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Guest Opinion
January 2000
OS matters
Michael Mace, Chief Competitive Officer, Palm Computing
Does the operating system matter in a handheld, sub-PC device? From a practical standpoint, of course it matters. Without an OS, no computer of any sort can function. The real question is whether the consumer needs to know about the OS, the way that almost everyone knows about Windows.
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"Handhelds must be held to a much higher standard of simplicity than PCs." |
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If every function the device will ever perform is already built in, then forget about the OS. For example, you don't really need to know what OS controls your home's electronic thermostat.
But if you want an expandable product, one to which you can add new software and capabilities, then you do need to think about the OS. The OS is what drives software compatibility. An unpopular OS may prevent a device from running applications the user wants today or might want in the future. That could eventually force the consumer to get rid of the product and start over. On the other hand, expandability makes the consumer's investment in the device much more valuable. The system actually becomes more and more useful as the user learns its capabilities and adds applications.
I can't speak for thermostats, but for handhelds, the OS matters a lot. Here's what to look for in a handheld OS:
Is it incredibly simple to use? PCs have become easier to use over the years, but they can still be confusing. It's not unusual for a PC user to spend 10 or 15 seconds looking for a menu command. That would be a disaster for someone using a handheld to make an appointment. Handhelds must be held to a much higher standard of simplicity than PCs.
Does it make the system "wearable"? A handheld is useless if the user can't comfortably carry it in a pocket or purse all day. Extra features that add a few ounces or a couple of cubic inches are a big problem. Extra-fast microprocessors use more power, and therefore destroy battery life, so they're also something to avoid. This is the opposite of the PC world, where more features and more speed are always better.
Does it let users get at information on the go? Wireless access to e-mail and web information is going to become more and more critical.
People buy handheld computers, portable devices, and sub-PC products because they want the devices to work without thinking about how they achieve the results. We work hard to make sure that our products work the way consumers work, go where consumers go, and don't encumber users with extra complication. The goal is to deliver an OS that offers great performance, expandability, and usability, but in a way that is transparent to the consumer.
Respond >> commverge@cahners.com
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