It's not that we don't see the appeal of using a supplementary keyboard and display with our smartphones, rather, we simply felt that the
Foleo was way overpriced for the relatively limited functionality it provided. Well now a new company called Celio seems to be heading down the same risky path as Palm, announcing the REDFLY Smartphone Interface System, a platform that allows Windows Mobile 5 and 6 devices to be controlled using external hardware; sounds promising, except that the first piece of gear to incorporate the technology will cost $499, the same targeted MSRP as the failed Foleo (after its planned instant rebate). Celio wisely claims that it's initially targeting enterprise users with the Bluetooth 2.0, clamshell device, although frankly it seems like they'd have more success concentrating on the software and letting OEMs deal with designing products that offer a more attractive price / performance ratio.
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
Juice @ Jan 2nd 2008 10:35AM
Come up with a good portrait 4:3 screened qwertybar PPC already. Screw this crap.
JohnnyB @ Jan 2nd 2008 11:24AM
Seems to me that putting a Bluetooth module in the EEE PC will pretty much kill this idea. Again, another manufacturer gets it wrong: its not smartphones that need a mini-laptop, its dumbphones. Get the carriers to stop hobbling bluetooth tethering, and allow any dumbphone to connect via BT to a min-laptop, and productivity problem solved!
johdaxx @ Jan 2nd 2008 1:31PM
I like the idea, but it needs to be $200.
storino03 @ Jan 2nd 2008 2:23PM
I"m kind of confused. Does it do this video out thing to all PPC devices or just certain ones? I'm not sure on how it's possible to get the same image on the device if you're using a usb port that only does data and audio output. Anyone?
--James
kookoobirdz @ Jan 2nd 2008 5:41PM
I still don't think the concept makes sense. Didn't with Foleo and doesn't here. I loved the comment here back in the Foleo-dreading days when someone said something like, "Why don't I just hold this thing up to my ear and leave the Treo at home?"
If you have a smartphone and a laptop, you're done. There isn't room for a product in between them, not on most people's budgets, not when all of the inbetweener's functions are already handled by smartphone or laptop. Just doesn't make sense. If the Foleo or whatever could replace the laptop, then we're talking. I'm all for small, lightweight, full-function, flash laptops.
The Stowaway foldup keyboards for handhelds are about all I could justify buying, because typing is easier, yet they are still pocket-sized items. So even if this thing was $50 like a Stowaway on the discount shelf, I still wouldn't want it because it's something that requires toting.