Moviefone -- CLICK

One example I didn't mention above is entertainment. Ever been out with friends and had somebody ask, "What movies are playing?" Finding the answer can range from simple to impossible, depending where you are. If you happen to have a newspaper or are sitting in front of your computer, it's easy. All other times, it's not.

Moviefone has a wireless solution that can answer the question: "What movies are playing?" It's a deceptively simple question. Because for a wireless application, it's actually five questions in one:

1. What movies are playing?
   
2. Where are the theaters?
   
3. How do I get there?
   
4. Are there any tickets left?
   
5. What do they cost and can I buy them?
   

The Moviefone Palm VII application does a great job answering the first three questions. Open up the application and you'll see two of its own simple questions, "Are you looking for a theater or a specific movie?" Enter a zip code, and you'll get a list of theaters. Select a movie, enter your current location, and, with a single tap, you've got directions to see Xanadu. Are there any tickets available? Can I buy them now? Unfortunately, those answers are not possible with this version of Moviefone. But, three out of five ain't bad. Can't wait for the next version.

MySimon -- CLUNK

OK, let's try another question: "Is this too expensive?" Say you're in a bookstore, and you find a book you like, but you're wondering if you're getting the best deal. To find out, log onto MySimon. Using its comparison shopping bot, I discovered that the book I wanted was available elsewhere for a whopping 17 dollars cheaper. At first glance, the answer seems simple: Buy it online.

It's not. Simply because I can't buy it. Although MySimon delivers the price and the site that's offering the bargain, I can't click through and actually buy the product. According to MySimon's logic, to buy any product after finding it on the wireless application, I need to do the following:

1. Remember the site.
   
2. Remember the cost.
   
3. Go back to my computer.
   
4. Search for the book again.
   
5. Enter my address and credit card number.
   
6. Calculate the shipping cost. It's not $17 cheaper anymore.
   
7. Factor in the time it's going to take to deliver it.
   

I'm standing there in the store ready to buy the book. What do you think are the chances MySimon is actually going to close on this sale? Zero.