It's Time for More Clamshell Handhelds

Ed Hardy · 02-07-2005, 11:30 AM

Brighthand's Ed Hardy urges more handheld makers to produce devices that have a clamshell design because, with their relatively large built-in keyboards, these make ideal mobile communication devices.

Read more at http://www.brighthand.com/article/It...hell_Handhelds

gfunkmagic · 02-07-2005, 12:34 PM

Quote:

Currently, there are no clamshell Palm OS models at all.

Isn't that ironic considering all the swivel-flip models Sony released...

*sigh* Another reason why I really miss Sony.

Also, I recall a brighthand story mentioning a rumor that Sony had planned to integrate phone functionality into the UX series clies prior to its decision to leave the pda market. It seems that the MDA IV takes over from where the next gen UX would have gone. Too bad b/c that would have been a killer palmos device...

ktdan1 · 02-07-2005, 12:42 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by gfunkmagic
Isn't that ironic considering all the swivel-flip models Sony released... *sigh* Another reason why I really miss Sony.

Also, I recall a brighthand story mentioning a rumor that Sony had planned to integrate phone functionality into the UX series clies prior to its decision to leave the pda market. It seems that the MDA IV takes over from where the next gen UX would have gone. Too bad b/c that would have been a killer palmos device...

I think a lot of people were saying just that to Sony. We love thier form factor just hated the OS and the qerks they built in to there devices to make you stay Sony only. Well that is all water under the bridge as Sony is no more in the US maket.

I kind of look at this as a Nexio 150(not the 160) that has been around for years in th Korea.

I will be interesting to see what this next year will bring in new devices.

mbk1487 · 02-07-2005, 01:32 PM

how about:
screen protection
and
landscape orientation???

IMO, the only possible drawback to a clammy is the inability to have one-handed operation, like on a Treo.

...and size-wise, any clam shelled handheld had better be more cellphone sized (iMate JAM, for example) than otherwise, or people just won't buy it.

Note to Ed: I know they pay you, but those "Free iPod" ads with the flies buzzing on them are just plain annoying!

jimn367 · 02-07-2005, 02:28 PM

As an owner of a treo and a UX I'd like to inject one caveat.

Clamshells don't do one handed operation well. I could do things with one hand/thumb on the treo that take two hands/thumbs on the Sony.

I know a few people that still use their HP720's. Very nice devices - they were just ahead of their time.

sub_tex · 02-07-2005, 04:45 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by jimn367
Clamshells don't do one handed operation well. I could do things with one hand/thumb on the treo that take two hands/thumbs on the Sony.

Part of that is the fault of the makers. I can do a whole lot more on my Treo with one hand than I can do with a T3.

That MDA looks like it could be a great device. If they make the D-pad in the tablet form work like the Treo's (total control of the UI) then it's the best of both worlds.

You can one-hand it while in tablet, then bust out the kb for writing.

Of course, they need to make it fully hotkey-able a la Psion Revos/Nokia Communicators.

If you have to use the stylus for ANYTHING when you have the kb out, it's a failure. Takes you totally out of the zone when you have to stop typing just to hit "OK".

I had a big issue with Sony's UX because of this too.

Daniel Stenning · 02-07-2005, 05:32 PM

oh how i loved my psion, as the author said - clamshells are a prerequisite for typing, i used to write complete reports on mine.

but have to say, although my Nokia 6600 is a dog with a useless series 60 interface - i do agree that the ONE HANDED aspect of such mobiles ( and some tablets ) is quite appealing,

i couldnt live without my psion in the old days - and a perfect OS and GUI to boot- really dont know why NOKIA made such a hash of it in its descendant - symbian series 60.

will wait eagerly for a decent do all clamshell- like the author said - we just need the choice.

k2stingray · 02-07-2005, 07:29 PM

My preference would be for a clamshell that doubles my screen size rather than one that adds a keyboard that is two small for touch typing. A larger screen with BT keyboard = much better laptop replacement for short trips.

ArchiMark · 02-07-2005, 10:08 PM

Agree with you 100% Ed!

I have used several clamshell Zaurus's the past 2 years and think they are great!

The flexibility to use them either as a micro-laptop or a tablet is excellent. Always great to have choices I think.

On top of that having Linux OS is good too as you can reflash ROM to 'different flavor'. Again more choice as user!

Mark

nrosser · 02-08-2005, 12:01 AM

I guess the question of clam or not clam really depends on the design intent of the device - if it's a phone-based unit (a la Treo et al) a big clam really won't fly. If it's to be a mobile communicator and not that much of a phone, then maybe there's room for clam. The issue, I think, becomes one of size - introducing a clam/keyboard combo by its very nature means the thing is going to be bigger. And once you go down that path, how far? Will the MDA IV prove to be too big for people to carry as their ONE device? I think it's that juxtaposition of size vs intended function that manufacturers will have to gauge very carefully.
If it's a true converged device - I'd say no clam.
If it's a communicator (Sony UX for instance) then maybe clam.