Features of a PDA

[fryke]

http://slashdot.org has a new thread with a feature wishlist for PDAs. bit interesting, bit funny. but the following, i thought, was really funny:

For a second there, I read

"My memory is so poor I forget friends":

Roger: "Hello, Cliff!"

Cliff: "Oh hi, eh..." (quickly glances at PDA) "Roger."

Well I though it was funny...

So did I. Just wanted to share... But why not start a new thread about what an Apple PDA would really need in order to be successful? (Okay, I know, many Apple aficionados would buy it anyway...)

My list goes as this:

1.) Portable (the Newton MP 2100 was NOT)
2.) Firewire (fast synching of BIG files, too)
3.) 10 GB harddrive
4.) High resolution reflective LCD (640*480)
5.) QuickTime 6 (MPEG 4 playback)
6.) Thumbboard
7.) GSM/GPRS phone

[Matrix Agent]

Bluetooth connectivity would be nice, and 802.11 would be great, though I would assume that that's just too big for a handeheld. If it was possible, just imagine the possibilities that that would offer to the city dweller, able to access the internet from anywhere within the city.

That screen size sounds about right, but I'm not sure about the input device. Is their anything out there that satisfies Apple's input needs? or will they try and reinvent the device like they did with the iPod. A stylus with ink sounds quite good!

I think that Apple would include a 1GB drive if they included a HD, anything larger would cannibalize sales, since someone would invarably find a way to turn it into a music player. The ability to use the iPod as a digital wallet that can be modified by the iPad is a very nice prospect.

If the iPad can shoot pictures, it should have interoperability with iPhoto. I would also like the iPad to have the ability to be sort of an remote administrator of my home network, having the ability to shut down, turn on, load apps on any of my airport enabled boxes.

Ill think of some more things later.

[cokeymon]

This thing has all the features I want from a PDA - MP3, Imaging, Expansion slots, optional microdrive etc, as well as all the stadard office apps etc.

BUT there is no mention of a sync app for Mac OSX (despite having a linux operating system!).

So IMHO apple's legendary PDA has already been released by sharp - just give us the Sync software!!!!!!!!!!!

[AdmiralAK]

actually the apple newton 2100 for its days was really portable
COmpare it to a regular paper planer, its almost the same size. Back then PDAs were HUGE. Take a look at the MagicCap OS based machines like the sony magiclink, or the Atari Portofolio

As for GSM/GPRS...why not incly wCDMA in there
3G is close



Admiral

[fryke]

hmm... at the time of the newton 2100, there were already palm pilots and machines from psion. the newton was clearly bigger. even the newton mp 130 was smaller than the 2100. but i chose the 2100 over any other pda back then, well, until i got my eMate, which also replaced my old PowerBook, as I still had a PowerMac at home.

but we're talking today/tomorrow here.