What's The Value of Celio's REDFLY for Enterprise Mobility?

I, like many others, am an avid reader of Engadget and Engadget Mobile.  They have just a constant stream of incredible information that really helps me learn every single day.  However, there are times when they post stories that make me scratch my head...sometimes to the point where I am compelled to comment on it myself.  There was a story a few days ago regarding a price reduction in Celio Corporation's REDFLY "mobile companion."  In short, Engadget Mobile is still questioning the merits of the device.  I couldn't disagree more.

OK, so HUGE caveat (Danger Will Robinson, Danger!).  This post will be biased, because I sit on Celio Corporation's Advisory Board.  However, there's only ONE reason I sit on that board.  I genuinely believe they have a truly game changing device, that in some respects is waiting for the mobile platforms to catch up to it.

Here's the overall issue:  the REDFLY allows you to use the applications and content that you have on your device in a much more user-friendly, convenient fashion.  You can have all the applications you need on the device, but you are still going to be limited to the small screen (even on the iPhone).  Typing with any device, even a full slider (such as the new XPERIA) or the awesome Blackberry Bold, is good only for a quick note.  You're NOT going to be able to effectively use Excel, or edit a PowerPoint document with your mobile.  I mean come on, how can you reasonably expect to move around an image on your PowerPoint when using a stylus?  It's just not gonna (yes, I said gonna) happen...

So enter the REDFLY.  It's got a usable keyboard, a real trackpad, and USB and VGA ports.  It's allowing you to conveniently use what's on your device (i.e., applications such as a browser).  If you agree with Engadget Mobile's position that there's no value in the REDFLY, then I will argue there's no value in deploying ANY applications on your mobile device.  Why do companies invest so much time and effort creating browsers, office productivity suites, email applications, CRM apps, cloud computing, (I could go on and on) if there's no value in using them on a device?  However, ALL those companies are wrestling with how to cram the kitchen sink into a 2 or 3 inch screen.

Engadget Mobile compares the REDFLY to the Eee or Wind.  Those devices serve completely different purposes.  They are Linux or Windows XP based solutions...not mobile platform solutions.  Again, you can ask why this matters if you look at the end value for users.  I'll agree, but then I'll go back to my previous point of why have mobile devices do anything more than make phone calls?

If you believe in the value of transforming the mobile phone into a platform for enterprise mobility, then I'll argue the REDFLY fills a huge gap in terms of the usability of those devices...but like I said, what do I know...