PDA Sales Slump on Slack Corporate Demand

Reuters ^ | Mon January 27, 2003

[300winmag]

If you're thinking of buying one, the industry is saying that PDAs will merge into cell phones. They may be right.

I know only two people with Palm/cellphone combinations (Treo and Samsung). Both said they're sorry they got them, because they outgrew the PDA function, and would like to get another Palm, but they're "tied" to the cellphone in it. They both said that next time, they'd get a separate cellphone and Palm. YMMV.

[tm22721]

Every person that I know of that bought one of these spends all their time fooling with it instead of working productively.

Sounds like technology in general. Most of it is 'technotrash' that winds up in a closet or trash can after 6 months.

Go into an Office Depot and witness the empty computer/software aisles.

People who must make a living can't rely on this garbage.

BUMP

[lost sheep]

OK> Basic question here. I have looked at the new Palm Zire and think I would really like it for the basics of addresses/scheduler/memo pad. I told Mr. Lost Sheep I want one for my birthday next week. Any suggestions? The Palm 515 looks really cool, but I don't think I would really use all those functions. Although, downloading ebooks sounds like a good possibility - which the Palm Zire does not handle. Thanks in advance.

[Gamecock]

Consider one of the Sony Clie' models. They have a lot of cool functions, and with memory sticks are very expandable.

[AFreeBird]

I Love mine...

[fogarty]

Same here. Every person I know uses it for games, or for fiddling, and endlessly buying the latest memory card for it.

The vast majority of PDA users I know could easily just keep the info on their PC. Occasionally they'll bring it to meetings, but it's more for impressing others. 'Wow look at the neat features this has' rather than making actual use of it.

[George W. Bush]

Like a laptop. : )

No, I want the Tablet form-factor. A notebook just can't fit in as well.

For serious typing, I can always plug it into a dock station or a USB keyboard.

I really want to sit on the couch or go to bed and read novels or browse the web (FR) or jot little notes down. And a Tablet unit can be carried around and used on the go like a notepad. A laptop still requires...a lap.

I don't want another laptop. I want something that fits in a Lazyboy or a hammock or a bed. Or that can be used while standing. And something with Bluetooth and stylus capability from day one.

Think "couch potato computer" and you get the picture.

[eno_]

the ROI will be realized once the cell phone and pda merge into a light weight product (which is already available in various forms

Almost all new phones are fairly powerful PDAs. It's just that the UIs suck and the integration (synchronization with your PC) they COULD be doing over the GPRS or 1xRTT data networking sucks or is non-existent. But it doesn't take much software to keep your address book, calendar, and read and send e-mail. The PDA value proposition is too small. Phones will win.

[new cruelty]

Completelt off subject....was FR offline between 2:30PM and 4:30PM EST today?