Ease of use iPhone's big asset

By now, the only people who haven't heard of the iPhone are those who are completely cut off from civilization.

The amount of hype surrounding the product's June 29 launch was estimated to surpass the previous biggest technology event, Microsoft's debut of Windows 95. And, judging by the 270,000 units sold on the iPhone's first two days, Apple's hype seems to be working.

Convergence devices

A key factor driving demand for the iPhone is the phenomenon of hardware digital convergence — having a digital device perform multiple functions. (True digital convergence also requires unification of services and network structures, but I won't address that here.) For example, instead of a cell phone that just makes phone calls, a convergence device could include a music and video player, camera, Internet access, PDA, and even a game console.

In theory, digital convergence should reduce the number of devices we have to carry around.

The reality is somewhat different. For several years before the iPhone, cell phones have been adding functionality in an effort to reach broader markets. So-called smartphones, such as Palm's Treo, RIM's Blackberry, and Samsung's BlackJack, marry the two gadgets most commonly used by mobile professionals: the cell phone and PDA.

Unfortunately, it's not a happy union: smartphones make several compromises that affect both form and function.

Revolutionary interface

The success of the iPhone rests squarely on something that is Apple's greatest strength: user interface design.

The iPod was not the first music player on the market, but it was easier to use than any of its competitors. In the same way, the iPhone has revolutionized the smartphone market with its multitouch interface that drives all the device's functions, from "visual voicemail" to Web browsing.

And, of course, the iPhone is also a full-featured video iPod and a basic digital camera.

Where the iPhone falls short is its PDA functionality. At present, you can't edit Microsoft Office documents, although you can view them as e-mail attachments.

You also can't install any of the third-party applications that are available for Palm- and Windows Mobile-based smartphones, although Apple claims that software developers will fill the void in due course.

However, given that the majority of PDA users spend their time using contact management, calendaring, and e-mail, these limitations may not affect iPhone sales significantly.

What next?

It's clear that digital convergence devices are getting smarter, but we're not quite ready for the "one device to rule them all." A significant hurdle to overcome will be getting full computing functionality in a small device. While ultramobile PCs showed some initial promise a couple of years ago, they have not made their way into the digital mainstream.

If your needs consist primarily of checking and responding to corporate e-mail when you're away from the office, the current favorite -- the Blackberry -- will suit you nicely.

If you want a more user-friendly device and are looking to replace your iPod, the iPhone may make your life a little easier.

The rest of us may have to carry around our cell phones, PDAs, and notebook computers for a while longer.

Ken Doyle is a principal consultant for Loquent LLC, a Madison-based company that offers technology training and consulting services.