In the thread that raised the idea of an e-ink screen on the back of the device, I got to thinking about the current dilemma I (and many others I assume) are facing with the advantages / disadvantages of having a full blown computer in your pocket vs a smartphone with streamlined features.
In the case of the "computer in your pocket," the advantage is that you're not really limited. To be succinct: (1) you have very capable software that you have complete control over (not just some Toy OS), and (2) the hardware does not limit you (i.e. you have a full blown keyboard that's useful for things beyond text messaging, and then also gaming controls, expansion ports, etc etc). These advantages are of much more importance than the smartphone's, but the reason I'm making this thread is that a different hinge may enable the Pyra to have the advantages of both.
The advantages of the smartphone are the streamlined features made possible by a simple touchscreen interface--in particular that the touchscreen itself can be used with one hand. This makes it useful for IMing/texting, phone calls, simple web browsing, as an MP3 player, reading books, mindless touchscreen games (all of that silly stuff on the Google Play store), etc etc. Personally I feel that compared to a smartphone the openpandora feels way too cumbersome for these things. And yes, this may seem a trivial advantage (yes, it's easy to say "just put everything down and use both hands you lazy bastard!"), but only until one is accustomed to using a smartphone can one see how much of a big deal this is.
The fact is that when you're out and about and are not in a position to drop everything, stop what you're doing and sit down (i.e. 95% of the time), the pandora doesn't see any use. Therefore, I often find myself taking my comparatively crummy, hand-me-down smartphone (Motorola Droid 2) with me instead of the openpandora. And then, of course, I get frustrated when the Toy OS and the input scheme limit me. Also one must now synchronize data and configuration between both devices.
For this reason, I think using a swivel hinge would be a great idea (here is an example of a laptop with one, and here's one with an alternative hinge-type that "sports two hinges and opens up 360 degrees over itself when converting into tablet mode"). WIth this relatively simple and cheap (I assume) change, the Pyra will not need to sacrifice any of the "computer in your pocket" features and opens up the potential for all of the streamlined smartphone features. It would truly become an "everything device" and I assume without much additional cost. And with the 3G module installed (or a USB device) this change could destroy the insane status quo of smartphones and handheld computers being distinguished from each other (even though they should by all means be capable of doing the same things).
And I ask that before anyone makes a sarcastic comment (e.g. about ponies or the holodeck experience
), realize that this is "just" a different hinge--not an additional screen or anything. This would of course require redesigning the case but it is hardly an excessive suggestion and there would be dramatic benefits. And for people that hate smartphones and prefer the distinction (why they would prefer the "artificial" redundancy, I do not know) this would not affect them at all.
In the case of the "computer in your pocket," the advantage is that you're not really limited. To be succinct: (1) you have very capable software that you have complete control over (not just some Toy OS), and (2) the hardware does not limit you (i.e. you have a full blown keyboard that's useful for things beyond text messaging, and then also gaming controls, expansion ports, etc etc). These advantages are of much more importance than the smartphone's, but the reason I'm making this thread is that a different hinge may enable the Pyra to have the advantages of both.
The advantages of the smartphone are the streamlined features made possible by a simple touchscreen interface--in particular that the touchscreen itself can be used with one hand. This makes it useful for IMing/texting, phone calls, simple web browsing, as an MP3 player, reading books, mindless touchscreen games (all of that silly stuff on the Google Play store), etc etc. Personally I feel that compared to a smartphone the openpandora feels way too cumbersome for these things. And yes, this may seem a trivial advantage (yes, it's easy to say "just put everything down and use both hands you lazy bastard!"), but only until one is accustomed to using a smartphone can one see how much of a big deal this is.
The fact is that when you're out and about and are not in a position to drop everything, stop what you're doing and sit down (i.e. 95% of the time), the pandora doesn't see any use. Therefore, I often find myself taking my comparatively crummy, hand-me-down smartphone (Motorola Droid 2) with me instead of the openpandora. And then, of course, I get frustrated when the Toy OS and the input scheme limit me. Also one must now synchronize data and configuration between both devices.
For this reason, I think using a swivel hinge would be a great idea (here is an example of a laptop with one, and here's one with an alternative hinge-type that "sports two hinges and opens up 360 degrees over itself when converting into tablet mode"). WIth this relatively simple and cheap (I assume) change, the Pyra will not need to sacrifice any of the "computer in your pocket" features and opens up the potential for all of the streamlined smartphone features. It would truly become an "everything device" and I assume without much additional cost. And with the 3G module installed (or a USB device) this change could destroy the insane status quo of smartphones and handheld computers being distinguished from each other (even though they should by all means be capable of doing the same things).
And I ask that before anyone makes a sarcastic comment (e.g. about ponies or the holodeck experience
), realize that this is "just" a different hinge--not an additional screen or anything. This would of course require redesigning the case but it is hardly an excessive suggestion and there would be dramatic benefits. And for people that hate smartphones and prefer the distinction (why they would prefer the "artificial" redundancy, I do not know) this would not affect them at all.
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