The "less is more" approach is somewhat similar to the 90/10 rule that James previously wrote about. Keeping functionality to a limited space but making sure that functionality is used by the vast majority of users makes for a good experience. At least for the vast majority. ;)
What about a 99/1 rule as in a device offers one and only one function, but it’s one that nearly everyone needs? That’s how I envision Peek, a portable e-mail device that Michael Gartenberg previewed last night when meeting with the company. Interestingly enough, I see that several of the key personnel at Peek are former high-ups from Virgin Mobile USA.
The hardware is expected to cost $99 and comes with a $20 monthly charge to use T-Mobile’s network for data. The WSJ indicates a product launch for the full-keyboard handheld early next year. I’d guess that the device uses EDGE for two reasons: one, T-Mo is still in the process of getting their HSDPA network up, and two: you don’t need a speedy connection for basic e-mail. The Peek device will support AOL, Yahoo, Gmail, POP and IMAP, but as Michael says, "if you know what IMAP is, this probably isn’t the device for you". I’m inclined to agree: most folks who are already mobile-tech savvy won’t poke the Peek, nor will they want yet another device to carry when they likely have one or two devices that are e-mail capable. But for everyday consumers who leave the house with just a feature phone (or less), this could be appealing.
Any takers out there looking for what’s essentially patterned after a first-gen BlackBerry? If the device only does one thing, I gather it will do it well, but we’ll see. I have an inquiry into the team at Peek for more info and a review unit if possible.
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