Technology for the sake of technology

Cole Orndorff of Mortenson Construction stated that, "we do not implement technology for the sake of technology." This brought to mind my technology marketing course where we were looking at PDAs and how they failed. The main reason we discussed was that they were no faster than paper and pencil planners. The person with the paper planner would pull out the planner, flip to a particular date, and determine their availability within seconds. With the PDA, on the other hand, they had to turn it on, get the little stylus out, flip to the calendar, and pray that the battery didn't die. Once RIM came out with the PDA that could also sync with email, the competition was toast. The second reason is that the advent of the smart phone came so quickly on its heels that people did not want to carry both a phone and a PDA - they wanted it all in one. Eventually, people got tired of carrying both the phone and the iPod, and Apple created the iPhone. What's next? Is there any more functionality that "smart phones" could employ to get ahead and be the next big toy? To figure this out, I looked at what is in my bag:
1. My laptop and loose-leaf notebook: One thing that would make them better is the capability to create and modify MS Office documents like power point, word, and excel, reducing the need for a laptop in addition to the smart phone. A tablet function could replace the notebook paper, but it would need to be a large screen to make it work well. I've still got my notebook in the bag.

2. My wallet: It could replace the wallet - driver's license, credit card, insurance card, and Border's Rewards cards could all be sent to and used through the phone. In the case of being pulled over, you would show the officer your phone, displaying your driver's license and insurance card. Technology already exists to use the phone for payment at a check-out counter (we just don't have it here). My bag is now less a wallet.

3. Sudoku on the go: There are already downloadable games, and Sudoku is definitely one of them.

4. Moleskine notebook: Sure, a smart phone can replace the notebook - but leather just looks, feels, and smells so damn good! I think I will retain my notebook.

5. Keys: It could happen - keys could be replaced by the phone, like a card-reader. This is when I start to get nervous, though. With my driver's license (including address), credit card information, and now house keys, if anyone got a hold of my phone, my life would be in their hands. I guess security would need to be enhanced - how fitting that this hit me when I saw my keys, the ultimate symbol of security.

6. Lip balm, hand lotion, chewing gum, Fruit Roll-Up, stocking cap, water bottle: These things cannot be replaced by a smart phone - no phone will ever be able to moisturize my lips and hands, freshen my breath, satisfy a snack urge or thirst, or keep me warm. BUT I can always buy more with my fancy phone!