[I'm CC'ing the community list because there's lots of points here
that go well beyond hardware.]
On Jun 11, 2007, at 6:36 AM, Miguel A. Torres wrote:
Hi,
Like many of you, I'm following the project with great enthusiasm.
This will surely demonstrate companies in the sector that open
source is not only a possibility, but probably the only real path
to follow in the long term.
While the philosophy of the project is wonderful, the actual
product that will reach customers - the neo1973 - is less than
impressive. Not because of hardware specs, GTA-02 seems impressive
already by packing almost everything except for a camera (which I
personally believe should be included). My concern goes for the
most basic aspect of any consumer product: usability and ergonomics.
I'm absolutely astonished on how this fundamental aspect has been
largely overlooked by everyone. For example, the phone main
interface is a touchscreen, yet the case of the phone wasn't
designed to hold a stylus. While I'm aware that at this stage the
phone is largely intended for development only, I think it is time
to re-consider this important aspect of the project.
I can assure you two things. 1) We cannot change this now with GTA02.
2) We have more hardware in the works that will definitely address
these concerns. We all share them.
More concisely:
* Integrated keyboard and directional pads are not mere luxuries,
but necessities. They allow for safe one hand operation while
reducing touchscreen stress. Touchscreens are fragile (get
scratched easily, develop calibration issues over time, etc) and
direct finger use requires constant cleaning.
* To think globally. Asian languages use ideograms so it's
reasonable that asian users find limited use for an integrated
keyboard, but western users are the opposite. All administrative
and technical commands (say, C++ code, Internet URLs, etc.) are
written in latin characters and benefit greatly from easy typing.
* It is possible to include all in the same package. Palm's Treo
line has been including full keyboard, directional pad and
touchscreen in a very compact package for years.
* Over all, the philosophy should be to give the user options,
allowing freedom to choice.
Treo is an excellent design in terms of usability. It's been
designed with real people in mind. For example, it provides
hardware volume buttons and a switch to turn the phone mute.
I totally agree with your points. Please keep in mind that this was
our first design. And that we are using an ID design that simply
wasn't made for what this project has become. It was originally
designed for a completely different usage scenario.
Believe me when I say that we are working on new stuff that will
address these issues. I have been quiet for the past few months
because of some major internal re-allocations and new events. Within
about a month we should be more or less finished and emerge with far
more focus and resources.
Until then, please accept my sincere apology for not being able to
keep up with all your comments and questions. Internally all my time
and energy is being used now.
-Sean
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