Beyond 2004
Here’s an article in PC Magazine that mentions some “Seismic Shifts” in certain portable computing technologies. The article is mainly aimed at notebook computers, but the technologies could certainly apply to other things like Pocket PCs, wall paper, etc.
The article refers to Toshiba’s methanol fuel cell technology, which will power notebooks this year. NEC will also be implementing fuel cells in their notebooks in 2004.
Regarding displays, there’s a lot of hype about organic light-emitting diodes. OLED displays images through an array of organic molecules that do not require backlighting since each pixel emits it’s own light. The technology promises ultra thin and even flexible displays. However, Palo Alto Research Center has developed an ink-jet-like method for creating semiconductor transistor arrays. In other words, it sounds like displays can be sprayed onto a surface. This could make environmental and fashion design extremely interesting… although animated graphics on everything from hallway walls to cereal boxes might get a bit annoying.
The article also mentions projectable keyboards, but I have little interest in that since part of the usefulness of a two-handed keyboard is it’s tactile feedback which allows you to keep your eyes on the screen. With a projectable keyboard, you’d have to look where you’re typing to make sure you’re hitting the correct projection areas. Also, how does it see behind your other fingers?
Originally published on Pocketnow on February 2, 2004. More Smartphone News articles from the Pocketnow archive.