Jesse alerted me to engadget rumors about the Kindle 2.0 coming out. Needless to say, I’m excited. To start with, a price of $249 would be much easier to justify.

Looking back at the questions (and complaints) I had about the first generation reader, my biggest hope for 2.0 is wifi. In addition to reading books, I would definitely use the device to read online content. Because of that, I would like the ability to browse the web at home over wifi, rather than EVDO.

In talking about what I’m hoping for, it’s easy to skip over what Amazon has already done right. First, even though I really want wifi access, EVDO is a brilliant idea. Being able to get a book wirelessly any time you want is genius. The readability of text on the device (even over longer periods of time) is great. Since it’s not back-lit, it doesn’t tire the eyes. This is based on online reviews as well as those of friends, rather than the little I’ve actually used the device. I really like the device in theory, I just need a little more (like wifi) before I run out to buy one.

Finally, BusinessWeek quotes a source as saying “They’ve jumped from Generation One to Generation Four or Five. It just looks better, and feels better.” If I were the product manager, at least one of those generations would have wifi, so I’m hopeful.

Bex Huff says that work-life balance is nearly impossible for good computer geeks. I couldn’t disagree more.

There’s a distinction between creative work that people do for “work” and what they do outside of work. Work/life balance for computer geeks, knowledge workers, or artists has nothing to do with not being creative or solving problems. It’s about giving your brain a break from the same, constant grind and giving yourself time to think and be refreshed.

Like Bex, as a programmer and computer geek, when I go home, I still talk about and think about technology. But that doesn’t mean that I’m still “working.” I may be solving similar types of problems, but I get a lot of relaxation and enjoyment from not working on the same exact problems. Outside of work, I do iPhone development, personal Grails and Groovy projects, AppleScript, play with bayesian algorithms in perl, tinker with embedded linux, spend time with my family, and more. Those are all geeky technology things. But that’s my point - that’s still work/life balance because it gives me a break.

Finally, Bex quotes Isaac Schlueter as saying “An artist doesn’t stop being an artist when he goes home.” It’s true, but that artist doesn’t always work on the same projects when he gets there.

There is plenty to be said for (and against) the new iPhone and all the new apps flooding to our screens but aside from the sluggish response times and occasional crashes, the biggest problem I have is keeping track of and organizing all these apps.

Applications of all types are now spread across multiple screens as I try, mostly in vain, to come up with a strategy that doesn’t leave me needlessly flipping through 3 to 5 pages just to find the thing I want. I have tried to organize them by grouping like apps together on screen but I don’t really want a whole screen for music-related apps or games. Then I tried by frequency of use with the most frequently used apps on the first couple screens and then those I rarely use on the last few. This too was less than ideal as it isn’t readily apparent when I am search for something how many times I really use it. I guess I could try alphabetical.

How about adding folders?

The folder is a simple organizational mechanism that could help keep my applications in order: Creating and naming folders and then dragging apps into them could work nicely. (like shown above)

Double tapping the folders brings up a radial menu of its contents - app icons - that can be clicked. I have mocked up how that may look (see below). A simple, dark overlay similar to a lightbox effect to represent the mode change would work well.

This example only shows a folder with six applications in it and I am uncertain how to deal with folders containing more than eight. Perhaps there would be a number on the the folder and then single tapping would tab through them.

Until I get something like this the number off application I will be downloading will be significantly restrained.

Bonus gripes to Apple:

1. Please let us delete (or at least hide) those app you included on the phone that we do not use. I don’t need stock quotes and notes.

2. When updating an app, don’t move its position. This is very annoying.

3. Get the stability and fluidity of the interface back to the point where it was when the phone first launched. I don’t think you can totally blame the apps being installed, but if you can, then be more stringent on the apps you let in the store.

4. For next iPhone INCREASE THE RAM!