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Fortunately, some manufacturers are beginning to get this message, and are moving away from input systems which require you to use a special pen to make contact with the screen. A great example is Fujitsu Siemens’ new LifeBook P1510 which Lars reviewed a while back.

I had my hands on this tiny-teeny convertible Tablet PC for a while, and I was pretty impressed in general, but bowled over by the fact that I didn’t have to reach for that %^*”~# stylus all the time. How many times a month do you think I lose Tablet PC styli down the sides of my sofa? As I mentioned, when discussing ‘comfort computing’ last month, rather more than I’d like to!

These two examples are part of a much bigger issue facing mobile computer technology. The user interface is important in portable music and portable media players, car navigation systems, PDAs, phones, you name it. While early adopters and geeky types will jump through hoops to use the latest technology, it is the everyday users who aren’t prepared to learn complex interface systems who really matter. It is your average mobile phone user operators need to help to buy stuff, and your average potential Tablet PC user who needs a way of interacting with their device that is intuitive, easy and, well, a no-brainer.

It is not just in the tech world that user interface matters. In many areas of life we interact with objects of various kinds, and we just know when the user interface is right.

At home I took to DECT handsets over corded phones the first time I used DECT – it was a no-brainer. I have installed push light switches around the house as it’s a lot easier to press a button than flick a traditional light switch when you are carrying stuff into dark rooms. No-brainer. I have lever style taps in the kitchen rather than twisting ones, again it’s just easier that way when you want to wash hands that have cooking grime on them.

All I really want is the same level of ease with my computing. Prodding at a screen with my finger rather than fumbling for a stylus. Being able to see what’s new to download on my handset without searching for ages. Is it really too much to ask? Let’s all shake our heads together. Lovely.

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