It’s been 9 years and 2 months since a group of 8 keen mobile enthusiasts first met in a Lindfield cafe to discuss PocketPC’s, and set up the first Sydney based usergroup for Mobile enthusiasts.

Since that inauspicious start, when (Microsoft) PocketPC’s were larger, clunkier, and less popular than Palm Pilots, we’ve experienced an amazing transformation. Imagine a monochrome PocketPC, that didn’t actually fit in your pocket. No WiFi, no Bluetooth, definitely no cellular connections. You had to connect the device to your PC to synch your calendar, or send and receive emails. A time before broadband, before 3G, well before Facebook or Twitter…

We met at Compaq for some years, in a marketplace dominated by the iPaq. Then moved onto HP. Although we actually met in the same room, just the company changed. Around the time of the advent of the Microsoft Smartphone, we moved our meetings to the Microsoft HQ, in the same corporate park as HP.

PocketPC’s became smaller, thinner, got better resolution and battery life. They adopted WiFi, then GSM, GPRS, and 3G. Blackberry rose as a force in the enterprise with their secure, “push” email; and Microsoft scrambled to catch up with Exchange Active Synch. We’ve seen Palm wane, adopt Windows, attempt to compete, and all but disappear. We’ve seen the birth, and rapid rise of the iPhone; not to mention the birth and heady competition of Android.

The group continued to evolve and change as the marketplace changed. We’ve always had a strong Microsoft influence. For a long time we were the Sydney Windows Mobile Usergroup. But we began before moving to MS, and always had a stronger affinity to enabling mobile technology than any particular vendor. In mid-2009 when more of our members had non-Windows devices than not, we dropped the “W.” We also moved into the city onto a more neutral ground for alternate vendor speakers, with less travel for most members.

The Olden Days..

With every device nowadays sporting 802.11n, Bluetooth 2.1 with A2DP & EDR, and 3G, it’s hard to imagine a world with mobile devices that couldn’t make a phone call, send an email, or perform a simple search. A world where you needed to carry a phone, a PDA, a camera, and paper books. If you wanted to connect to the Internet, you needed to be back at the office, at home, or in an Internet Cafe.

But all that has changed. No longer is mobile computing niche. No longer is the web solely the domain of the PC.

We’ve also seen the rise, and recent adoption of Social Media. With Engadget and Gizmodo breaking the latest mobile news, with video, there is less call for people to leave their homes to learn about the latest cool technology.

So Why do it at all?

Which then begs the question: “Why do we meet?”

• To give individuals the opportunity to present and develop their skills? Frankly, only regular speakers & guests, both whom have plenty of other opportunities and audiences, present.
• To hear about the latest technologies? As I mentioned, by the time we report on something, or wait for NDA clearances, the information is in public domain.
• To meet with like-minded people and share our passions? We live in a connected and social world. If this is the only reason, better to just catch up at a Coffee Morning, or for a beer after work once a month, without the overhead of having to organise speakers, and venues. Come around to Rog42’s place, he’s always happy to check out new gadgets, and share the passion on my latest toys.
• To generate business, or profile in the industry? This of course is why the leaders run user groups. At the very least it’s a beneficial side effect of running such an endeavour. I would argue, however, that the ROI is less than starting say, a Podcast, running a blog, or writing a book.

So as Einstein defined it, insanity is, “doing the same thing again and again, whilst expecting a different result.”

So it’s time for us to do things differently.

The executive is moving on to other opportunities, and with no-one else willing to take up the reins, we’re officially shutting down.

What does this mean?

• There will be no more #SydMo meetings.
• We’re shutting down the incorporated association.
• We’re closing the bank account.

Where can I go?

If you’re interested in the (exploding) Mobile Industry, then head along to Mobile Monday Sydney (#MoMoSyd). They meet on the first Monday of the month at the City Hotel.

If you’re interested in all flavours of Windows, including on the phone and tablet PC’s, then head along to the Sydney Windows User Group.

I can also highly recommend Craig Bailey’s Sydney Business and Technology User Group.

If you’re a developer, then either the (SSW) Sydney .NET User Group or the Sydney Deep .NET User Group may be for you. Also the Google Technology User Group.

Are you really gone for good?

Well of course it’s hard to bridle limitless passion So both this blog will remain live as will the mailing list, at least for some time. Who knows, after a recharge and some time off, we may launch something entirely new.

With more time on his hands now, and less commitments, Rog42 has a couple of endeavours planned. Watch this space…

So Long then, and thanks, it’s been a great 9 years!!

Editorial Note:

I know it seems odd to shut down, just when Mobile Computing is becoming mainstream, exploding in popularity, and starting to fundamentally shift the very fabric of society. After all, we’ve dreamt of this time for so long. The time when our spouses, colleagues, and non-geek friends finally “get” what mobile computing is all about.

For me personally, I’m removing the crowding priorities on my time, to devote more time to my family. Also to have more time for the technologies of the next decade. I look forward to joining you there…

Please do continue to follow my blog

Rog42 | http://about.me/Rog42