By Dubau Adrian
The world sure has changed a lot over the last two decades. The technological improvements transformed our lives, making it easier to communicate with each other and finding out new things with just the press of a button. Nowadays, billions of dollars revolve each year around the smartphone market, with approximately four hundred million users across the globe. But do you remember when it all started? Do you remember how it all started?
The year was 1994 when IBM came up with this slogan - ''Mobile Communications Made Simple." The slogan marks the birth of the world's first smartphone, or personal communicator as it was called in those days. The handset was designed by IBM and received the name Simon. This revolutionary device acted like a cellular phone but in the same time it much offered more than simple voice communications. Users were able to employ IBM's Simon as a wireless machine, an electronic mail device, a pager, a calendar, an address book, calculator or pen-based sketchpad. I know, this would simply qualify as a low-end smartphone these days, but in 1994 it was a pretty big deal.
Whoever interested in the handset had to pay a heavy price in order to enjoy its capabilities. No less than $899, which is a lot of money even as we speak, not to mention 17 years ago. The personal communicator was rather heavy, weighing in at more than a pound, and it had a liquid crystal display, or LCD while offering a telephone keypad as well as computer one. It was like you had a computer built inside you cellular which really made you stand out of the crowd.
When used as a cellular phone, Simon could offer all the standard cellular features, including all of today's classics - last number redial, last 10 number redial, a built in 911 emergency call button, address book audio dial and even roaming preference. On the other hand, when using Simon as a personal communicator, users found it easy to access the handset's graphical user interface, which used icons and on-line help screens making the device much more user-friendly. Obviously, it had limited storage capabilities but you had the option to increase it via a personal computer memory card slot. The same card slot allowed users to add a paging card if they wanted to receive electronic messages on both nationwide and local basis, thanks to MobileComm which was IBM's paging company. Furthermore, the slot contained an organizer feature and a calendar, which could have been updated automatically from a remote computer.
Even without the above mentioned slot card, Simon still had the capability to send and receive E-mail through most public E-mail systems. Also, using Simon, you could create faxes and memos by using pen-touch screens or even by writing them directly on the screen with the use of a stylus. The moment you sent that certain fax, you handwriting was reflected exactly as it was, without being digitized in order to look like a printed word. The technology created a huge frenzy in those times and is used constantly in the present as well, being called pen annotation. This isn't the only patented technology that Simon brought to the customers. Ever heard of predictive keyboard? Sure you have! Well, you might not have heard about it if it wasn't for Simon, the first smartphone ever to use this IBM technological marvel. Using the predictive keyboard, only a part of the keyboard was displayed on the LCD screen and the user selected a few letters, Simon predicted the next letters most likely to use. As a comparison, it was like the Siri application on rel=nofollow [http://www.extragsm.com/apple-iphone-4s-phone-3051.html]Apple's iPhone 4S; it simply was able to blow your mind. The impact it had on the people was huge, it even appeared in the popular movie ''The Net'', where it ''played'' an important role.
The IBM Simon was undoubtedly a great piece of technology; it revolutionized communications and was a pioneer for all that the smartphone industry currently means. Although it was ahead of its time, as time passed it remained nothing else than a huge, heavy and horribly expensive device, so today it's nothing more than a remainder of the past and only interests collectors.
As we said, the smartphone is now an essential part of our daily life, so if you want to know all the latest news and reviews, check out our [http://www.extragsm.com]website.
Article Source: [http://EzineArticles.com/?The-Worlds-First-Smartphone---IBMs-Simon&id=6670341] The World's First Smartphone - IBM's Simon
11 Dec 2011
The World's First Laptop
By Harvey McEwan
The development of laptops is largely defined by the increasing size of the screen versus the decreasing size of everything else. The ultra thin laptops on offer today are a far cry from the early models, whose substantial weight and volume dwarfed the (what now seems ridiculously small) screen.
Historians generally agree that the first instance of a portable computer came in 1981 with the introduction of the Osborne 1. However, others argue that design guru Bill Moggridge was the true pioneer in 1979, with his invention developed for GriD Systems Corporation. The GriD Compass computer had a price tag of �4,900 in 1982, and was available with its own operating system - GriD OS.
