How much of an application's UI CAN BE deployed to mobile devices?
I don't know if you have a modern mobile device (i.e. a latest droid
or iPhone), but I was able to answer the above question until I had
used a better mobile device. I had always been a Blackberry user,
which has a fairly tiny screen and grainy resolution. Then I upgraded
to a Motorola Android and my opinion on what could be developed for
the mobile side of things changed completely.
Also realize that mobile devices will most likely have the potential
to act as a replacement for most people's desktop machine (not
including the monitor). I say this because the latest droids coming
out have mini HDMI outputs which can be connected to a monitor and you
can also connect a keyboard and mouse via bluetooth. Now just mature
the Android/iOS operating system so it can deliver a higher resolution
to a connected monitor, increase the CPU speed (memory is already
there) and tada, you have an incantation of a laptop - just smaller,
and it goes everywhere with you. I guess I see it standing a VERY
high potential at replacing the home desktop, and less of a potential
at replacing the work desktop.
Imagine coffee houses (or libraries) that, instead of having an
internet workstation with a full desktop machine, they only have
connections for your phone to act as the CPU for easy "plug and play"
usability into a monitor/keyboard/mouse.
Aaron Bartell
midrange.com
