The major focus of reviews will be on
"smart phones." I recognize that these have traditionally
been divided into two major classes, "phone" centric or
"PIM" centric. The major dividing line between the two
classes is the type of keyboard used and the means of entering data into
the phone. Those with traditional numeric keyboards are viewed as
phone centric and those with QWERTY keyboards or stylus and touch screen
are considered PIM centric. Other features such as Bluetooth, WiFi,
camera, video camera, FM radio, MP3 player, game oriented joystick, etc.
are treated as features and not given a class. The bottom line is
that people are seeking converged devices to avoid having to carry
multiple devices with them. The technology (its current state at any
point in time) and human ergonomics are the limiting factors that every
engineers seeks to find the "best" solution with the fewest
compromises (some of the limitations are listed below).
The Technical Limitations Consist of:
1.
Battery technology
2.
Screen size and resolution
3.
Keyboards for data entry
4.
Processor performance with limited power use
5.
Ability to get all of the features in a small physical space with minimum
battery power and weight
6.
Speaker independent voice recognition
Human Limiting Factors are:
1.
Size of hands and fingers
2.
Eye sight (especially for over 40)
3.
Weight that can be carried comfortably
My
criteria is pretty much independent of class with a few exceptions.
1.
Must function well as a phone. This means receives calls and holds
them even in weak signal areas and the sound is loud and clear with little
or no distortion and no cutting in and out on either end. The other
party also hears me loud and clear and is not constantly saying what did
you say or could you repeat that you are cutting out on me. If it
doesn't work well as a phone, even if it is a PIM centric device, what is
the point of buying a converged and compromised device? I would be
better off with a good phone and a good PIM.
2.
It must be capable of receiving email within 15 minutes of the time it is
sent and this feature must be reliable. Whether the email is pushed
or polled is really more of a factor on battery life with push email
imposing less of a drain on the battery.
3.
It must support Bluetooth. I have to admit that his didn't use to be
a criteria for me; however, with the advent of Bluetooth in vehicles and
the need to support hands free communications (due to laws in many states)
this has become a criteria for me.
4.
It must have an address book that is compatible with MS Outlook and that I
can easily synchronize with MS Outlook.
5.
It must have a calendar that can be synchronized with my MS Outlook
calendar. I need to be able to easily keep track of my appointments
and travel schedule.