From: Randall Parker 

Geo. wrote:
> On the PDA side, whatever works, touch screens offer flexibility so
> button numbers and sizes are not fixed.

I can see using a PDA in order to send a message from a place where you can't be
popping open a laptop. You don't want to have to carry a laptop with you everywhere.

Also a text message has advantages over a voice communication because you don't have
to get into a conversation with the other person. Avoiding the conversations saves
time. I have too many people trying to talk to me in the course of a day at work and
after work. Can't get time to think or to just listen to music.

>Personally I think until these
> devices are at least half controlled with voice commands (dictate and it
> types) that they are a stupid idea because you just can't be a laptop
> without a keyboard. Typing with your thumbs is silly.

Some people have an urgent continuous need to communicate. So they thumb type while
sitting in meetings or classes. Holds little appeal to me though.

> But I suppose they
> are better than nothing when it comes to filling this gap. Until I see
> people posting to this group with PDA's they are not in my opinion a
> viable option as a laptop replacement. I'd rather see a thinkpad X40
> with an internal celphone.

Yes, PDAs are not a laptop replacement. But they fit well in niches. e.g.
as receiving devices. Send messages to delivery people or other field
people telling
them what you want them to do next. Send messages to admins telling them there's
server and network trouble.

>
> Geo.

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