Quick, now. What should a smartphone look like? What image do you associate with smartphones?

Maybe the question to ask is what should a smartphone NOT look like?

RCRWireless.com recently posted a story about a new $10 offer by Verizon for its PN-820, made by Pantech for UTStarcom/PCD. The device runs on Verizon Wireless’ CDMA2000 1x EV-DO network, and uses Windows Mobile 5.0 operating system. Smart features include an Internet Explorer browser, a 1.3 megapixel camera, Bluetooth, outer and internal screens, an MP3 player and PIM (personal information management) functionality.

Okay, so much of this is dated technology, so 20-months ago, according to RCRWireless.

But, the real knock, it seems, is that the PN-820 is a clamshell design, which is not associated in consumer's mind with "smartness." The device's external antenna, which RCRWirelesss describes as "fetchingly retro", probably makes it seem even less smart (dumber?).

Whether a clamshell phone just doesn't appear smart enough tells us a lot about where handset design is going in the immediate future.

We would be remiss not to point out one advantage and one disadvantage of clamshell devices for people with limited hand function. On the one hand, the clamshell cover serves to protect the screen when the device is dropped, which may occur more often to people with limited grasping ability or hand sensation. On the negative side, respondents to our Survey of User needs and participants in our focus groups have pointed out that many clamshells do not have nubs to pry open the device.

Perhaps "smartness" should be defined at least in part by user needs, not mere fashion. But, whether clamshell or candybar, smartphones will need to include design features that address accessibility needs.

See RCRWireless.com's full coverage of the $10 PN-820 at: http://www.rcrwireless.com/article/20081224/WIRELESS/812249979/1094/newsletter31