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Smartphones are general purpose computers. Screen real estate is valuable for many popular applications. The majority of people decided bigger screens are more

Smartphones are general purpose computers. Screen real estate is valuable for many popular applications. The majority of people decided bigger screens are more valuable than the ability to text with one hand. Big phones started selling better than small ones and manufacturers catered to the market. Sorry, but you are part of a vocal minority who prefers small phones. Sort of like the group that prefers physical keyboards... or headphone jacks... or IR blasters... or FM radio... or expandable storage... etc etc.

benj111 3y ago
I don't think you can state phones are general purpose computers, and then complain about the 'vocal minority' that want the things that enable that. Try writing a document or do some programming on a phone. If it's a general purpose computer, a physical keyboard is a reasonable expectation.
- CivBase 3y ago
  > I don't think you can state phones are general purpose computers, and then complain about the 'vocal minority' that want the things that enable that. I did not complain about anyone. I belong to several of those minority groups myself. But they are without a doubt vocal minorities. > Try writing a document or do some programming on a phone. If it's a general purpose computer, a physical keyboard is a reasonable expectation. You can program on a phone. It isn't a good experience but nothing about the term "general purpose" suggests it is good at everything. I could point out how my desktop is awful at taking pictures or phone calls, but it's still considered a "general purpose" computer. Form factor has nothing to do with it.
  - benj111 3y ago
    I would define 'general purpose computer' as something that is capable of doing general arbitrary computing. I wouldn't class calling or photo taking as general computing in that sense as the important bit is special hardware. Programming is painful hardware wise (no keyboard) and locked down. I can't run an arbitrary compiler and run that binary. So I wouldn't class it as a general purpose computer because I can't do arbitrary things with the hardware.

benj111 3y ago

I don't think you can state phones are general purpose computers, and then complain about the 'vocal minority' that want the things that enable that. Try writing a document or do some programming on a phone. If it's a general purpose computer, a physical keyboard is a reasonable expectation.

CivBase 3y ago
> I don't think you can state phones are general purpose computers, and then complain about the 'vocal minority' that want the things that enable that. I did not complain about anyone. I belong to several of those minority groups myself. But they are without a doubt vocal minorities. > Try writing a document or do some programming on a phone. If it's a general purpose computer, a physical keyboard is a reasonable expectation. You can program on a phone. It isn't a good experience but nothing about the term "general purpose" suggests it is good at everything. I could point out how my desktop is awful at taking pictures or phone calls, but it's still considered a "general purpose" computer. Form factor has nothing to do with it.
- benj111 3y ago
  I would define 'general purpose computer' as something that is capable of doing general arbitrary computing. I wouldn't class calling or photo taking as general computing in that sense as the important bit is special hardware. Programming is painful hardware wise (no keyboard) and locked down. I can't run an arbitrary compiler and run that binary. So I wouldn't class it as a general purpose computer because I can't do arbitrary things with the hardware.