An apple phone would be very useful. Especially with InkWell, randezvous, and iSync. Apple could make a quality phone but everyone knows it would be overpriced.
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No Apple PDA
- Thread starter arn
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Having worked for Apple Retail before I can assure you he was making it up and at the very least violating Apple policy, assuming he was an actual Apple employee.
As a security measure (if you will) Apple does not disclose future products to any Apple Retail employees. This includes the Apple employees that are assigned to the CompUSA stores (note that Apple Retail and the CompUSA Apple employees are from two different groups, but are given the same info...)
Just an FYI...
-SD
As a security measure (if you will) Apple does not disclose future products to any Apple Retail employees. This includes the Apple employees that are assigned to the CompUSA stores (note that Apple Retail and the CompUSA Apple employees are from two different groups, but are given the same info...)
Just an FYI...
-SD
While we're at it, let's put something else to rest too:
SonyEricsson phones rule... Higher quality and newer technologies -- just like apple. Nokia make cheap, cr@ppy phones that seriously lack in functionality -- just like pc manafacturers.
I'm glad to hear that apple has chosen to ally itself with SonyEricsson.
SonyEricsson phones rule... Higher quality and newer technologies -- just like apple. Nokia make cheap, cr@ppy phones that seriously lack in functionality -- just like pc manafacturers.
I'm glad to hear that apple has chosen to ally itself with SonyEricsson.
Actually, I have to agree.
I have the T68 and am having the firmware upgraded to the T68i (the phone seen at the MacWorld keynote). This phone rocks!
I have used the Nokia 8890, 8260, and played with the 9000 series (before it was available in the US.) Although they have *great* menu systems, the phones themselves are lacking.
Motorola phones suck. The hardware sucks, the menu is horrid, and the keypad is designed by a moron. I have never had to send in a phone for so many RMAs before in my life.
I have only had one Samgsung phone, and it was nice. Replaced it with the S/E T60, and I must say... It's the best phone ever.
Everyone has their own preference in phones. They all rock and they all suck. Just like the service providers. My personal favorite has to be the new S/E phones, specifically the P800... Those are some sweet phones.
-SD
I have the T68 and am having the firmware upgraded to the T68i (the phone seen at the MacWorld keynote). This phone rocks!
I have used the Nokia 8890, 8260, and played with the 9000 series (before it was available in the US.) Although they have *great* menu systems, the phones themselves are lacking.
Motorola phones suck. The hardware sucks, the menu is horrid, and the keypad is designed by a moron. I have never had to send in a phone for so many RMAs before in my life.
I have only had one Samgsung phone, and it was nice. Replaced it with the S/E T60, and I must say... It's the best phone ever.
Everyone has their own preference in phones. They all rock and they all suck. Just like the service providers. My personal favorite has to be the new S/E phones, specifically the P800... Those are some sweet phones.
-SD
Originally posted by richard5mith
I have an Ericsson T39 phone, one of the one's supported by iSync, and like all the Ericsson phones I know of, it comes in various colours. Mine is black, and certainly doesn't look like something from tellytubby land.
And the big advantage over the Z7 (I had the Z5 before) is that it actually has a decent UI. The Sony Z5/Z7 have perhaps the worst interface ever put on a cellphone. The jog wheel is only the beginning, it's totally horrible. I don't like Nokia phones, but UI is one thing they do well.
I recommend the T39 to anybody wanting a phone to work with iSync.
Some of the fones that Sony Ericsson and come to think of it Nokia are knocking out at the mo are just like totally kiddy... like 'My first fone'....... the worst colour schemes ever........ I believe Tinky Winky, Dipsy, La La and Po were the colour consultants on some of these models........
Frank Nuovo seems to fighting back though....... if I could just find out the model number.......
I could be wrong, and often am. Just don't want you to get your hopes up too high.
No matter how you work it, this Apple employee was in violation of several Apple contracts. The *correct* answer to your question is "I'm not allowed to comment on the speculation of future products." Anything outside of that is a violation of their NDA, even if they are just speculating.
That being said, I have found that any Apple employee who works in retail that says they have insider info typically just reads the boards along with the rest of us. I can't guarantee 100% that this employee had no insider info, but I can go up to 95%.
It's actually really sad when Apple employees make this stuff up and tell it to customers. I witnessed this MANY times at the Apple retail store in which I worked. It does nothing but cripple sales.
-SD
Regarding phones...
My father has tried the phones out there and has stuck with Motorola for a while. He says he gets excellent signal and is compact enough for him.
That's from his point of view. I usually don't go near cell phones, except for the one in the house.
I haven't tried Sony Ericson phones, but I am sure that if Apple works with these guys, then they must be excellent phones.
My father has tried the phones out there and has stuck with Motorola for a while. He says he gets excellent signal and is compact enough for him.
That's from his point of view. I usually don't go near cell phones, except for the one in the house.
