While a clever use of space this seems to neglect the simple fact that of all our digits the thumb has the most flexibility and range of motion. I for one would be frustrated to no end by a control area on the back of a phone/PDA. Especially modern devices with large surface areas to accommodate fancy displays. I compared the range of motion myself, and found that I could only reach areas outside of a square the size of the first 2 joints of my index finger with a great deal of awkwardness, where my thumb could cover the entire surface of whatever fit in my palm with ease.
Register
Apple lacking in ergonomic research???
While a clever use of space this seems to neglect the simple fact that of all our digits the thumb has the most flexibility and range of motion. I for one would be frustrated to no end by a control area on the back of a phone/PDA. Especially modern devices with large surface areas to accommodate fancy displays. I compared the range of motion myself, and found that I could only reach areas outside of a square the size of the first 2 joints of my index finger with a great deal of awkwardness, where my thumb could cover the entire surface of whatever fit in my palm with ease.