My device would not only download ebooks from Amazon in less than three seconds, but it would also allow me to browse Amazon's entire website for other stuff as well. While I'm at it, I'd like to be able to check my e-mail and view any other website that strikes my fancy with Amazon's free wireless Whispernet.
I'd also like to be able to access web based applications like Google Docs, while I'm listening to music or audio books that I've downloaded from iTunes or the Library.
I really don't think these are unrealistic expectations. The Kindle, eeePC, and the new iPod Touch are all pretty remarkable devices. Each have unique features:
- Amazon.com's The Kindle - uses Sprint's EVDO broadband network for mobile phones
- Asus' - direct links to Google Docs and wikipedia; can also be installed with either Linux or Windows OS
- iPod Touch - has Safari built in and enough memory to store a ton of music, TV shows and audiobooks
1 comment:
Gadgets that do it all are cool, but I kind of swing the other way. I like machines to focus on doing specific tasks well. I really don't mind having a separate cell phone, camera and MP3 player, so long as they all perform well and are easy to use.
That's where the real issue is, in my opinion. There were devices before the iPhone that merged Web browsing and cell phones; what the iPhone was first at, though, is merging those functionalities well.
One problem with the electronics industry is that software functions are relatively cheap to include, and so many of these devices run on the same basic hardware. This pushes producers to cram as many features into a device as possible, to stand out on a crowded store shelf. Consumers see the list of features, and too often don't think about the sacrifices they may be making in terms of useability and quality.
Maybe it's just because I'm male and my pants were designed with the added functionality of pockets; carrying multiple devices doesn't faze me so much ;).
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