I haven't tried Sony Ericson phones, but I am sure that if Apple works with these guys, then they must be excellent phones.
My $.02
PDAs and cell phones simply will not mix. You need enough space to write info, but you want a small phone that will not take up space. Soooo, I think the solution is PANs (Personal Area Networks), with Bluetooth devices.
Ideally I think the best solution would be a 'base' unit/server that goes in yout pocket or bag (face it guys, you need to get a man purse if you don't wanna look like freakin batman), and an expanding lcd programmable device. Something along the lines of a blank screen with speaker and micorphone, which can be switched between pda-type and phone-type functions. And i mean expandable in several dimensions (flip open, slide under, fold out, whatever - but changeable length and width).
So, you would ahve a 80 Gb drive, with wireless connectivity that can be within 20ft. and an lcd that when turned on has a 'device' menu. Tap 'phone', expand lengthwise - viola, a cell phone. Tap 'pda', expand length and width - viola, pda. Mp3 player, etc. I disagree that a camera needs to be built in, esp with the quality of pda cameras today. However, an addon (PCMCIA, MS, CF, SD card) would probably be easy.
What people essentially want is a limited computer with a couple snappy add-ons. It seems like the whole genesis of the computer all over again. Machines were made that did specialized functions, and were then replaced by a machine that could do an unbound number of functions. I think that paradigm is needed for personal technology, BUT technology's backbones are not ready for this, which is why the base unit is needed at all. Sure in the FUTURE future we'll have some omnifunctional-micro-expanding-all-in-one device, but if we have to be realistic and use technology available today, this little paradigm I proposed might be the best bet.
Okay, I'm rambling. Hehe, deal.
Brandon
PDAs and cell phones simply will not mix. You need enough space to write info, but you want a small phone that will not take up space. Soooo, I think the solution is PANs (Personal Area Networks), with Bluetooth devices.
Ideally I think the best solution would be a 'base' unit/server that goes in yout pocket or bag (face it guys, you need to get a man purse if you don't wanna look like freakin batman), and an expanding lcd programmable device. Something along the lines of a blank screen with speaker and micorphone, which can be switched between pda-type and phone-type functions. And i mean expandable in several dimensions (flip open, slide under, fold out, whatever - but changeable length and width).
So, you would ahve a 80 Gb drive, with wireless connectivity that can be within 20ft. and an lcd that when turned on has a 'device' menu. Tap 'phone', expand lengthwise - viola, a cell phone. Tap 'pda', expand length and width - viola, pda. Mp3 player, etc. I disagree that a camera needs to be built in, esp with the quality of pda cameras today. However, an addon (PCMCIA, MS, CF, SD card) would probably be easy.
What people essentially want is a limited computer with a couple snappy add-ons. It seems like the whole genesis of the computer all over again. Machines were made that did specialized functions, and were then replaced by a machine that could do an unbound number of functions. I think that paradigm is needed for personal technology, BUT technology's backbones are not ready for this, which is why the base unit is needed at all. Sure in the FUTURE future we'll have some omnifunctional-micro-expanding-all-in-one device, but if we have to be realistic and use technology available today, this little paradigm I proposed might be the best bet.
Okay, I'm rambling.
Hehe, deal.Brandon
nokia 7650 reduces my pocket luggage
there has been a lot of discussion about the 'convergence' of pocket devices into a single device or reduced stress on the pocket stitching.
i now have a nokia 7650 which in all honesty runs circles around my friends sony ericsson equiv not to mention the usefulness of most PDAs that are currently on the market.
it supports SyncML which is the basis of the iSync protocol, is bluetooth enabled, has a built in camera (handy for snapshots but i don't think you will be seeing david bailey using it any time soon), has java (J2ME) midlets support built in and an open API so you can develop your own apps or download from 3rd parties. it's built on the symbianOS (which is the basis of the psion handhelds) has LOTS of extra features which i won't bore you with...
surfice to say, i'm just waiting for my bluetooth adapter to arrive then my mac with be happily communicating with my phone... and i'm so glad it's not an SE!
product details here...
my only complaint is the memory capacity of 4MB. why oh why didn't they install a SD card slot?!?!?! oh well...
one day one of these companies will produce THE PERFECT PRODUCT. and i will be a happy bunny. till then, i feel like a kid waiting for a xmas that never comes. the apple PDA/phone/ÛBER-gadget would be nice but let's face it, they're kinda got their hands full at the moment.
there has been a lot of discussion about the 'convergence' of pocket devices into a single device or reduced stress on the pocket stitching.
i now have a nokia 7650 which in all honesty runs circles around my friends sony ericsson equiv not to mention the usefulness of most PDAs that are currently on the market.
