like reading a newspaper is a legitimate thing to do while driving!

It does look cool though..I'd use it when I'm not driving. One of the reasons I haven't actively looked for a keyboard is the added bulk to carry around.

I am not sure if a fuel cell could be taken on the plane. You aren't allowed to take pressurized flamables..

yes, that is pretty funny to show him using it in a car. he has to concentrate on typing, unless he is a whiz at it, but he at least has to concentrate on his PDA, not to mention the road, and lord knows if he's talking on his cell phone!

Ed Hardy · 03-07-2003, 11:17 AM

Hey, maybe he's just parked in the middle of the road.

Scott R · 03-07-2003, 12:13 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Ed
Hey, maybe he's just parked in the middle of the road.

Yeah, the guy's driving down the middle of the road. I'd like to see them update the picture showing a tractor trailer coming at him.

Scott

R K · 03-07-2003, 01:45 PM

Does anyone know if there are any side effects to using those near-eye displays? It might be comfortable, but I just can't imagine long term use of those displays without side effects.

Ed Hardy · 03-07-2003, 02:59 PM

People who took part in that study at Ohio State University I mentioned in the article were asked if they experienced any headache, eyestrain, sore or irritated eyes, blurry vision, dizziness, nausea, disorientation, neck ache, or backache after using a near eye display. The people said they had no more of these than they did after reading the same information on a computer monitor or piece of paper.