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Webpads, Anyone?

Posted by ryuzaki0 on from the why-isn't-wirelss-integrated dept.

crons writes: "Just found this on the LinuxDevices.com website. FIC is releasing a webpad called the AquaPAD that runs Midori Linux and has a Tranmeta 500MHZ Crusoe cpu. Here's the story from LinuxDevices.com, and here are a few specs. An 802.11b wireless LAN card is supported in the PCMCIA slot, as are modules for GSM, GPRS, and Bluetooth." For around $600, this looks like it might make a great living room terminal.

4 of 149 comments (clear)

  1. This isn't the first. by Skynet · · Score: 5, Informative

    Hitachi also has a webpad that uses the Crusoe and runs Midori, the FLORA-ie55mi. I have actually had the chance to play with one, it is really nifty. Great on screen keyboard.

    Here is the link. It's in Japanese. Babelfish to the rescue?

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    Execute? [Y/N] _
  2. 3com Ergo Audrey by toral · · Score: 5, Informative

    For something a little sooner and a little cheaper, check out the now liquidated Audreys. Sure, they aren't the newest toys, but I just ordered a handful from Tiger Direct for $90 a piece, plus $30 for the usb network adaptor.

    Out of the box, it supports web browsing, email, and palm syncing among other things. And with a little hacking, it can play mp3s, be an X server/client, VNC server/client, web server, etc.

  3. Wrong by tswinzig · · Score: 5, Insightful

    Why do people constantly feel the need to pit devices against each other, especially when they are clearly in different niche markets?

    Palm's are small enough to fit in your pocket, and are designed for taking short notes, keeping appointments, contact information, diet logs, cell phones, GPS guides, MP3 players, etc. Things you want in your pocket. Their screen sizes are adequate for these needs.

    Laptops are mobile PC's. Enough said on that.

    And in the middle now are webpads. A laptop with a touch screen instead of a keyboard, wireless connectivity, emphasis on internet and information access, roughly the size of a pad of paper. These are not meant to be carried EVERYWHERE like a PDA, and are generally not going to be used for the same things as PDA's.

    If anything, webpads could evolve into laptop-killers for most people, NOT palm-killers.

    Enough already!

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    "And like that ... he's gone."
  4. Living room? by schussat · · Score: 5, Funny
    A living room terminal? Come on, how many slashdotters don't already have the computer desk facing the TV so they can play Quake and watch Enterprise or anime DVDs at the same time? Add a milk crate full of cheese puffs and beer and you've got a great kitchen terminal, too!

    -schussat

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    The hour of noon has passed. Let us go and get some Kentucky Fried Chicken.