it supports SyncML which is the basis of the iSync protocol, is bluetooth enabled, has a built in camera (handy for snapshots but i don't think you will be seeing david bailey using it any time soon), has java (J2ME) midlets support built in and an open API so you can develop your own apps or download from 3rd parties. it's built on the symbianOS (which is the basis of the psion handhelds) has LOTS of extra features which i won't bore you with...
surfice to say, i'm just waiting for my bluetooth adapter to arrive then my mac with be happily communicating with my phone... and i'm so glad it's not an SE!
product details here...
my only complaint is the memory capacity of 4MB. why oh why didn't they install a SD card slot?!?!?! oh well...
one day one of these companies will produce THE PERFECT PRODUCT. and i will be a happy bunny. till then, i feel like a kid waiting for a xmas that never comes. the apple PDA/phone/ÛBER-gadget would be nice but let's face it, they're kinda got their hands full at the moment.
Doc, that is a very, very cool phone.
Is it available in the US yet and if so, how much? Will it run on GSM networks such as verizon?
You're right, that's much cooler than my Sony Ericsson T68i!!!
-SD
Is it available in the US yet and if so, how much? Will it run on GSM networks such as verizon?
You're right, that's much cooler than my Sony Ericsson T68i!!!
-SD
7650
AFAIK, the 7650 only works on the 900/1800 frequencies which our friends across the pond don't support (1900 freq i think) BUT i may be wrong...
when are you guys going to sort out your networks???
ah i guess when 3G hits town... perhaps then i won't have to rent a motorola every time i come to visit your shores.
<thought> maybe this is what apple are waiting for?</thought>
AFAIK, the 7650 only works on the 900/1800 frequencies which our friends across the pond don't support (1900 freq i think) BUT i may be wrong...
when are you guys going to sort out your networks???
ah i guess when 3G hits town... perhaps then i won't have to rent a motorola every time i come to visit your shores.
<thought> maybe this is what apple are waiting for?</thought>
Doc,
I work in television. The FCC screws with *everyone* not just the cell phone companies. I think that when stations are required to go to HDTV and release those frequencies back to the FCC, they will be re-released for the cell phone companies.
To put it simply, anything we have to run through the FCC will turn into the worst XX in the world.
Example: NTSC vs PAL
Example: Cellular phone networks here vs over seas
Example: AM vs AM Stereo (no longer an issue)
We just get screwed over here Every freakin' time!
I may be misinformed in many areas here since I only deal on the HDTV side of things, but I feel your pain. I want to moveto Ireland just so I can play with cooler wireless stuff!
Anyhow, how about this. The T68i is the coolest bluetooth phone that the FCC allows whereas the Nokia 7650 is the coolest phone overall... That work for everyone?
-SD
I work in television. The FCC screws with *everyone* not just the cell phone companies. I think that when stations are required to go to HDTV and release those frequencies back to the FCC, they will be re-released for the cell phone companies.
To put it simply, anything we have to run through the FCC will turn into the worst XX in the world.
Example: NTSC vs PAL
Example: Cellular phone networks here vs over seas
Example: AM vs AM Stereo (no longer an issue)
We just get screwed over here
Every freakin' time!I may be misinformed in many areas here since I only deal on the HDTV side of things, but I feel your pain. I want to moveto Ireland just so I can play with cooler wireless stuff!
Anyhow, how about this. The T68i is the coolest bluetooth phone that the FCC allows whereas the Nokia 7650 is the coolest phone overall... That work for everyone?
-SD
Re: My $.02
Why do you need to write for a pda? The winner is going to be the first wireless service that uses their system to handle voice recognition and convert what is said into the data for calendar, address, and small reminder functions. A small lcd screen will naturally be required but most if not all input will be by voice. If someone demands something where they can write, well, then they're going to have to go with a larger device whether it be phone, pad, or whatever.
I don't see this technology being that far off. It's just the costs involved and someone just needs to do it. I haven't heard of anyone developing such a system yet.
This is where I think people have computers and pda's bass ackwards. People are trying to move computers to be more dumb terminal like when it does not make sense to do so in most situations. For the pda everyone is looking for a the holy grail in making it be a portable computer that can do nearly everything. It should be the opposite until we at least enter a more Star Trek world a few decades from now. Wireless needs a little more bandwidth for the cell phone/pda and voice recognition and you'll see sales skyrocket beyond what the computers during the internet heyday did.
Why do you need to write for a pda? The winner is going to be the first wireless service that uses their system to handle voice recognition and convert what is said into the data for calendar, address, and small reminder functions. A small lcd screen will naturally be required but most if not all input will be by voice. If someone demands something where they can write, well, then they're going to have to go with a larger device whether it be phone, pad, or whatever.
I don't see this technology being that far off. It's just the costs involved and someone just needs to do it. I haven't heard of anyone developing such a system yet.
