For the last few years UIQ have been famous for the quality and strength of their mints; so much so that �World Records� have been set and beaten regarding eating them, culminating in whole tins being consumed.
At The Smartphone Show 2005, many stands featured, amongst their various products, an impressive selection of freebies, including sweets of all shapes and sizes.
Whilst debating merits of this years event, the idea of an alternative review was born and we decided that this should be a comparison of the sweets, specifically mints, available to the �non-techie� visitor.
Scoring:
Upto 10 points have been awarded in each of the following categories:
� Bribery � Including pens, CDs, bags, software, umbrellas. This category showed us how desperate the contestants were to win!
� Presentation � How well were the goodies displayed � did the contestants make us want their freebies?
� Minty strength � UIQ formed the benchmark � could anyone beat them?
� Taste � Some contestants didn�t offer mints, but had sweets of other flavours � overall, which tasted the best?
� Functionality � How useful was the packaging of the sweets. Could we use it for something else? (*loose sweets are excluded from this category, but scores have been adjusted appropriately)
Overall Scores:
From the outset, we though we�d know the winner, however a few �new kids on the block� have given that company a good run for their money. In reverse order, excluding the top three competitors, the scores are:
� Dataviz - 20
� Orange* - 20
� Wacom - 23
� SysOpenDigia* - 24
� Mobile Innovations* � 26
� Nokia* � 28
� PTV � 28
� Satama � 28
� EMCC � 30
� TietoEnator � 31
Current Winners(?): (scores are not finalised�anyone for a late surge?)
We were aiming for a top three countdown, however the following companies all tried so hard to ensure they won, we simply didn�t have the heart to choose between them. In alphabetical order, they are:
� Extended Systems � 37
A truly excellent performance from a late entry into the competition, the only mints equal in strength to UIQ. Exceptional bribery ensured their place at the top of the chart.
� Freescale � 37
Not the best mint we tasted, but made up for by their presentation and promised bribery. A very worthy competitor who entered into the spirit of the competition. (and we loved their foam chairs)
� UIQ � 37
The current benchmark company retain their crown for one more year. Bribery was un-equalled, with an amazing variety of offers being made, not that this was needed, due to their mints still being un-beaten. However, with Extended Systems and Freescale closing the gap fast, will they be king of the mints next year?
Links to be updated shortly.
Please note - this review is in no way indicative of the companies or products involved, but a light-hearted bit of fun, a way to see the show and to give a different perspective of the event.
by Gadget17 & StuClark