Moggridge was recently honoured for a lifetime of achievements in design by the Duke of Edinburgh. The British designer, currently director of the Smithsonian Cooper-Hewitt National Design Museum, was awarded the Prince Philip Designers Prize at the ceremony in November.
The inventor of the Osborne 1 was Adam Osborne, a former book publisher who started his computer company Osborne Computer Corporation just one year before the release of the laptop launch.
The computer proved to be a huge success, and was shipping over 10,000 units each month, with the Osborne Computer Corps experiencing its first $1million month in September 1981. However, the success was short-lived, and the company filed for bankruptcy in 1983.
At the time, the laptop cost around $1795, not bad for a laptop which came with a protective casing, carrying handle, battery pack and 2 massive floppy disc drives.
The computer was soon surpassed by other models which appeared, such as the Epson HX-20, and the TRS-80 Model 100 developed by Microsoft. The 5 inch screen of the Osborne 1 was soon overtaken by the LCD display of both the Epson HX-20 and the Microsoft laptop.
Further down the line, the first Apple Macintosh Portable was released, the model which later developed in to the Powerbook. It is amazing how far we have come in the space of 30 years in terms of computer technology.
It is now unthinkable that we as a society could get any use out of such primitive machines in comparison with today's offerings, not only within the computer itself, but within the industry. For example search engines would not exist as they do today, online advertising would be non-existent. Things such as rel=nofollow [http://uk.queryclick.com/pay-per-click-ppc/]paid search and SEO would never have developed as sectors within the internet industry.
Harvey McEwan writes to offer information and advice on a variety of areas, from technology to holiday destinations. Read through Harvey's other articles [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Harvey_McEwan]here to find out more.
Article Source: [http://EzineArticles.com/?The-Worlds-First-Laptop&id=5605019] The World's First Laptop
The development of laptops is largely defined by the increasing size of the screen versus the decreasing size of everything else. The ultra thin laptops on offer today are a far cry from the early models, whose substantial weight and volume dwarfed the (what now seems ridiculously small) screen.
Historians generally agree that the first instance of a portable computer came in 1981 with the introduction of the Osborne 1. However, others argue that design guru Bill Moggridge was the true pioneer in 1979, with his invention developed for GriD Systems Corporation. The GriD Compass computer had a price tag of �4,900 in 1982, and was available with its own operating system - GriD OS.
Moggridge was recently honoured for a lifetime of achievements in design by the Duke of Edinburgh. The British designer, currently director of the Smithsonian Cooper-Hewitt National Design Museum, was awarded the Prince Philip Designers Prize at the ceremony in November.
The inventor of the Osborne 1 was Adam Osborne, a former book publisher who started his computer company Osborne Computer Corporation just one year before the release of the laptop launch.
The computer proved to be a huge success, and was shipping over 10,000 units each month, with the Osborne Computer Corps experiencing its first $1million month in September 1981. However, the success was short-lived, and the company filed for bankruptcy in 1983.
At the time, the laptop cost around $1795, not bad for a laptop which came with a protective casing, carrying handle, battery pack and 2 massive floppy disc drives.
The computer was soon surpassed by other models which appeared, such as the Epson HX-20, and the TRS-80 Model 100 developed by Microsoft. The 5 inch screen of the Osborne 1 was soon overtaken by the LCD display of both the Epson HX-20 and the Microsoft laptop.
Further down the line, the first Apple Macintosh Portable was released, the model which later developed in to the Powerbook. It is amazing how far we have come in the space of 30 years in terms of computer technology.
It is now unthinkable that we as a society could get any use out of such primitive machines in comparison with today's offerings, not only within the computer itself, but within the industry. For example search engines would not exist as they do today, online advertising would be non-existent. Things such as rel=nofollow [http://uk.queryclick.com/pay-per-click-ppc/]paid search and SEO would never have developed as sectors within the internet industry.
Harvey McEwan writes to offer information and advice on a variety of areas, from technology to holiday destinations. Read through Harvey's other articles [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Harvey_McEwan]here to find out more.
Article Source: [http://EzineArticles.com/?The-Worlds-First-Laptop&id=5605019] The World's First Laptop
10 Dec 2011
The World's First Impression of Susan Boyle on Britain's Got Talent
By Joanna Steele-Perkins
When Susan Boyle first walked onto the stage for her audition in "Has Britain Got Talent", the judges and the audience made an immediate assumption about her from her appearance.
