Microsoft Proposes Standard For "Auxiliary" Displays On Laptops

[Kris Kumar]

http://www.pcworld.com/resource/article/0,aid,119644,pg,1,RSS,RSS,00.asp

"Microsoft wants PC makers to mount cell phone-like displays on the lids of laptop computers so users can check the time, battery status, appointments, or see if new e-mail has arrived without having to open and start up their PC. The Redmond, Washington-based software maker is including support for such displays in the next version of Windows, code-named Longhorn, due out in 2006. Microsoft is developing software and reference designs for the displays, which it says will give users instant access to select data and save time and battery life because there is no need to open and boot up the PC. The display on the lid of a laptop would be similar to a color cell phone display and powered by the notebook battery. Data pulled out of applications would be stored in a special memory cache so it is also accessible when the PC is turned off or in standby mode, says Sriram Viji, a program manager working on the "auxiliary displays" at Microsoft."



I am excited by the fact that Microsoft is proposing a standard for small auxiliary displays on the laptop lids. But how come Microsoft has not proposed a standard for the auxiliary displays on the clamshell Smartphones like the MPx220. :evil: I wish they had a standard for it, so that the display would not timeout and show essential indicator like the one for Bluetooth. And also maybe allow more customization. What are your thoughts on the auxiliary displays for the laptops and Smartphones? What would you like to see displayed on it?

[Kris Kumar]

http://www.pcworld.com/resource/article/0,aid,119644,pg,1,RSS,RSS,00.asp

"Microsoft wants PC makers to mount cell phone-like displays on the lids of laptop computers so users can check the time, battery status, appointments, or see if new e-mail has arrived without having to open and start up their PC. The Redmond, Washington-based software maker is including support for such displays in the next version of Windows, code-named Longhorn, due out in 2006. Microsoft is developing software and reference designs for the displays, which it says will give users instant access to select data and save time and battery life because there is no need to open and boot up the PC. The display on the lid of a laptop would be similar to a color cell phone display and powered by the notebook battery. Data pulled out of applications would be stored in a special memory cache so it is also accessible when the PC is turned off or in standby mode, says Sriram Viji, a program manager working on the "auxiliary displays" at Microsoft."



I am excited by the fact that Microsoft is proposing a standard for small auxiliary displays on the laptop lids. But how come Microsoft has not proposed a standard for the auxiliary displays on the clamshell Smartphones like the MPx220. :evil: I wish they had a standard for it, so that the display would not timeout and show essential indicator like the one for Bluetooth. And also maybe allow more customization. What are your thoughts on the auxiliary displays for the laptops and Smartphones? What would you like to see displayed on it?

[encece]

Better yet would be a flush mounted docking station in the same area for a Smartphone or PPC. The Smartphone or PPC would need to be really thin...but you could detach it and take it with you without the laptop and, while docked, it would be constantly in sync with the PC.

If not a Smartphone or PPC, then at least a detachable mini "smart-display" that can take basic PIM information away with you.

But since that is less functional than a PPC or Smartphone, I'll go with my first option!

[Mike Temporale]

I like that idea encece. The problem is that there are so many different PPC and SPT shapes & sizes that it couldn't possibly work for everyone. I could only see this working for certian companies like HP and Dell who sell laptops and Pocket PC's. And even then it would only work with specific models.

What would be better, is a universal mount that plugs into the laptop - all laptops would accept this plug format, and then you can connect the correct end for your device. :mrgreen: I like this idea.

[SassKwatch]

It's a great idea.

But undoubtedly, MS will semi-cripple it by leaving out functionality lots of users would like to have. Kinda like they did with no file syncs and no categories for appointments on the Semi-Smartphone platform. :lol:

[Kris Kumar]

Hey encece, that is a really cool idea. 8)

I think I would not mind buying the phone and the laptop from the same manufacturer.

[encece]

Even further off-topic....I always thought that MS (and HTC and HP, etc) should sell Smartphones and PPCPEs as they do regular PPCs. In retail stores (like Best Buy and CompUSA) instead of thru Network Carriers.

I've almost always paid non-subsidized prices for all of my phones including my latest SMT-5600, since I'm constantly changing them, always already in a contract, or importing them from the UK or China.

I dont think the business model is that far out of the question. People have been buying PPCs for around 10 years now, paying retail prices for them. It's already been proven that PPC users want convergence. Just let me buy the phone/PDA that I want instead of what my Carrier decides to make available to me. Quad-Band will make the devices universal enough to sell throughout the world. The upcoming GSM/CDMA devices will make them even MORE Universal!

And if Dell, Toshiba, HP, etc. decide to make a Notebook or Desktop with an accompaning (sp?) MS Mobile OS PDA/Smartphone that integrates into the "parent" device (via hardware and software) that also adds additional functionality mentioned above when docked to a closed PC, then I'd bet you'd have a great amount of users who'd buy a combo like that.

Back to the original topic....
I'm sure Bluetooth/WiFi and additional software could provide the same functionality mentioned above via existing Smartphones and PPCs. So why the additional hardware drilled onto a PC. Let people keep the Notebooks in their bags and carry your Smartphone with you to get the same information...AND MORE...AND IT'S A PHONE ...AND EVERYTHING ELSE Smartphones and PDAs do!

So if they're talking about the equivelant(sp?) of an MPX200 Outer LCD for Notebooks...then I'd pass. If they're talking about more...Let the Smartphones and PPCs handle it!

As always...I will accept a small consultant's fee if anyone enjoys and profits from these ideas! (and by small, I mean substancial!!)

[Kris Kumar]

Originally Posted by encece

As always...I will accept a small consultant's fee if anyone enjoys and profits from these ideas! (and by small, I mean substancial!!)

You definitely deserve credit for the idea. 8)

It is much-much better than Microsoft's idea of baking in SPOT technology for the LCD. I can see why they are doing that. Cost! But I prefer your approach even if it means getting tied up with one manufacturer.