iPod, BlackBerry successful due to simplicity

ZDNet UK looks at the success of unique handheld devices such as the iPod and BlackBerry. "Each has managed to succeed where general purpose handheld PCs have failed, even though there is nothing they can do — in theory at least — that a general purpose device cannot." While general purpose handheld PCs can receive email, organize your day, and play music, they are not what the public is looking for, the article explains. "At the CIO discussion evening at London's RSA on Wednesday night complexity was singled out as the bête noir of every IT Director [...] Businesses simply do not want more functionality on the desktop: not every user needs the same application set. After all, you wouldn't let a municipal gardener loose with a combine harvester."

Filed under: iPod, industry