It was evident from the expression on Simon Cowell's face that he expected very little from her and his judgement was made entirely on how she looked. Simon Cowell, the rest of the judges on the panel, the studio audience and doubtless the television audience at home, were all taken by surprise when Susan began to sing.
Susan Boyle has the voice of an angel and the assumption is made that someone with a beautiful voice should look beautiful; in a conventional way. In other words young, slim, attractive and tastefully dressed.
To debate the rights and wrongs of judging people by their appearance alone, could be lengthy. The fact is that we all make instant judgements about everybody we meet and this is based on their appearance and much of this is to do with what they are wearing. In fact according to research by Professor Albert Mehrabian, 55% of our behaviour and appearance is remembered from the first 30 seconds of meeting someone. How we look, can affect the way people judge us.
Wearing colours that suit you and clothes that flatter your body lines, scale and proportions, express your personality, are current and appropriate for your age and the occasion will make a huge difference to the first impression you make on strangers.
Sometimes that first 30 seconds is vital. An interview for a new job, a chance meeting with someone who may become your future spouse, a request for help when your car won't start; all situations when you are meeting a stranger for the first time and how they perceive you may make them decide in your favour, or not! Whilst we are quick to make a judgement, it can take 15 years to change that first impression you make on someone else.
Susan Boyle amazed and stunned the world with her beautiful voice, and over came that first impression that was made by many, but the rest of us may never get that second chance.
Joanna Steele-Perkins is a senior image consultant with Colour Me Beautiful and can offer [http://www.colourmebeautiful.co.uk/imagemakeover]Image Makeovers to women and men.
Based in Taunton, Somerset, she is a regular contributor to magazines and newspapers. She offers advice on all aspects of personal image and her services include [http://www.colouranalysis.com/]colour analysis, style consultations, make-up lessons and bridal advice.
Article Source: [http://EzineArticles.com/?The-Worlds-First-Impression-of-Susan-Boyle-on-Britains-Got-Talent&id=2428518] The World's First Impression of Susan Boyle on Britain's Got Talent
When Susan Boyle first walked onto the stage for her audition in "Has Britain Got Talent", the judges and the audience made an immediate assumption about her from her appearance.
It was evident from the expression on Simon Cowell's face that he expected very little from her and his judgement was made entirely on how she looked. Simon Cowell, the rest of the judges on the panel, the studio audience and doubtless the television audience at home, were all taken by surprise when Susan began to sing.
Susan Boyle has the voice of an angel and the assumption is made that someone with a beautiful voice should look beautiful; in a conventional way. In other words young, slim, attractive and tastefully dressed.
To debate the rights and wrongs of judging people by their appearance alone, could be lengthy. The fact is that we all make instant judgements about everybody we meet and this is based on their appearance and much of this is to do with what they are wearing. In fact according to research by Professor Albert Mehrabian, 55% of our behaviour and appearance is remembered from the first 30 seconds of meeting someone. How we look, can affect the way people judge us.
Wearing colours that suit you and clothes that flatter your body lines, scale and proportions, express your personality, are current and appropriate for your age and the occasion will make a huge difference to the first impression you make on strangers.
Sometimes that first 30 seconds is vital. An interview for a new job, a chance meeting with someone who may become your future spouse, a request for help when your car won't start; all situations when you are meeting a stranger for the first time and how they perceive you may make them decide in your favour, or not! Whilst we are quick to make a judgement, it can take 15 years to change that first impression you make on someone else.
Susan Boyle amazed and stunned the world with her beautiful voice, and over came that first impression that was made by many, but the rest of us may never get that second chance.
Joanna Steele-Perkins is a senior image consultant with Colour Me Beautiful and can offer [http://www.colourmebeautiful.co.uk/imagemakeover]Image Makeovers to women and men.
Based in Taunton, Somerset, she is a regular contributor to magazines and newspapers. She offers advice on all aspects of personal image and her services include [http://www.colouranalysis.com/]colour analysis, style consultations, make-up lessons and bridal advice.
Article Source: [http://EzineArticles.com/?The-Worlds-First-Impression-of-Susan-Boyle-on-Britains-Got-Talent&id=2428518] The World's First Impression of Susan Boyle on Britain's Got Talent
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