If you read this blog with any sort of frequency or regularity, you might know that I am a rather content Windows Mobile user. I like the fact that it's so tightly integrated to my desktop environment and I also like the look and feel of my T-Mobile Dash (a.k.a HTC s620). That said, as an avid gadget freak, ahem, I mean enterprise mobility analyst, it's important for me to know what new devices are coming out in order to better understand trends in the industry.
Now most people who know me, also know that personally, I am not the biggest fan of Blackberry devices. Part of it may very well be that I haven't played with them long enough, but I digress. First of all, I have never cared for the fundamental architecture of the messaging where all emails go back to Waterloo before making their way back to your device.
I'm also not a fan of the user interface of the device. The iPhone certainly takes the prize for usability, but Symbian S60 is quite slick and yes, I do like the 6.1 homescreen very much. I also have not been a fan of the new roller ball at the center of the latest Blackberries. My wife has a Pearl and she loves it though. So now comes the new Bold, scheduled to launch soon on AT&T (big surprise). The pictures of the new UI seem to be very promising (at least to my eye). I also like its physical design, although it reminds me a lot of the new Motorola Q9c. I think its specifications alone make a pretty bold statement:
- Display: 480 x 320 display
- 625MHz CPU
- 1GB internal flash memory
- HSDPA or EV-DO versions
- 802.11a/b/g
- Bluetooth 2.0
- GPS
- MicroSDHC
Am I the only one who considers these specs those of a computer???? This thing is an absolute beast! (and I say that in a VERY good way). I actually think this is a very exciting time from an enterprise mobility perspective because of the power this thing brings to your hand. This device sounds fully capable of running any application you would want to use on a mobile device in a very snappy way.
That gig of memory is secure, meaning your IT department can do all sorts of interesting things, including loading secure passwords or other data files you may need to access corporate data and applications.
But back to the processor and UI. Like I said, this is a huge deal to me. The device really breaks into the realm of being a microcomputer that makes phone calls versus simply being a "smartphone." This is a notion I have spoken about at great lengths - at least in terms of the applications available on smartphones - but the fact that the physical specs are reaching those levels is tremendous. I'm also amazed at the battery life: 5 hours talk, 13 standby.
