Origamis perfect for seniors?
Apparently the AARP might think so since they’ve published this article on their web site describing the UMPC and explaining them to their readers. This has me thinking that older, experienced citizens (sounds much better than senior citizens) might very well benefit from the Origami due to the extreme portability. A small and light device with a large screen resolution is perfect to use around the house in that rocking chair in front of the fireplace.
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The screen is larger than a PDA screen, but the pixels/inch is high and I would expect older people would have trouble using this form factor unless a magnifying glass is bundled.
It really appears that the Origami is looking for a market.
Being pretty close to old I can tell you that there is no way old people will like these things. Way too small and confusing. Perhaps a Libre but more likely an inexpensive laptop which usually has a lower resolution (say 1kx768) would make more sense. The laptop would probably get better battery life and be more useful.
Mom has a Ceiva picture frame and an AOL account, that seems to be enough ‘technology’ for her busy life.
“This has me thinking that older, experienced citizens (sounds much better than senior citizens)…”
Yeah, you don’t want to stereotype, now, do you?
“…is perfect to use around the house in that rocking chair in front of the fireplace.”
Ahem…
I agree on the screen size issue. Each new day reminds me of the value of bigger screens. I rue the day when my 480×320 Palm display will be inadequate (and I fear it’s not that far off). I can’t imagine something like an 800×480 display on a 4 or 5 inch screen, such as with the new Nokia Internet Tablet. Don’t even get me started on cell phones with VGA displays. You can only hold one of those things 5 inches in front of your nose for so long. Of course, then there are the miniscule video iPods…I wonder if Steve Jobs — no spring chicken, himself — has trouble watching something on one of those tiny things?
Those no-line bifocals are great! :)
The WSJ weighs in on this today, too (this is a link that only subscribers can access, I think):
The BlackBerry Squint: PDA Use Triggers Eyestrain
http://online.wsj.com/article/SB114592490774134751.html
I’ve developed a work-around patch for possible font display problems in Origamis using IE6:
In the upper toolbar, select View > Text Size > Largest
Ta-da! :) (That’ll be the minimum billable of one hour at my standard rate, payable in bullion.)
— Steve