New Sony CLIE PEG-UX50 has wireless a-plenty, runs Palm OS, but has odd form factor: This strange-looking "Palm" has a small keyboard, a twist-and-rotate design for maneuvering the screen, and built-in Bluetooth and Wi-Fi. It might become the de rigeur infowarrier device to substitute for a laptop. [via Nigel Ballard]
"odd" indeed. This form factor is not very intelligent. It's got way too many things sticking out of it to make it a really portable slip-in-your-pocket-and-forget-about-it style device.
The closest thing I've seen to ideal is the Sony Ericsson P800. If it turns out to be any good I might even get one.
simon
I still think the Zaurus C7xx are nicer... http://www.serve-me.com/conics/shp/pda/zaurus-sl-c700/
This is the evolution of SONY's 2-device solution for the mobile professional (I sound like a PR wonk.) You have your sleek, stylish cell phone always available in your pocket (and I would argue this is where the camera should be), so that when you answer a phone call while in public, you won't look like a nerd with a big plastic paddle pressed up against your cheek (Hitachi G-1000?). Then, you keep the UX50 in your backpack or labcoat pocket for when you're rounding on patients in the morning. You examine patient data, make notations, write email which you'll send via Bluetooth through your cell phone. You could even view radiologic results on a screen of this quality (not plain films, but CT scans would be acceptable). Yes, and it will replace a laptop, especially important when you travel, and it will also replace the Tablet PC which people constantly tell me is the ultimate device for the healthcare profession.
In contrast, the upcoming Treo 600 with the built-in thumbpad is the one-device solution, but wi-fi may only be available in the form of a SD card. Also, screen resolution is an issue.
All this points to the fact that wireless handheld devices and wi-fi are becoming the standard for point-of-care applications for patient data. Despite the numerous "bubble about to burst" stories, "Do you want fries with your wi-fi?," the healthcare market is accelerating because ROI is measurable in reducing medical errors and work hours. (HIPAA is also driving this, but also requires strict security.) This is the big story about wi-fi that very few people in the general sector have noticed. I'm now working on a story on my blog to summarizing some of the information I've collected. BKMD