Tuesday, February 26, 2002
Microsoft's Vision: PDA for the common man
Posted by Ed Hansberry in "ARTICLE" @ 01:44 PM
http://www.silicon.com/bin/bladerunner?30REQEVENT=&REQAUTH=21046&14001REQSUB=REQINT1=51588
I have been waiting for an article like this for quite some time. The title is really the crux of the debate between the Palm and Microsoft strategies for consumers and access to PIM data, though the article dances around it and never really strikes home.
So, rather than quote from it (I encourage you to read it yourself) I am going to bring the point home. Many have lamented the fact that Microsoft and friends (HP, Compaq, Toshiba, Casio, etc.) do not have a "consumer PDA." Presumably this is a sub-$200 device that Palm is using to clean Microsoft's clock with. Microsoft has stated often that they are not targeting consumers with the Pocket PC. While they are not shying away from it, consumers aren't in the Pocket PC bullseye of where they are aiming. In fact, Compaq shot an arrow at the consumer with the 3150 grayscale iPAQ and it missed. If someones wants that much power, they at least want color, and that prohibits anything under $350-400 with today's technology.
The enterprise is the target with Pocket PC's. Terminal Server, VPN, system security, IMAP/POP3 support, Excel, Word, SQLServer CE, etc. Now, there are some cool things that consumers will love, like Reader and Media Player, and if you want all that, a Pocket PC is a better bet than a $400 PalmOS based machine that is hacked up with VFS and other proprietary solutions to mimic what a Pocket PC does effortlessy.
So, how is MS targeting consumers? Simple. Stinger. I would argue that if you want a PDA, you'd already have one. They are just too plentiful and have been out for several years. You also already have a cell phone. Now, in a year or so, you will be able to have basic PIM, some apps, email, browsing, music, etc. on your phone - a phone the same size as the one you carry today. I think smartphones are going to cut the knees out from under Palm in a big way. MS Smart Phones, Nokia phones, whatever. If you don't have a PDA today, you likely never will because a smartphone will do everything you need and more. And if you do need more power than that, then you are willing to spend a few bucks to get it - a laptop replacement if you will, so you will spring for a Pocket PC or a Pocket PC Phone. Where does that leave Palm? Out in the rain. Without an umbrella. In 3 inches of standing water.
Tell me what you think. Think MS is on the wrong track to win over consumers? Think Palm had better get their act together or become the next BetaMax?
Thanks to Chris Coulter for the link.
I have been waiting for an article like this for quite some time. The title is really the crux of the debate between the Palm and Microsoft strategies for consumers and access to PIM data, though the article dances around it and never really strikes home.
So, rather than quote from it (I encourage you to read it yourself) I am going to bring the point home. Many have lamented the fact that Microsoft and friends (HP, Compaq, Toshiba, Casio, etc.) do not have a "consumer PDA." Presumably this is a sub-$200 device that Palm is using to clean Microsoft's clock with. Microsoft has stated often that they are not targeting consumers with the Pocket PC. While they are not shying away from it, consumers aren't in the Pocket PC bullseye of where they are aiming. In fact, Compaq shot an arrow at the consumer with the 3150 grayscale iPAQ and it missed. If someones wants that much power, they at least want color, and that prohibits anything under $350-400 with today's technology.
The enterprise is the target with Pocket PC's. Terminal Server, VPN, system security, IMAP/POP3 support, Excel, Word, SQLServer CE, etc. Now, there are some cool things that consumers will love, like Reader and Media Player, and if you want all that, a Pocket PC is a better bet than a $400 PalmOS based machine that is hacked up with VFS and other proprietary solutions to mimic what a Pocket PC does effortlessy.
So, how is MS targeting consumers? Simple. Stinger. I would argue that if you want a PDA, you'd already have one. They are just too plentiful and have been out for several years. You also already have a cell phone. Now, in a year or so, you will be able to have basic PIM, some apps, email, browsing, music, etc. on your phone - a phone the same size as the one you carry today. I think smartphones are going to cut the knees out from under Palm in a big way. MS Smart Phones, Nokia phones, whatever. If you don't have a PDA today, you likely never will because a smartphone will do everything you need and more. And if you do need more power than that, then you are willing to spend a few bucks to get it - a laptop replacement if you will, so you will spring for a Pocket PC or a Pocket PC Phone. Where does that leave Palm? Out in the rain. Without an umbrella. In 3 inches of standing water.
Tell me what you think. Think MS is on the wrong track to win over consumers? Think Palm had better get their act together or become the next BetaMax?
Thanks to Chris Coulter for the link.
