Smartphone evolution. How far can it go?

[Anonymous]

According to Moore's Law, a computer-industry standard that states computer chips should double in power approximately every 18 months, at which point do you think mobile phone technology will stand still due to being to powerful? Do you think the iphone4 is the limit due to the data capping? Does it matter how good the phone is the data allowance is too low to make the phone viable?
Some think that 4g will save the smartphone,but how the 3g network was bodged i'm not too sure!

[Anonymous]

Being powerful and using data are two different things. More memory, faster processors are on the cards in the near future. Data capping is not an issue seeing you can use wifi or buy more data.

What is an issue is battery development. The faster the processor, the bigger the memory and screen the more the drain on the battery. It this that will hold back development.

[Anonymous]

Good points guys. So could we have the answer in the ipad, does that address the screen size and battery problem?

[perksie]

I would say not, 6 - 10 hour battery life, and too large for many to carry around.

I think something like the Streak or slightly smaller is the way to go for me, but obviously wouldn't suit everyone.

I have a feeling the phone companies will be reversing the data limits as the networks are improved, due to user demand, otherwise what is the point of buying an expensive phone that you can't use to it's full ability?

[Anonymous]

I agree perksie, if they invest in the network more people will get smart phones, its catch 22.
Or get everywhere wified up but how much would that cost?

[perksie]

O2 have said they are investing over £1M a day on network infrastructure.

[Anonymous]

O2 have said they are investing over £1M a day on network infrastructure.

Much of that is in maintenance and combining sites with Vodafone. Also, how much is that £1M being spent of 3G expansion? Money was spent on London (as usual) but here in the soggy north there is little to see in terms of improved and expended coverage

[perksie]

Investment isn't maintenance, and in some articles the word additional was used.

[Anonymous]

Well whatever it is it ain't working

[Anonymous]

I have to agree dave, its grim up north! I live 2 miles from a 3g mast thats on the a1, yet the signal vanishes after 1 mile from the mast. When I asked in a email to o2 if they could boost it they said no.
How many masts have o2 got, anyone know?
If so could you divide them into this £352M per year and see how much could be spent per mast?