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First Thoughts On The Cybiko?

Posted by Cliff on from the the-next-big-wireless-sensation dept.

codepawn asks: "I saw an article in the Australian newspaper this morning that was about a handheld originally out of Russia that is apparently becoming BIG with kids in the USA. The article suggests it has potential to become BIG with bigger kids, too. The device, called Cybiko, communicates on its own network using short wave radio. Once enough people in an area have it they can communicate over a larger distance because their signals will make up to 10 hops over other people's cybikos(which in the USA appears to be about 1km radius but in Europe will be up to 10km radius because regulations allow a stronger signal). I've downloaded the free SDK for Linux (there is a Windows SDK also available) which is available from their Web site as an rpm but I haven't looked at it yet. Anyway, it sounds super cool and I was surprised that I hadn't heard about it on here. So what's the story? Does anyone have one? What is it like?" Last I checked, they were selling them for about $199 at the local Wal-Mart and I have seen commercials for these on American TV. I almost broke down and bought one and it looks like I may have to since I never mind playing with new toys (and the Linux SDK may make for some fun hacking...)

2 of 25 comments (clear)

  1. Low cost explained by LordEq · · Score: 3

    My main question is: if this thing can do all that and cost $99.95, why does a Palm (whatever, V? VII?) do the same stuff and cost 3x as much?

    Take a look at the specs. Let's compare with the Handspring Visor. ($179.00)

    • Main Processor: 32 bit, 11 MHz Hitachi H8S/2246
      The Visor uses a 16MHz Motorola Dragonball EZ.
    • Coprocessor: Atmel AT90S2313, 4 MHz
    • RAM: 512 KB
      The Visor quadruples this, with 2MB.
    • Flash disk: 512 KB, extendible up to 1 MB
      None built-in on the Visor, but 8MB and 16MB flash modules are available.
    • LCD display: 160x100 dots, 59x40 mm, 4 level grayscale
      Visor's screen is 160x160, 53.34mm square, 16-level grayscale
    • RF transceiver: RF2915 -- Supposedly able to communicate over 300 feet.
      Visor uses IR to communicate between units. In my experience, this is limited to a 4-foot line-of-sight between the units' IR lenses.
    • Expansion cartridge slot: 68-pin
      Springboard slot, lots of gizmos available.
    • PC connection socket: RS232 serial port
      Visor's USB cradle is faster.
    • Size: 5.7" x 2.8" x 0.86"
      Visor is 4.8" x 3.0" x 0.7"
    • Weight: 4.3 oz
      Visor is actually heavier, at 5.4 oz.

    The storage capacity seems to be the big factor. 512K isn't a whole lot of room to work with.

    I still want one. I can see a lot of nifty applications for this, particularly once the Cybiko Wireless Internet Gates are available (see Xunker's post below).


    --LordEq

    Tho' your promise count for nothing

  2. Re:online the price is $99.95, I think by po_boy · · Score: 4
    I've got a Palm and a cybiko. The palm has a much more advanced, intuitive, and fast system. It's easier to navigate around in and find stuff quickly. The cybiko feels cheaper and slower. Plus, I don't think it has a backlight on the LCD. What a shame.

    If you want an organizer, get a Palm Pilot. If you want a toy, get a cybiko.

    All your dangifiknow are belong to us.