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10GB In A Linux PDA
Deep Penguin writes: "Perhaps attempting to captitalize on the concept of data mining (mixed with turtles?), Serial Systems of Singapore has announced the
Terapin Mine,
a hand-held the size of a 35mm camera that looks to be a fusion of a double-fistful of geek toys: network storage (10-12Gb), audio record/playback, digital picture display (composite video out), PCMCIA reader and e-mail sender. It's attached to the world via 10BaseT, USB or whatever I/O card is in the PCMCIA socket (modem, LAN, wireless, etc.) Of course, all complex systems evolve until they can read Usenet news, leaving them an upgrade path to version 2.
Price? $599. Delivery? End of August, they say. And it runs Linux, so no Microsoft tax." An anonymous reader points to this CNET article on the device as well. I was afraid this would live as vaporware on the Terapin site forever.
Okay, it IS mondo swell that it takes ethernet connections, but I can go to BestBuy and get a pocket-sized Archos 6GB jukebox for $200, and a Palm M105 for $200 and have a decent mp3 player AND a GOOD PDA. And if I want more disk storage on the Archos, I can either get their upcoming 20GB model, or buy a 25GB IBM Travelstar notebook drive and upgrade the Archos myself. ...and STILL end up paying less than $599.
Actually, smaller hard disk are more resistant to shocks. The smaller the parts, the higher the mechanical eigenfrequencies. Therefore, a shock is experienced by the miniature part as a smooth motion.
With the given pricing, the marketing gap between this and a real notebook is very narrow.
Definitely not for pockets.
from this? If you really want that much functionality, you might as well just go all-out and get a portable PC. -Angron
The real strengths of mine are apparent as soon as you take it online. As a dedicated Internet device, mine gives you the power to distribute, share and exchange data securely from anywhere in the World, and to automatically backup and synchronize the digital information it stores with your online archive.
Does this mean it would act as a server in your pocket?
Can you imagine a be-Oh.. Nevermind.
air and light and time and space
...then explain this question from the FAQ:
Q:Why does ScanDisk run automatically when I start mine?
If mine is not shutdowned properly, mine will run ScanDisk so that your data can be recovered. You can cancel ScanDisk process if you do not want to wait.
load "linux",8,1
I deal with large files all the time, and I'm constantly looking for work arounds that don't involve lugging my 8-pound laptop to another workstation or burning something on CD. This little device would revolutionize my life if it lives up to its vaporware specs. Consider the following:
After shooting 5 minutes of DV footage on someone else's camera, I want to bring the video home to edit on my PC. Instead of borrowing their DV camera or buying my own, all I need is a PCMCIA FireWire card to transfer footage and a NIC to bring it back out to my laptop editing machine.
or...
I want to listen to MP3s in the car, but I'm on a 4-hour road trip and compressing all my songs to 64k mono versions for my old 32mb Rio just doesn't cut it for me. Now you can take those 7 gigs of Elton John and Styx without sacrificing quality.
but what about...
You've been taking a lot of pictures at some social event for the company you worked for, but you'd rather not go download all those photos into your computer in the other room nor do you want to be the nerd behind the laptop for the party. Transfer all your images into your silver device, and as an added bonus, you can even have everyone view those pics on TV when it's over. I'm sure this also would apply to making and giving presentation. Much cooler than Powerpoint when done right.
and let's not forget...
Looking at pr0n on your computer in your office isn't as appetizing as viewing it on the couch in your living room.
-Mr. Fusion