B. Mann Consulting

I read the linked article in detail. He's right, and he's wrong, as always.

I don't care about Linux on the desktop -- I have it, and it's called Mac OS X. Now, making servers that people can actually use/administer -- that's a more worthwhile goal. Same for thin client systems.

So, I think part of innovation comes from looking for interesting problems to tackle, or perhaps innovative ways of tackling old problems.

Actually, most of the "innovation" around the digital wallet concept is about back-end systems integration -- the hardware is more than capable of doing anything these days. Have a local wireless connection to talk to the cash register, have a "long distance" wireless connection to talk to your info in the big network cloud. Doesn't matter if you lose the actual device -- it's just your local interface, all info actually lives in the cloud.

What Evan mentions about not trusting the phone company to take care of it is a valid point -- I don't want/don't trust them to take care of that kind of information for me. At the same time, a federation of "independent info banks" would have reams of problems around trust and security. So...government? Think $1 billion gun registry. Banks? Maybe...as long as they see a buck to be made, plus they already carry a very high level of trust. But, don't usually think "bank" and "innovation" in the same sentence.

To Dave's point about use...this is one of the things I struggled with in my $1200 vs. $2500 thought: the device you pick/build will be determined by what you want to do with it. I'm currently thinking around TiVo functionality and various media concepts, so I consistently choose ATI's All-in-Wonder cards, which bundle all these "uses" together. Others will pick NVidia because of their higher-powered 3D graphics for gaming.

Hmmm...one last thought. I was talking to someone the other day about innovation, and where I thought the growth areas would be. We've all touched on it -- the "big network". To my mind, this big network cannot exist without a large degree of wireless connectivity. While talking through what I saw happening in wireless, I got to thinking about digital cameras and wireless connectivity. Imagine a blog composed entirely of live, updated still pictures as someone travels through their day/life.

Not only that, but concepts like "storage media" become irrelevant -- again, storage happens at various nodes over which you have a level of control out there in the cloud.

Dammit, people! We've got tons of innovation right here! Now go out and build!

I feel there is a strong reason that innovation on the PC is slowing: most areas of possible use for a general purpose desktop computing device are covered now. What!? you cry. But what about p2p and shopping on the web and new desktop UI metaphors! Evolutionary steps in networking and nothing more.
The concept of all computers being on one "super network" (lets call it the internet version 4) that is the fodder of all sci-fantasy novels is where we are headed. Massively networked apps is where we are headed. This, however, is not revolutionary, its just four versions of the internet from now.
I believe the new area of research and "innovation" (man, I really hate that word these days) should be in the Palm space. I don't mean in the PalmOS way (ha, beat you to that BM) but in the many-uses-for-a-short-time space.
I really think that all the palm computing manufacturers are missing a huge potential market by only thinking about merging phones and PDA's. What about merging in my wallet as well? I barely carry cash around anymore. I would love if I could have my bank account / credit card accessibly via my Palm device.
Think about it. You go to the till, they ring up the price and then your palm device, wirelessly, gets the cost. You then confirm the price and punch in your PIN. Some secure communications occur and you get your reciept on the palm device. (or a paper printout if you want to continue to be a luddite! ;))
"But what if I lose it?" Well, same security procedures for a lost wallet apply.
"But what if the batteries die / are too low" Tricky, must have some kind of cable to allow forgetful people to charge temporarily or have induction charging mats at all tills.
Now I know they are trying this concept out with buying things via your cell phone and the cost appears on your phone bill. Its useless; I don't want to get my month end bill only to remember what I bought. I also don't trust the phone companies to be able to do something of this complexity; they are slow moving and incompetant in a lot of cases.

Boy, am I drifting off topic.

I do believe that PDA devices are going in the wrong direction currently. They are trying to make them small desktop computers. Boring. See above for much better potential.

Btw, the kyocera 7035 if finally out!! This is my dream PDA/phone combo currently. Waiting for reviews and a Canadian carrier....