Acer's DX650 double-sided Pocket PC - hot or not?

[Guest Paul (MVP)]

This device is the Acer DX650. Yes, both pictures... you see it's a double sided Pocket PC... :(

Snapped in the Philippines where it's retailing for just over $500, the unusual looking device features...

• Windows Mobile 6.1 Professional
• HSDPA
• GPS
• WiFi
• Bluetooth
• 2.8" VGA primary screen
• 1.27" 128x96 monochrome OLED secondary screen
• 3.2MP Camera
• Jog dial
  

Now, while I will reserve judgement on the effectiveness of the execution, I think the concept actually has some potential. I often get criticism about how hard it is to 'just make a call' on Windows Mobile, and this seems a viable solution. Likewise, the OLED screen is handy for 'glanceability' of device status.

Thoughts? B)

P

Note: This news item is discussed by myself and Chris in WinMo Week 28!

[Via: abuggedlife

[Guest NikLP]

One would certainly have to venture as far as "crap-o-rama" in the first instance, and progress from there, I think?

I hardly think that this level of eccentric hardware is a usability improvement - doubling the user interface?? Madness.

It's more a reflection on the manufacturers keenness to make money, and achieve that by examining the target market, seeing WinMo as a potential demographic, and then realising the OS is so weak that they have to come up with this kind of manic behaviour.

Users & Manuf's should be bitching at MS, not working around the weaknesses of the OS.

[Guest Paul (MVP)]

Aw, harsh... B)

P

[Guest ccsnet]

I'd have one..... many many moons ago Panasonic had and analouge phone where the pad and display where on one side and you spoke on the other - like a proper phone.

No one yet has produced that style until now and TBH I like the idea of a simple phone interface with a lot more if I want it.

I bet it never comes here mind you......

Terran

Edited March 13, 2009 by ccsnet

[Guest deadphill]

For me if it can take the actual phone part away from the os which has (stupidly considering what the primary function is supposed to be) rubbish, I would welcome it. Plus its something different from a manufacturer other than HTC.

Is it just me or do I always end up having to hit the end call key like 20 times before it actually ends the call!

Cheers

Phill

[Guest nickcornaglia]

Been wishing for the earpiece and mic on the opposite side of the phone for years! (I hate face marks on the screen!) Great idea. Not really the looker....but high marks for being different!

[Guest Hagakure]

I have been asking anyone who will listen for this form factor for years! Face grease is one of the reasons secondly the number of screen touches I have to complete to press to listen to my voicemail is ridiculous! Its like 6 or something. I think this looks good as a concept frugly as it is. What it needs is some industrial design and e-ink for the secondary display. One side for voice one side for data it makes sense. And no I couldn't bring myself to buy an engage to use the microphone and speaker on the side.

[Guest Paul]

Why e-ink vs OLED?

P

[Guest Hagakure]

Why e-ink vs OLED?

P

Just for out door use and low power consumption which is good with OLED but better with e-ink.