This is where I think people have computers and pda's bass ackwards. People are trying to move computers to be more dumb terminal like when it does not make sense to do so in most situations. For the pda everyone is looking for a the holy grail in making it be a portable computer that can do nearly everything. It should be the opposite until we at least enter a more Star Trek world a few decades from now. Wireless needs a little more bandwidth for the cell phone/pda and voice recognition and you'll see sales skyrocket beyond what the computers during the internet heyday did.
You mean voice input for your PDA so it converts your voice to text?
Try the Newton 2000/2100 with Dragon naturally speaking PKG installed. They stopped development of it before it could really grow though. Apple killed what could have been the best PDA/Mini computer/Life organizer in the world.
Isn't Steve Jobs ego nice?
-SD
Try the Newton 2000/2100 with Dragon naturally speaking PKG installed. They stopped development of it before it could really grow though. Apple killed what could have been the best PDA/Mini computer/Life organizer in the world.
Isn't Steve Jobs ego nice?
-SD
Re: Re: My $.02
I totally disagree. No one cares to look 'ridiculous' talking to themselves while walking down the street. No one wants to have something sticking in their ear or in their face every time they want to see when the next meeting is. Voice recognition is for cell phones or for people that actually have their hands full during their work (technicians, etc.). It has JUST become acceptable by non-techies to use an ear bud for talking on a cell phone. Remember this is being marketted to the masses, and there are certain faux pas that will not be looked apon favorably.
B
I totally disagree. No one cares to look 'ridiculous' talking to themselves while walking down the street. No one wants to have something sticking in their ear or in their face every time they want to see when the next meeting is. Voice recognition is for cell phones or for people that actually have their hands full during their work (technicians, etc.). It has JUST become acceptable by non-techies to use an ear bud for talking on a cell phone. Remember this is being marketted to the masses, and there are certain faux pas that will not be looked apon favorably.
B
Re: Re: My $.02
I can see it now. A boardroom or convention hall filled w/people all chattering away on their voice-only PDAs 'cause they have no way to silently jot down notes or adjust their schedule.
I think we'll always have "manual" input until voice recognition enters the "Star Trek" world where the computer can always understand exactly what you are saying no matter what.
Lethal
I can see it now. A boardroom or convention hall filled w/people all chattering away on their voice-only PDAs 'cause they have no way to silently jot down notes or adjust their schedule.
I think we'll always have "manual" input until voice recognition enters the "Star Trek" world where the computer can always understand exactly what you are saying no matter what.
Lethal
Re: Re: Re: My $.02
hehe...that would be funny but you're taking things to literal. Memo, calendar, and associated functions are going to find themselves in multiple devices(been in desktop and laptop computers for years). A small pda that fits in the pocket is horrible for collecting notes which in many times a pad of paper is needed for meetings to take notes. Thus a Newton like device that's thinner, lighter, and more convenient would be appropriate for such manual input. It's the old saying "the right tool for the right job".
As for people thinking that they're talking to themselves in the streets, it would require a user friendly version of voice recognition. Essentially an electronic secretary. Yes, it would take some getting used to but it wouldn't be much different than calling up a real secretary and asking her/him to schedule an appt or take a quick note.
What I'm proposing is going completely electronic for the most part on multiple fronts. Just like there are multiple sizes of notebooks and paper so there would be various devices for different jobs. The awe-inspiring all in one device is never going to happen unless we start tapping into brainwaves. That's just the way it is. The thing is that no one will probably truly see this come to realization until 5-10 years from now. AI might need that time to develop enough while the consumers and developers sort things out on what people really need/want.
Originally posted by LethalWolfe
I can see it now. A boardroom or convention hall filled w/people all chattering away on their voice-only PDAs 'cause they have no way to silently jot down notes or adjust their schedule.
I think we'll always have "manual" input until voice recognition enters the "Star Trek" world where the computer can always understand exactly what you are saying no matter what.
Lethal
hehe...that would be funny but you're taking things to literal. Memo, calendar, and associated functions are going to find themselves in multiple devices(been in desktop and laptop computers for years). A small pda that fits in the pocket is horrible for collecting notes which in many times a pad of paper is needed for meetings to take notes. Thus a Newton like device that's thinner, lighter, and more convenient would be appropriate for such manual input. It's the old saying "the right tool for the right job".
As for people thinking that they're talking to themselves in the streets, it would require a user friendly version of voice recognition. Essentially an electronic secretary. Yes, it would take some getting used to but it wouldn't be much different than calling up a real secretary and asking her/him to schedule an appt or take a quick note.
What I'm proposing is going completely electronic for the most part on multiple fronts. Just like there are multiple sizes of notebooks and paper so there would be various devices for different jobs. The awe-inspiring all in one device is never going to happen unless we start tapping into brainwaves. That's just the way it is. The thing is that no one will probably truly see this come to realization until 5-10 years from now. AI might need that time to develop enough while the consumers and developers sort things out on what people really need/want.