The iPhone exemplifies Apple’s tremendous ability to sensationalize its products. I don’t intend to belittle the iPhone in any manner. The iPhone’s splendid multi-touch interface and internet capabilities have ensured that the phone lives up to its billing. Its interface made internet surfing on a mobile device seem less cumbersome, as had been the case with cellphones previously.
The advent of the iPhone can be singled out as a truly defining moment in the history of mobile phones. The iPhone is one of those few devices that have provided hope that the technological cleft between computers and mobiles will eventually be bridged; that mobile phones will be able to substitute for computers when needed.
However, PDAs or smartphones (including the iPhone) might not necessarily plug this gap. Just as hundreds lined up outside stores to grab hold of the brand new iPhone 3G last month, the nascent netbook market was abuzz with news of new launches, shrinking sizes, interest from PC juggernauts, encouraging sales figures and ambitious estimates.
Make no mistake, netbooks have the potential of plugging the gap between proper computers and mobile phones. They were initially intended to offer a comprehensive low-cost computing solution but have quickly become a must-have gadget for millions condemned to perpetual traveling.
They are much larger than most cellphones and PDAs but small enough to be carried around with ease. They are inexpensive compared to proper computers and cost as much as most high-end smartphones, if not less. One can surf the internet and use netbooks for all basic computing functions.
But as detractors to my theory might point out, they can do what most cellphones can’t but not what cellphones can, i.e. place or receive calls. Although it is obvious that they are not designed for that, it really won’t need prodigious scientific talent to make that possible. Remember VoIP services like Skype are catching up and have brought telephony to devices like PSP that were not primarily designed for such use.
To boot, one more thing that strengthens my case for netbooks is the fact that high-end cellphone users have been yearning for a viable mobile internet solution for long. Recent studies have highlighted the fact that most iPhone users use it heavily for surfing the internet and sending emails. I have made my case now you are at liberty to pass your verdict.
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California 12.27.08 at 5:37 am
“Netbooks Pose a Serious Threat to Smartphones, PDAs.” Do you often compare water to vodka?
I really hope you don’t think the iPhone “can be singled out as a truly defining moment in the history of mobile phones. “