The most important things to me in a cell phone are 1) getting things done fast, and 2) portability. If I want to send an email, take a picture, check cougarboard, make a call, etc. I want to do it asap. I also want a phone that maximizes screen space with minimal size. A few of years ago when everyone was speculating what the next google phone or gphone would look like, this image was regularly used:

I think that is the perfect form factor. Maximum screen space and minimal size. Just imagine an iphone screen with all the edges gone. Still have a large display yet the phone is very compact. Now the input is where the magic happens. My perfect phone would have no buttons. Instead, the entire outside of the phone would be touch sensitive and fully customizable to each user's wishes. Obviously, most of the time you hold your phone you would not be inputting anything, so the outside would recognize with you push a certain way verses just holding your phone. For example, to call my buddy, I put my hand in my pocket, press firmly with my pointer finger and thumb on the outside of the phone in predesignated areas, and presto- the phone turns on and starts calling her. Want to check your work email? Just press in the pre-designated areas. Want to know what appointments you have in the next five days? Just hold in the designated areas and tap with one of your fingers 5 times, etc. With five fingers and four sides, the possibilities are endless. I understand the key to this is the technology behind the touches.  Well, a company in Japan has already figured it out:

http://gizmodo.com/5948163/grip+based-phone-interface-lets-you-squeeze-to-tap

This input system would negate a large portion of present phone OS's- navigating around to various apps, contacts, appointments, etc. I imagine you could still do this within the perfect phone's OS, but why bother when you can do it instantly. A benefit (and negative) to this system is that someone not familiar with your inputs could not navigate the phone, or possibly even turn it on. This can be seen as a good security measure or an inconvenience. I suppose if this was a huge problem it could have one button for power on/off.

Let me know what you think. I would also be curious to hear your ideas.

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