I also agree. A device that offers multiple accessories that can be seamlessly added to the device, like the iPaq's Expansion Sleeves, is far superior than trying to turn a device into a rigid Swiss Army Knife. An example to illustrate that would be those TV-VCR combos. You know, the one where the two are merged into a single case. I would never purchase one, because 1) they are more expensive than buying the pieces separately, and 2) I have never had a VCR last more than 2 years. Our last TV lasted 20 years before it crapped out, and even then we could have fixed it for $50, but we wanted a new, larger screen. So in other words, permanently appending hardware that increases / has a higher risk of failure is not a good idea long-term. Hinges break. Ribbon cables connecting electronics in moving parts wear out. Dirt, grit, etc, get into keypads and eventually cause problems. It would cost more to send that sony in for repair because a couple keys stop working, than to buy an entire replacement add-on keyboard for an iPaq. You get the point.
I think it is a FAR, FAR more valuable thing to have a minimal level of standardization. For example, a D-Pad, IR Port, CF Slot, display orientation and resolution, minimum memory, processor type, and OS. That drives down prices, for example, with CF cards because they can be mass produced and are ubiquitous. Most everybody can make use of them. Companies can spend the big bucks it takes to develop diverse hardware in that form factor, like Ethernet, WiFi, Bluetooth, Modems, Hard Drives, Bar Code readers, because they know there are
x million devices out there that support CF.
That is where Sony does the industry a great dis-service, with all their duplicate, proprietary formats (Memory Stick anyone?). However, if you have the Japanese attitude of planned-obsolescence, and have a market like the Japanese public that is obsessed with sucking up new electronic gadgets as fast as they are produced, then long-term value is not a great issue.
Dan East
