Once again it is being speculated that Apple will be bringing back the Newton from the dead. Of course it is more like a new form factor for the iPhone which has more PDA type functions. I don't think they will be going back to trying to recognize people's handwriting perfectly like the original. Not being accurate enough made a laughing stock in the electronics world. But using the touch screen technology would seem like it might be something plausable. But isn't the iPhone itself the new PDA for Apple? With all the new applications, albiet Web2.0, it can have all the functions developers can dream up. Of course this limitation with keeping the phone secure might be the reason for releasing a separate PDA version where developers can create full blown applications. Do you believe this is real?Link
3 comments:
I don't buy the idea that Apple will release yet another device. I think you are right, Stitch, the iPhone already has a lot of the PDA functionality. Heck, you may as well just add 3rd party apps to the iPod touch - that makes more sense than devloping an entirely new device. It actually might confuse the consumer. I'm still surprised at the variety of similar devices Apple has right now!
I know what you mean about the variety of devices but like with the iPod there is a stairstep style of marketing. The next level is a little bit more expensive but adds a little more in features. Each person has different desires in features, and what they are willing to pay for. Some want everything in one do it all device like the iPhone. But it you will have to pay for that. The monthly cell phone fees are high and some don't want to pay that. In comes the iTouch. Similar features but no monthly charges. But less features. I could see a potential market for a iTouch style PDA which allows for fully integrated functions and a slightly bigger screen. Why not use the technology used for the iPhone on spin off devices. The touch interface is there, OSX is there. The extra cost is the integration.
I've always thought Apple played their cards from a more minimalist point of view. That has been changing of late, however - like you say, their is a staircase of iPod models. When on checks Amazon, you see that all models are represented in the top 10. Seems the way to go!
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