The Windows Mobile version of the Foleo: still wrong on so many levels

I know the Palm Foleo is dead but a company is marketing the REDFLY as the Windows Mobile version of the still born "mobile companion" from Palm.

Dubbed REDFLY Mobile Companion, the device is an under 2 pounds, laptop like device that will allow you to view and interact with any Windows Mobile software installed on your phone using an 8 inch screen and full keyboard.

From reading the press release on the site, what it appears to do is mirror your Windows Mobile application after installing their software on your phone. The device boasts VGA out, USB ports and "the ability to charge your smartphone via USB." (Yes, they are bragging about that feature.)

None of us here at Morning Paper were on board with the Foleo. And I sure can't see getting on board with this thing.

Nothing wrong with it on paper per se. But a bone headed concept this way tries to come again.

Near as I can tell, the device is mirroring whatever you see on your Windows Mobile device and letting you control it from a larger screen and with a full size keyboard. Since Windows Mobile and many third party applications mimic full desktop applications, the folks behind REDFLY thought you'd want to ditch your laptop to carry their device that only lets you work with the applications on your phone. Nothing more.

Sooo, the Windows Mobile Office version of PowerPoint or the actual desktop version of PowerPoint already on your laptop? Full version of Outlook 2007 or the Windows Mobile Outlook version?

Do you see where I am going with this? Why ditch your laptop with the full version of any application to use the Windows Mobile version?

Don't get me wrong, I love Windows Mobile. But I wouldn't suggest you give up the desktop version of any software to use the Windows Mobile version only. And if you really want to use the applications on your phone from your laptop or desktop, there are already software solutions that allow you to do that like Soti's Pocket Controller Pro V6 that will set you back less than $30.

Bottom line: A "mobile companion"  for your smartphone (how does it get "lonely" if it is always with you anyway?) is still a dumb idea no matter how you try to slice it.