How Small a PC Is Too Small?

Posted by kdawson on Sunday March 25, 2007 @05:15PM from the elven-fingers dept.

Banner~! recommends an article in IBTimes on the search for the ideal size for an ultraportable computer. One device mentioned is Paul Allen's FlipStart, discussed here recently. After watching early users fumble and nearly drop an early version of the FlipStart while trying to perform a three-finger salute, designers ended up including a single key labeled "CtrlAltDel" in the version that will be shipping soon. From the article: "Each device maker... has a different sense of how small an ultra-mobile can get before it becomes impossible to use. For instance, Microsoft thinks the tiniest screen possible measures 7 inches diagonally, but FlipStart Labs settled on 5.6 inches."

4 of 324 comments (clear)

Min score:

Reason:

Sort:

CtrlAltDel key? by Spudtrooper · 2007-03-25 17:18 · Score: 0, Troll

Here's a better idea: design an interface that doesn't crash.
ATTN: SWITCHEURS! by Anonymous Coward · 2007-03-25 20:18 · Score: -1, Troll

Still looking for the "maximize" button when your Mac has "zoom" instead? If you can't deal with multiple windows at once, go back to your PC. Macs weren't designed for one-track minds.
Re:These are not PC issues, but Windows issues. by Anonymous Coward · 2007-03-26 04:25 · Score: -1, Troll

They prolly did a study and found that having multiple shortcuts to open task manager increased productivity so you can end task faster.

Prolly???

Save the baby talk for your mom.
Re:Hogwash by Ant+P. · 2007-03-26 13:42 · Score: 0, Troll

Yes, especially considering almost every linux distro boots you up to a waiting login prompt on VT 1 or 7 without any prior keyboard input whatsoever.