Published at 6 August, 2007
in Review.
TeleRead has a review today of the Nokia N800:
The review is unashamedly written from an eBook platform perspective: as an avid eBook reader the format worked for me. Read it.
Published at 3 August, 2007
in Browsers.
I use the Opera Mini browser as a portable RSS reader and web browser. I love it, and apparently, the Wall Street Journal does too.
The WSJ article has a lot to say, including the following:
Since it was launched in January 2006, more than 15 million cellphone users around the world have downloaded the Opera Mini browser, which is available for free and usable on most cellphones. Early versions of the Opera Mini, developed by Opera Software ASA in Norway, display Web pages in a single column, which works well on cellphones with small screens. The latest version shows Web sites in full-page views that are even more similar to the look on a PC.
I agree. Opera Mini Beta 4 has to be seen to be believed - especially on the larger screen of the Nokia e61. Try it 
My guess is that people (like me) who use portable RSS readers have a lower than average commenting activity level.
I don’t have any data to support this hypothesis - it is based on a best guess and a lot of user centered process design. Basically, systems are more likely to be used when they are easily usable. I know that this sounds like an empty truism, but compare the user experience here:
- desktop RSS reader: goes to the comment-worthy post, leaves comment.
- portable RSS reader: goes to the comment-worthy post, enters Name/Email/Website details, leaves comment.
The difference is that the desktop reader usually has their Name/Email/Website details remembered by the web client. This may not seem like a big deal, but when you’re dealing with a device with a limited QWERTY or 13-key phone text entry mechanism, every character saved is a blessing.
It is hard to imagine a world where name and email are not required for comments - until portable RSS clients have matured a bit more it is probably just something that everyone will have to live with.
Portable RSS Readers: Commenting activity lower?
My guess is that people (like me) who use portable RSS readers have a lower than average commenting activity level.
I don’t have any data to support this hypothesis - it is based on a best guess and a lot of user centered process design. Basically, systems are more likely to be used when they are easily usable. I know that this sounds like an empty truism, but compare the user experience here:
The difference is that the desktop reader usually has their Name/Email/Website details remembered by the web client. This may not seem like a big deal, but when you’re dealing with a device with a limited QWERTY or 13-key phone text entry mechanism, every character saved is a blessing.
It is hard to imagine a world where name and email are not required for comments - until portable RSS clients have matured a bit more it is probably just something that everyone will have to live with.