Smartphone Thoughts: Talking with John Starkweather of MED Division at Microsoft - Part 2

Mike: Now, your favourite device of all time for Windows Mobile, obviously.

John: People ask me that question all the time, and I always tell people, I’m weird. No, really – you’re probably weird too, no offense intended! We use so many things that it’s almost difficult. So, I’ll give you some ideas. The device I had the most hope for of all time, and you’re going to laugh, was the Sierra Wireless Phone.

Mike: You know, I was going to say that! That is a great device. It’s just a little too big and doesn’t have Bluetooth, and those were its limiting factors, but otherwise it was a great phone.

John: I wish they had done it a year later. Had they done it a year later with Windows Mobile 5, I think it would’ve been successful, and had the actual hardware been a little more polished I think it would’ve been a great product. It felt like a pre-production device you were holding in your hand. It was too plasticky and too thick. And we had done some of the software optimization, like supporting keyboards and Smartphone, would’ve made a huge difference for that device. I also have to say, I used to work for Sierra Wireless for a long time back in the CDPD days, and so there was some personal stuff in there too. Currently my favourite device is the HP6900. I feel like it’s a really solid, one-handed device with a keyboard that I can actually use with big fingers like mine. I really like having integrated GPS, and ultimately I like the flexibility of a Pocket PC with a touch screen, which occasionally adds a different dimension in.

Mike: Okay. See, the screen really bugs me, so…

John: And that’s improving. That’s improving. Ultimately, every single one of our devices, I could pick it up and say, wow, I love that. There are some things that I love about the Treo – the GSM version that comes out later this year, that will probably be my favourite device.

Mike: After using a Smartphone for so long, I can’t get used to tapping on the screen anymore. I like the one-handed experience. I like being able to whip it out of my pocket and quickly, bom, bom, bom, and we’re done.

John: I do find that I don’t use the stylus much, but when I do need it, and there are times when I do, I’m frustrated when I don’t have it. In terms of Smartphones, the Q is going to be just a really solid device. People are going to be really excited about it. And for you in particular, you’re a Smartphone guy. Having the GSM version is going to be critical for me, and I think for a lot of people.

Mike: Yeah, and my understanding from the press releases I’ve seen, that’s not even going to be released to carriers until Q4. So, I mean, it’s going to be a year before GSM. In my opinion, that could really hurt their market.

John: They’re going to sell a ton of Qs. They’re going to sell them. There are CDMA operators everywhere but Europe, and they’re going to sell millions of those things. It’s going to be a super successful product. However, the GSM version, it would be nice if it were sooner and I don’t think that’s going to change. I think that’s what Motorola would tell you as well. When the GSM version does come, you’re going to see, true to Motorola, you’re going to see some changes. You’re going to see different colours, better hardware, it’s definitely going to be faster, with more memory, all those things.

Mike: By then I’d really like to see that added on too!

John: They’re totally going to improve that. I’ve seen some early specs, and it looks pretty cool.

Mike: Okay, so if the 6900 is your favourite device, what device are you currently using?

John: I’ve been using the 6900 – I’ve got an early one, which is kinda weird cause most people don’t. But I’m also using the KJAM and the SP5. I carry both of them. My SP5 device I carry all the time, if I’m traveling and I’m not going to have access on my laptop, then I use the KJAM.

Mike: Great. Well, thanks a lot for your time, John.

John: No problem!