And you know, the SmartPhone is about two-thirds the size of the T-Mobile Pocket PC, so it’s not like it is so incredibly small that it will be significantly easier to carry around. [Frank McPherson]
Size has been on my mind ever since I decided to buy a Nokia 3650. It’s slightly bigger than the Orange SPV and Compal / Everlink devices, significantly larger than my old Nokia 8290 / 8890. At first glance it hardly seems more portable than any of the PDAs on my desk or Frank’s HTC Wallaby.
Portability isn’t just about size.
Ordinary phones and smart phones have an edge because they are durable. Scratches, torquing, and 3′ drops represent minor threats to the typical phone. Few physical activities require me to consider the safety of my phone.
Most PDA Phones have large glass displays and touch screens that require protection from bumps, scratches, and being crushed. The HTC Wallaby’s case appears especially vulnerable to torquing and drops.
I don’t believe that a Wallaby could survive being attached to my hip for six months. Things on my hip tend to get bumped into walls, snagged on corners, door frames, and chairs. Things in holsters tend to fall out when entering and exiting my car, and I break holsters and swivel clips with great frequency.
Ultimately that is why I never carry a PDA on my body and am generally negative about the Wallaby and other phones with exposed touch screens.
