Thread: Sharp EM-ONE Hands-On
View Single Post
Milhouse is offline Milhouse
2007-04-13 , 15:53
Posts: 3,401 | Thanked: 1,255 times | Joined on Nov 2005 @ London, UK
#12
Originally Posted by ArnimS View Post
This is not a competitor for the following reasons.

1) Windows. A machine running 'big brother inside' is not a competitor to a free OS.

2) Price. $797... in japan. Expect european prices to be near 1200 euro. Not a competitor at 2x-3x the price.
I believe it will be subsidised by the phone networks and retail in the region of $332 with a 2 year contract (in Japan) - $797 is without a contract.

I think it is a competitor to the N800 for those who just don't care about the OS, or those that don't care about OSS. There are many, many more people who don't care than those who do (like us).

The EM-ONE is definately the right form factor - 800x480 and similar size to N800, plus a keyboard - the only major difference is the OS, and most people don't care about what OS it uses. If they do care then Joe Public would most likely prefer Windows Mobile because they're familiar with Windows and it will work with their existing desktop PC etc. etc.

Linux, for all it's benefits, and the N800 specifically, fails to address the requirements of the general consumer who isn't interested in hacking and simply wants a PDA-type device that is synced with their desktop.