Windows Phone Thoughts: Changing The Meaning Of Mobile

Since we've been talking about the future of Pocket PCs and Palms the last two days, this essay on "the meaning of mobile" by PPCT reader Danmanmayer might serve as an illustrative point.

"Mobile computers serve a different purpose, so why is the software and hardware being designed as if they are used like desktops? Mobile devices are mobile and used on the go, and their design needs to consider this more. Mobile computers have applications developed for them that are emulating their desktop counterparts. Mobile computers have been built as stand alone devices that rely on synchronization to keep the data up to date with the data on a desktop computer. Mobile devices have really been designed as another peripheral for the desktop PC. Until mobile computers are designed and programmed for as a truly separate and superior entity users will never truly see the benefits of mobile computing. The design approach needs to change in several ways."

I think we've talked about these points in separate Thoughts, but it's something worth mentioning again - handheld devices need to be more than just counterparts to our desktops. What do you think?