Convergence Device

For over a decade now, my friends (and customers) have been itching for a proper convergence media device, one computer gizmo that does the phone, camera, family photos, email, shopping, browsing, movie player, and handheld video games. All in one. With network access wherever, whenever, always. 

• The network issues are more or less of a problem depending where you live and how flat it is and how much you're willing to pay. Network access isn't free. WiMax and 4G cover a lot of territory, and 802.11n gets the home covered. Seamlessly switching between networks is going to be the next big thing in these devices.
• Onboard memory and plug-in data cards make up the difference for movies and other media. If the OS is reliable and not a battery hog, your user complains less.
• Synchronization with your home and office PC take care of other media and data files. OS support of encryption enable a lot of the rest. 
• A full function browser is crucial. People don't want to be educated about limitations in mobile devices. They want it to do everything their desktop will, and whine if it doesn't. The Whining got me out of IT.
• Printer and projector support. Visiting executives always whine about that, and return devices that make them email an attached document or presentation like its offended them.
• Camera that supports HD streaming video so live full motion video calling is common. This is coming. Its mostly a matter of appropriate compression and no dropped frames, or at least less noticeable ones. This is a WiMax and 4G issue, bandwidth and a smarter video compression scheme. 
• Battery life is getting there. Most people want to be able to use their PDA or phone ALL DAY on one charge, then charge it overnight while they're sleeping. Frankly, this is a reasonable demand. Tech companies now design chips for reducing the power consumption of the components and converting less of the power into heat. 

Eventually, when all these features are combined we'll end up with incredibly well informed bicyclists carrying a device with the screen size that matches their needs best. Its a good bet there will be many manufacturers producing these, with some differences in features and price but eventually you'll get what you pay for.

If we're very lucky, we'll be scooterists too. I wouldn't mind owning a modern EFI version of the Honda Supercub underbone motorcycle, particularly if its the 108cc version that will actually pull my local hills. Or the Wave 125S, available everywhere but here in the USA despite it being a very good choice. It will need a waterproof and strong rack to carry my Nexus, or maybe a bluetooth screen for displaying the GPS, assuming I get a blow to the head causing me to forget how to operate a map.