This paper reports findings from the trial use of a prototype ubicomp device: Portable Porthole Pads. Specifically, it reports on how a previously developed multimedia application, Portholes, when run on a prototype development device, mpads, resulted in added value to the social utility of Portholes. Further, the trial indicated ways in which the functionalities of Portable Porthole Pads, as artefacts physically distinct from workstations, can be developed to fit more naturally into the sociality of work.

