S60 Open to new features

Something that comes up frequently when we start talking about convergence is the idea of both form and function. How does the device physically manifest itself? What does the device do? How can an optimal balance be achieved between these two goals?

I was going to start off by asking if you had to pick form or function, which would you pick. However, in thinking about how I myself might answer that question, I quickly realized that you cannot have one without the other. For example, I get much of the functionality I need in my MacBook, but can I put my MacBook in my pocket? Also, the form factor of a Nokia N95 precludes precludes a usable QWERTY keyboard. Or a better than 2mp camera in the Nokia E61i.

Each person has pain points. For example, the touch screen interface that makes a certain competitors product so appealing to so many would drive me absolutely insane to use day-to-day. I need the tactile feedback when I push buttons. Heck, I need buttons.

But not just any buttons. The keyboard layout has to make sense, especially if it’s QWERTY. I am playing with a competitors product right now–different from the one mentioned above–and I have to say using the slide-out keyboard on it is an exercise in frustration. Many forms of punctuation require a shift key, and I frequently can’t hit the proper shift key on this device.

And then there are folks like my wife who just want a phone that is small enough to carry in her purse. She doesn’t need/want all that extra functionality that I regularly use. And she wants it small. She liked the size of the Nokia N76, for instance.

What are your favorite devices? How do they fit on the form versus function spectrum? Leave your thoughts in the comments.