Defining Mobility

Posted by | 11/03/2009 | 7 Comments

Today I’m locked in a room with nine other mobile tech reviewers. We’re discussing mobile platforms and learning about AMD’s products and strategies.

Right now there’s a slide up on the screen that shows how AMD thinks of different notebook segments. There’s a note that reads:

“Mobility is a  function of screen size, z-height , weight, battery life & wireless.”

Do you think the above statement covers it all and which components of the definition matter most to you?  Thinness is certainly nice, but for me the most important component of mobility is battery life. A dead tablet or notebook is just a fancy paperweight if it’s out of juice.

Category: Mobile

About the Author (Author Profile)

Xavier Lanier is the publisher of Gotta Be Moible and Notebooks.com. He's a mobile technology geek that uses an iPhone 4S, iPad 2, Galaxy Nexus and Kindle Fire on a daily basis. He's an expert photographer that shoots primarily with Nikon DSLRs. You can follow Xavier on Twitter @xavierlanier and Google+
  • Steven

    I would add capability to the equation. It doesn’t matter how long it will run, how thin it is, or light it is- if it cannot do what you need it to do on the go, it is useless.

  • http://www.notebooks.com Xavier

    Excellent point and something that should definitely be added to AMD’s statement.

  • http://www.twitter.com/callkathy Kathy Jacobs

    I think ease of use should be on the list too. If my mobile device isn’t easy to use and doesn’t work consistently, I am not going to use it. No matter how long the battery lasts, no matter how light, no matter what else – If how it works doesn’t fit with what I need it to do, it’s staying home. (Think about the new Twitter device. It is a mobile device that only does Twitter. Compare that with the Kindle. For the same money, the multi-tasker wins.)

    That said – weight and battery life are the next most important on the list.

  • Matthew

    Weight and battery life concern me most. I don’t really care how thick it is, but there is some limit on ‘screen size’ before it won’t fit in my sack.

    My additions:
    1) Value – This is a second computer so value is more important.
    2) Ruggedness – Impact resistant, susceptibility to scratches, no fingerprints! I get chances to wipe fingerprints off a notebook that usually sits at a desk, but not off of a piano black netbook.
    3) Comfort – In awkward situations. This includes things like flex in the body and hinges that don’t poke into your legs when opened.

  • asH9

    Mobility is a function of screen size, z-height , weight, battery life & wireless

    encompassing all the above is performance…

    thats why the XPPhone is such a buzz…hint, hint

  • Jim

    1. How big the power source is, how mobile it is when battery runs out.

    2. The “wow” factor is important to me–is it fun to use and pleasant and aesthetically pleasing.

  • Realty

    Must it be used on a table! If you cant use it standing up, it is not portable. Laptops are mobile computers because you can easily move them around and set them up in a new location but to be mobile you need to be able to use it while moving!

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