Mobile devices, according to definition, are a subset of handheld devices. Nethertheless, there are some unique devices that don't fit to the handheld category.
By examining the current market status and following the new trends, it seems that in the future, most handheld devices will have some kind of connectivity support, which means that most handheld devices will also be mobile comprehensible.
Whether it’s Symbian, J2ME or Brew, the biggest usability drawback of all these devices is the small keypad with a limited amount of buttons. This means that any attempt to perform data input tasks such as composing a new message or managing the contact list is a very time consuming and often a frustrating task.
There a number of alternatives, that try to address such limitations (Blackberry, Palm One, iPhone, HTC), but still, the use of the personal computer remains a much more simple activity.
So now, try to imaging how it would be to run a much more complex application such as an instant messaging application that can conduct a chat with more than one person at the same time.
This is exactly the challenge that a usability engineer faces in the development of mobile applications. And if you add to this the conflict between the firms desire to demonstrate its technical capabilities in contrast to the usability engineers’ desire to keep the application as simple as possible, then you could imaging the mental challenges and the delicacy of being situated in this position on daily basis.
