Re: [NTLK] Tapwave is dead

From: Brian G. (briansnewton_at_gmail.com)
Date: Wed Aug 03 2005 - 10:57:02 PDT


On 8/2/05, Toby Hutton <tobyhutton_at_mac.com> wrote:
> Sounds like you have the PDA kiss of death. :) Are *you* the reason
> Sharp are killing the Zaurus? :)

Can't take the blame for the Zaurus, but I have considered getting one
in the past...

> > The Zodiac is as close to a mini-Newton as you can get.
>=20
> You're making a convincing argument for snapping up one of these
> machines.

I'd recommend checking one out in person if you get a chance. CompUSA
and Frye's are the only 2 US brick and mortar retailers that carried
them, and the Zodiac should still be available until their stock runs
out. You might even get a really good deal.

This is probably another contributor to Tapwave's demise. When I was
looking to replace my Clie, the Zodiac was on the top of my short list
but I felt uneasy buying one sight unseen. It wasn't until CompUSA
started carrying them last July that I had the opportunity to check
one out in person, even though it was a demo with limited
functionality. I was immediately impressed with the Zodiac's solid
construction (annodized aluminum) and sleek form factor, which is
smaller than it appears in photos.

I would venture a guess that a number of people who may have heard
about the Zodiac (in spite of Tapwave's poor marketing) did not have
easy access to check one out in person and were reluctant to buy one
site unseen.

On 8/2/05, Joel M. Sciamma <joel_at_inventors-emporium.co.uk> wrote:

>A very interesting glimpse at another platform - thank you.

You're welcome ;-), and great points.=20

I think PDAs will become our primary computing devices as they become
more powerful and offer ubiquitous connectivity. I can see Apple
offering some handheld device/mini tablet in the near future that
offers multimedia (iPod/video Pod) playback as well as PDA, iChatAV,
and Inkwell HWR running OS X with a GUI optimized for finger/stylus
input. This device could be the "core" computing device using modular
accessories (BT keyboard, docking station, etc) to make it into a
portable computer or laptop/desktop replacement. Add a .Mac type
service along with always-on wireless internet connectivity, and you
immediately have a single computing device and access to all of your
personal data and media either locally on the device, streamed (for
media) or using virtually unlimited network storage,

Another tidbit of Zodiac trivia:

Tapwave commisioned Scott Summit of http://summitid.com/ for the
Zodiac's industrial design (code named Helix at the time) . Some of
Mr. Summit's other designs include the Alphasmart Dana, work on the
Palm V, the Apple Multiscan monitor,and Think Outside folding
keyboard. His designs are very organic and Zen-like.

Brian

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