RETURNING TO IRELAND from Nokia GoPlay, several people asked me what I was using for my mobile phone since they want some ideas while upgrading their three-year-old models. I told them that I like to use phones that can provide quick high-resolution imagery to the internet while doubling as speakerphones during meetings or through earbuds while listening to audio tracks. Because I don't have a 2007 model, I'm using two phones to deliver this functionality. Both can talk to my television via Bluetooth as show at left (in the photo, the power cable is attached to the wall, not to the television). An important note here: in today's converged world, devices alone by themselves are not enough. Proper mobile devices need to detect and connect machine-to-machine. Mobile communications devices need to be able to accept smart software.
The SonyEricsson K800i delivers my news via FreeNews as well as directly through RSS feeds. Its speakerphone capability, high-quality FM radio tuning and podcast playbacks work well for me. I also like the K800i's fast-reacting 3.2 megapixel camera but I prefer Nokia's Series 60 software for uploading my images directly to my Flickr photostream. I'm not using a Nokia N95 at the moment because its Series 60 3rd edition software is required to complete third level research in Tipperary Institute's creative multimedia programme. That N95 can do all the tasks the K800i can do and more. However, the K800i's camera works faster.
It's important to point out that all my current phones can handle email while on the road. I have a SonyEricsson P910i and even though it's three years old, it delivers a very efficient email option to my Bihn Bag. It also gets streams of text from Jaiku and Twitter and that's an important new twist in how my phone usage has changed. Most days, the text streams feel like I'm holding USENET in my hand.
My use case for mobile telephony is not the same kind of user requirement for many people. Most people want phones that are easy to carry, reliable when dropped, and dependable when used throughout the business day. I also like phones that sync my contacts and calendar information quickly to an online spot. The SonyEricsson and Nokia phones do that consistently well. Plus they use the totally excellent Aqua Calendar system--who can live without that?
I'm sure I'll have a new phone by Christmas 2007 and I doubt it will be one that many of my friends want because I need something that can truly serve as a WiFi keyboard in place of a laptop or a desktop. I'll share my experiences as the product falls into my lap.
