Gadgetell | Tech News, Reviews, and Interesting Things

Remember everyone laughing at Palm’s Foleo?  Well it seems many would be open to such a device now.  Foleo was essentially a dummy terminal that relied on connectivity and data from your mobile phone to run.  The immediate advantages being all your information on a bigger screen and keyboard than your mobile allows.

As our mobiles become more and more powerful, devices like the Foleo start to make more sense, especially when one considers how netbooks are faring in consumers eyes.  One company, Celio has found some success in creating a Foleo-like device with their REDFLY.  Billed as the world’s first and only smartphone terminal, the devices now start at a reduced $199 and $249 for a 7” and 8” version respectively.

Currently, REDFLY works with Windows 5, 6 and 6.1.  More compatibility is on the way.  In fact, according to JK on the run, Blackberry will become a supported OS by year’s end.  Further down the line, Android has their attention.

Opening this discussion up more, how could this affect netbooks?  Big time.  If companies like Palm can leverage the connection through the cell phone, a netbook become redundant as all that is needed is a dummy terminal.  When are you not going to have your phone with you?  If we can figure out the darn battery issues, you can carry less.

Other believe devices like MiFi are going to bring about a massive shift in the game.  I don’t see it.  Yes, it is simple and easy, but so could be turning your mobile phone into a WiFi router.  There are a couple of programs that do this already but it is not mainstream by any stretch. 

Will Palm intro the Foleo and get after the business segment for the Pre and other WebOS devices?  I am betting they do.

Read: [JK on the run]