Successful Student Work

Follow-up to BlackBerry, iPhone or Sony UX1 from Kinoeye

Preface

This posting is for some of the student work which has been done in response to a brief research esay comparing some of the latest new media technologies that are current or due to be released in 2007.

Student Essay 1:

Emma Williamson - Comparison of the Blackberry Pearl, iPhone and Sony UX1.

The Blackberry, iPhone and Sony UX1 are very similar in their features and style (apart from the Sony UX1 which is more like a mini computer), but they all have those slight different functions, main priorities and appeal to different markets. All of these devices have functions such as camera, music, e-mail, internet and phone capabilities. However, they all have different key functions that make them unique and different to each other.

The Blackberry

Firstly, the Blackberry I believe has been brought out being marketed at businesses and business people. This is because it has features such as an organizer which allows you to keep an integrated address book (make phone calls and send e-mail instantly), a calendar to keep your appointments and meetings organized, a memo pad to jot down those important ideas and points from a meeting, and a tasks function which allows you to tick off your tasks as you do them whilst your on the move. Even though a lot of phones, PDAs, mini computers etc. come with internet access and e-mail account capabilities, the difference with this Blackberry is that you are able to manage 10 different e-mail accounts and log into the internet whilst on the move. For business people this is very good because they will want to be able to manage their e-mails and get in touch with people whenever and wherever they want, and the Blackberry allows them to do this. This device also has some interesting interface features such as a pearl-like trackball navigation system and a small ‘phone-like’ keypad, this uses less space on the interface therefore allowing a slightly larger screen. Also because the Blackberry Pearl is described as a smart phone (www.discoverblackberry.com) it is only phone-size and therefore easy to carry around for everyday business needs. The Blackberry also includes normal everyday functions such as text messaging, ringtone downloading, camera etc. There are some downsides to the Blackberry though, firstly it only has a 64MB integrated memory which will not be large enough of people to store their images and notes etc. that they want, this means that those who buy them will have to buy a compatible microSD card.

The iPhone 

Next there is the iPhone. Obviously the first thing that stands out to everyone is the huge 3.5inch widescreen display with no keypad and touch screen capabilities, so you can easily navigate yourself round your new iPhone easily and effectively. Also the iPhone still allows you to sync your device straight to itunes using your pc or mac. Obviously the iPhone has revolutionary phone capabilities as well, using the touch screen keypad to write e-mails and text messages, contact your friends through phone calling and managing your voicemail like e-mail and choosing what to listen to. The iPhone is also compatible with Wi-Fi, whereas the Blackberry does not as of yet, however, there are plans for the future to add Wi-Fi to future Blackberry devices. You are able to browse the internet whenever you are in a Wi-Fi hotspot. You are able to get the iPhone in either a 4 or 8GB built in memory which would be fine for people who just want some music, but for those who need the iPhone for bigger and better things you cannot put in removable memory. The iPhone also comes with an integrated 2megapixel camera. I think that it is obvious the iPhone is most effective for leisure and most probably aimed at the younger market because of the music, film, TV, camera and photo capabilities.

The Sony UX1

Finally we have the Sony UX1, this device is effectively a handheld laptop. It has all the capabilities of a computer just in a smaller package; it comes with word processor capabilities, e-mail, internet, Wi-Fi connection etc. This device has the largest screen (4.5 inches) of the three but also comes with a computer like keypad/board, also it too has touch sensitive screen like the iPhone (two choices, you can choose what you prefer.) the Sony UX1 I believe is being aimed at business people again, and people who need the capabilities of a computer whilst on the move but do not have the space to be constantly carrying round a laptop. You may notice that the UX1 does not have actual phone capabilities but, over the internet you can make internet calls (via a microphone) and log into your favourite instant messaging service (like MSN) to have a chat with your friends on the move. Also the UX1 comes with two integrated cameras, a 0.3megapixel one on top and a 1.3megapixel camera on the back. The UX1 is considerably larger than the other devices but still only weighs a mere 500g, which makes it possible to maybe not carry it in your pocket but all you need is a small bag.

I believe that the intention of the designers and companies of these devices was not to be competing with each other for the best device but because they have so many of the same or similar functions they are, this is because the public want the best new technology. They are aimed at different audiences and markets but they still over lap and could appeal to different people still. The iPhone is definitely aimed at the younger market, for its main leisure capabilities, and the Blackberry and UX1 are both aimed at businesses but the UX1 could also appeal just to those who want a small computer but not a large laptop.

Student Essay 2 (but better):

Mike Crockett - Comparison of the Blackberry Pearl, iPhone and Sony UX1.

Coming soon. . . .

: 24 Apr 2007 13:23 |  Tags: Blackberry New Media Technologies The Henley College |  Comments (0) |  Close comments |  Report a problem