Hand-held computers are entering another phase of their evolution. Initially little more than expensive toys, the advent of machines from Psion, Sharp, Apple, and Hewlett-Packard is reviving some niche markets. US Robotics redefined the breed with its Pilot, and Microsoft created the potential for a mini-PC resurgence with the introduction of Windows CE. At the same time, new ultra-thin laptops emerged as users traded some function for much lighter weight. The chance exists to merge these technologies into a single class of devices. These will coalesce around two form factors, the existing Pilot and a device larger than the current Windows CE device. Both will eventually incorporate wireless telephony as an option to meet the emerging needs of a mobile workforce. This talk discusses these and other related trends and attempts to predict the future for hand-held devices.
Rob Enderle is a Senior Analyst at the Giga Information Group where he specializes in providing Information Technology advice for the desktop. His coverage includes hardware, software, and communications. In addition, he covers Microsoft, e-mail, and video conferencing.
Rob has over 15 years experience in the IT industry. Before joining Giga he was at Dataquest, where he was the most widely quoted analyst in both the trade and the public press worldwide. Before he was at Dataquest, Rob held a variety of project management positions at IBM, including one where he managed the redesign of IBM's software marketing channels. Earlier Rob was at ROLM, where he headed Market and Business Analysis.