On the Possible Handtop Paradigm Shift

captainJam writes "Handtops.com has a piece about the effects of handtops (text version) such as the OQO, FlipStart and others on the computing experience. With a physical size that's slightly larger than a PDA, a handtop has the power of a standard ultra-portable laptop - 1GHz, 256-512MB RAM, USB, FireWire, etc. These factors, coupled with a dock (plug in a monitor, keyboard and mouse) allow one to imagine a world where maybe they won't need a desktop, or laptop, or mp3 player, video jukebox, digicam, etc. Maybe one day companies might even be willing to pay for part of your handtop, knowing that they would have to invest less in upgrading? It's not all rosy, the devices are still under $2000 and aren't due out until later this fall (OQO) or Q1-2 2005 (FlipStart), but this is an important shift worth letting the mind ponder." Of course, the OQO has been in development for a while, now.

Comments

invest less in upgrading?

[Gothmolly]

You'll invest MORE in upgrading, since these little überdevices are completely closed, from a platform, and probably source/OS perspective. Need the new wireless standard? Sorry. Need a RAM upgrade to run Longhorn? Sorry. Need a dual-head video card for a special project? Sorry. Neat PDA though, can you watch Seinfeld on the way to work?
I predict that the more this appeals to someone in your office, the less work that person does to begin with.

Re:One Device for everything

[Anonymous Coward]

Here. The Bluetooth version is very cool.

Re:Slow?

[Anonymous Coward]

The Flipstart will have PIM functions and Outlook access through a small LCD on the cover, so no need to even open the device and boot up! I think it may need to be in standby mode for that to work, but it's a start.

Re:Input

[CommanderData]

Um, I apologize if I mis-understood your post, but the OQO and Flipstart ARE full IBM-compatible PCs which last time I checked was a 100% open standard. The both run Windows XP. You could install Linux on them if you wanted to as well (as long as drivers are available for their video/audio chips). Granted they are not available just yet, but working systems have been shown to the public.

These devices are meant as a single replacement for both your Zaurus and your desktop PC. Why have two devices, constantly syncing data or not having the applications you need on hand? At least that's the theory. I believe this first generation will be too underpowered to be of use to me.