2. What were those clicking noises I heard while watching the linked video…?

Not sure how long ago you looked into a CS degree, but I would say that 10-15 years ago a strong mathematical background was probably a must, because computing resources were limited, and so algorithms had to be as efficient as possible so the program would run at a decent speed.

Recently, however, with Moore’s law computers have become so fast that programmers no longer need to worry about efficiency, but human interaction and design instead. There will be a little lag between when computer scientists will start to be trained for this new computing world. I am proud to say my university (Georgia Tech) is making huge strides in this area, tying up almost all its computing “threads” as they like calling it, with other departments, such as the literature, psychology, etc. departments.

Question, are we certain this is not a story intended for April 1st?

Phase 1: “Quick, we need to catch up - ASAP!”
Manufacturers realise that the iPhone is the most hyped up phone around and they will want to cash in on its success.
…
Phase 2: “OK, what can we learn from the iPhone”
After this initial wave of clones, I would expect manufacturers to look at what they can learn from the iPhone in the long term. ”

If you remember iPod’s cloning, you’ll be with me that the “Phase 2″ is too optimistic!
It is real that there is a huger amount of money and interest in the cell phone industry than in the mp3-player industry, but the problem is in “the followers” behaviour of the other manufacturers.
“No new ideas” by default.

Other than the meaningless icons and the use of the same icon twice for presumably different things, they’re pretty good as they are clear and readable. I only question the one to the right of the clipboard, the clipboard (is for?), and the meaningless squares (one highlighted).

I question that they don’t use the color that obviously is available to them though. Such a waste.

RIM has always had crappy interfaces. They put the back/cancel button under the scroll buttons on the right edge. The accidental press rate for that back button is very high. Even my PC using hubby recognized how crappy they are. (Mixed marriages are definitely more challenging.)

You are so right about engineers being pigeon-holed and kept away from a well rounded education in very relevant things like design. From what I hear: a crucial part of Apple’s internal process is keeping designers and engineers in close contact throughout. Indeed, the lines between engineering and design are as blurred as can be. Just you try bringing something as thoroughly well thought out to market by any other way!

@”why does this phone matter??”

1. It’s RIM’s flagship: prospectively the only phone in a position to matter besides the iPhone.
2. Just looking at it is one of those head shaking moments: what the hell happened to RIM’s pride, designers and sense of self worth? I pity them. Though I certainly don’t pity the sloppy coverage its getting.

“For all you inveterate Apple haters out there: an iPhone *you can* buy!!!”