Windows Phone Thoughts: Is The iPhone a Portable Computer?

"Calling the iPhone just a cell phone would be a mistake. Over the past 11 months, it has morphed into a handheld computer. With its new 3G connections and the promise of an abundance of PC-like applications, the iPhone appears to be on track to become a personal portable computing platform in its own right. When the new iPhone was launched this week, most of the folks covering it focused on the 3G radio and the low price. To be fair, some of the media did talk about the software, but I can't emphasize enough the fact that it is the software, coupled with a PC-class OS and Web browser, that will help make the iPhone the most portable computer on the market today—or even tomorrow."



Three months ago I took only my iPhone with me to Little Rock. I thought about bringing my laptop but didn't want to lug it around. Turns out that the iPhone is all I needed. I could check my emails, surf the web, take notes, keep up with my calendar and contacts, watch movies, listen to music, and take a few notes. I was not able to create any word processing documents or spreadsheets though I could view them. That may change when the iPhone app store is ready. Office suites, Bibles, task managers, and electronic wallets should become available. Once MobileMe is kicks in, everything will sync automatically. What do you think? Do you agree with Tim Bajarin from PCMag that the iPhone become the most potable computer on the market today? Is there another handheld device (Tilt, Touch Diamond, Experia, Bold, E71) you think does or will do an even better job or do you grimace at the thought of a pocket mobile device being called a portable computer? Let us know what you think.