Problem: Wallets, credit cards, key cards, keys, wallet photos, and other things have not kept up with technology. Various suggestions here point to particular problems.
Solution: Specific solutions have been presented. Here is a general solution. Start with a convergence device that combines phone services, internet connection, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and mp3 player (at least). Give it an elgant leather or nylon case with pockets for items that must be carried the old fashioned way (like driver's license). It can synchronize with your conputer via Wi-Fi (already available). Download you calendar, address book, photos, and any music or radio shows you collect from the web.
Modern vendor systems can exchange info with your device via bluetooth or Wi-Fi (becoming available). They send a bill to your device. You approve the bill and it gives them an authorization code (unique to this transaction) that lets them charge your credit card. If they can't do that, your device can present a barcode for them to scan or it can send the authorization to the credit card company via the web. If none of this will work, you will have a physical credit card in the case.
The device will also be able to accept codes and send signals for various remote controls: car, gate, garage door, etc. At home, it will serve as a multimedia remote, connecting to your W-Fi network and managing your, music, Tivo, PVR, Akimbo, or whatever. It will also use the Wi-Fi for VOIP phone calls at home, conveniently turing down your noisemakers when you have a phone call.
This will work in jackets, purses, and briefacase. It won't work in the back pocket of your jeans. So provide a shoulder holster like to one you use to carry your pistol. Even offer a quick-break holster for the fastest phone in the West.
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Nice idea, but I still prefer a couple of cheap specialized devices that do their job well over a single device that does more than I need.
There's also the worry of theft. If someone steals my calulator, fine...it's cheap, and there's no sensitive data on it. If someone steals my phone, fine...I can get the service turned off. If someone steals my wallet, fine. I can get the credit cards canceled and have a new driver's license shipped to me. If someone steals my PDA, fine. The data's backed up on my computer, and I don't keep credit card numbers or passwords on it, anway.
If someone steals more than one of those items at a time, I'm screwed.
Good points, MikeMol. Back it the days when I traveled a lot, I wore a money belt, with back-up money. And I would probably still do something like that. I use a mini credit card attached to my car keys, but I carry a backup duplicate in my wallet. (OK. So I'm still old fashioned.)
But a converged device could handle a lot of its own security. It would certainly require some ID. Password, thumb-print or the like. If I put an RFID tag in my belt, it can tell when I'm not around. If someone tries to use it without authentication, it screams for help and phones home to turn off its services.
A replacement, of course, is easy. You just need a new device. And a thumb drive with the contents. Or your mother's maiden name, since all your data will be stored securely at your bank. (Another WhyNot suggestion.)
The phone part has another problem, at least for people who like to walk around holding a phone to their ears. (Is this a status thing?) The converged device will be heavier and less suitable for that use. I am assuming that people will use Borg ear-mike devices. I hear that there is one instance of Bluetooth phone that is tolerable.
Some of this is close. Google; Mastercard PayPass
Sevans I like your idea, it seems like it would be a long time coming though. I've got 4 remotes at home right now (down from 5)because none of the promised universal remotes that I've tried have been able to control more than 1 piece of equipment. (I just eliminated one by eliminating my cable box and going right into my DVD player with the cable).
I like the idea of a shoulder holster -- as a chiropractor I'm always advising people not to put wallets in their back pockets because it can leverage the pelvis when you are seated. It seems like it might be a bit uncomfortable but maybe worth it to carry all those valuable functions you've included.
Don't know what you mean by a VOIP call, but turning down noisemaking devices is a great idea not only for hearing the person on the other end but also to insure you don't miss the phone's ringing entirely.
Also, the "RFID in your belt" does that stand for radio-frequncy I.D. by any chance? That might be a good security device but what about possible health risks? I know that we have all kinds of signals from TV and Radio stations, etc. passing through our bodies all the time (at least in a heavily populated area)and ,perhaps, that isn't harmful -- I don't know of any studies. But what of transmitting and receiving radio signals between different parts of your body? I know there was great concern of a link between heavy cell phone use and brain cancer at one point. [see my idea under "retractable earphone" also in the gadgets category]