with the current handheld devices where there is not much scope to upgrade the features the only way out is to purchase the latest model of the handheld device that is available in the market. However, with an IMD the user is free of these dependencies on the handheld device manufacturer.

From a device manufacturer perspective, it now opens up a vast array of devices which can be created to cater to the varying tastes of the handheld device users. Some of these possible handheld device configurations are mentioned in an earlier section of this article. This can also give rise to a wide array of gadgets, which can now be hooked onto the user's handheld device, in a plug-n-play mode.

It should be appreciated that, unlike the current handheld communication devices, these IMDs can be used in a plug-n-play mode. This means that though a user has added a few add-on devices to his IMD, the user's configuration does not have to remain permanent.

The user can always re-configure his IMD, depending on the changing needs of the user, from time-to-time, thus giving the user total flexibility in the nature and usage of the device.

From a communications service provider perspective, it frees the company of the responsibility to provide the host of non-communication features which they are currently obliged to provide due to user demands and market competition. This will then enable them to focus on their core competency which is to provide efficient and cost-effective voice and data communications across the globe, to its customers.

Reduced TCO
As can be visualized by now, this design of an IMD will result in a reduced TCO (Total Cost of Ownership) for the user of the handheld communication device. This is because the users don't have to invest up front on a high-end communication device, while feeling comfortable of the fact that they can always add on the needed device or a feature to their IMD, when the need arises.

This design will also enable the users to feel comfortable removing a particular device or feature, without affecting their other devices or features, which they might need at that point in time, thus ensuring flexibility.

Summary
While a fully loaded, highly expensive, and might-soon-be-obsolete mobile communications devices are readily available in the market, new generation of mobile handheld device users need a flexible, cost-effective, scalable device. These can be easily brought to realization by imitating the personal computer and it's peripherals.

This article gives an indicative design of such a device, which can be used in a number of configurations, at different times and as per the varying needs of the users. The users will then benefit from the flexibility and scalability of their investment into their devices, in contrast to the one time investment being done on the manfacturer-provided devices of today.

You can see a startling case study for how flexibility appeals to consumers in the iPhone 3G. Unlike the original iPhone, the iPhone 3G allows users to purchase additional applications for their devices. In less than a month, the iPhone 3G outsold the original iPhone, released more than a year earlier. Now, this example is only for software, but hardware flexibility might also spur entirely new industries.