5 Things Cellphones Don’t Do Well

Poor overworked engineers buried deep within the confines of various cell phone manufacturer’s research and development arms have been trying for year to turn the simple cell phone into a full-fledged communications device without much success.

Despite best efforts, the traditional cell phone is still primarily used as a device to make voice calls, store calendar appointments and transmit text messages. (Yes I do know it’s used for different purposes in other parts of the world but I happen to live and work in Canada.)

Yet Spike Lee wants to make a short movie with the aid of a cell phone. Spike Lee has done some fantastic work, namely Do The Right Thing and Jungle Fever, but I wonder about the quality of his forthcoming short film given that shots are taken with cell phones.

Here are 5 other things that cell phones don’t do well. Admittedly this list stretches well beyond the technical limitations of a cell phone.

1. Take pictures. Ever shot someone with the cruddy 1.5 or 2 megapixel camera embedded in most phones? They are hilariously bad; not even suitable for Facebook.

2. Surf the Net. It’s truly amazing with the wireless throughput available that smartphone makers are still struggling with the mobile Web experience, Apple notwithstanding of course.

3. Make a person desirable. How many times have you wanted to politely tap someone on the shoulder - or scream at them for that matter - after being forced to listen to a one-sided conversation for a period of time? The answer for most, sadly, is many.

4. Maintain user privacy. I don’t mean that in the technical sense. With a cell phone, you’re always available especially if your employer foots the bill.

5. Play movies. Spike Lee may be able to shoot a short film or edit one taken with the aid of a cell phone but it is an awful experience trying to watch look at anything on a 1 x 1 screen other than a phone directory. I will never watch any film on a cell phone nor will a device of that size ever support such a format. Yet Bell Mobility at last check, sells what it calls Mobile Movies for $5.99 a pop.

April 25, 2008 | Filed Under News Items and Commentary

Comments

One Response to “5 Things Cellphones Don’t Do Well”

julebule on April 26th, 2008 1:13 pm

Amen Kevin!
Cameraphones are not up to snuff.
So much for using my cameraphone for capturing those pre-purchase items!