PDA Killer or Thickening Vapor?

asklepius writes "The OQO handheld PC (which was discussed here) has some competition. Antelope Technologies is producing a very small computer based on IBM's Mobile Computer Core (MMC). It is powered by a Crusoe processor, 256MB RAM and 10GB HD. IBM has a press release about the partnership with Antelope Technologies. There are also some very cool accessories that let you turn it into a desktop system or a laptop. Looks like another cool device. Hope it is more than vapor."

Comments

Re:Tired of PDA's

[fmaxwell]

Take a look at the web page. This is not a PDA. It's a subnotebook with an 800x600 color display and the ability to run Windows 2000, XP, or Linux. If this was just another PDA, I'd agree with you, but the possibilities for this are quite a bit more broad than that.

A great Idea.

[billstr78]

I wonder how this will compete with tablet PC's? It seems as though the deciding factors will be the input interfaces, and docking capability.
IMHO, a lightweight small version of your desktop computer that you could take anywhere and dock on your desktop when you are done would a truly usefull device. I would highly simplify the lives of those who must work in more than one chair and desk on a daily basis.

What's the market for these things?

[jonman_d]

I honestly don't see who would use these things. They're not PDAs, because they're too large, too heavy, and last time I checked, moving parts in my PDA would absolutly suck (see: break in five seconds). They're essentially a low-grade computer in a small box. I don't see the point: it won't replace the desktop. The only possible use I can see for these things is using them as access points around your house or something, in which case the hardware in these things is overkill.

Am I missing something?

Re:What's the market for these things?

[ScooterB]

I agree. Thue utility of this device is not that great. The battery lifetime is what really killed it for me. 2 hours is really unacceptable. I think it is high time for a revolution in battery( or other portable power source) technology.

Re:What's the market for these things?

[Anonymous Coward]

Hmmm...

Handheld and fully functional demonstration machine for any particular software package one may need to show.

Mobile testing environment for same. Make changes in a meeting until the suits (or clients) are happy. Since this is not a PDA, the changes could potentially be more useful as they could be made to the actual software (or whatever).

Mobile storage. My PDA just doesn't have the RAM to transport some of my work. Sometimes I don't have my laptop; etc.

Security-oriented types (on both sides of the fence).

VASTLY more software availability than for any PDA on the market, giving the machine uses in all sorts of areas (diagnostics, for one) where a computer would really, really help but a PDA or the software for it is just not up to your needs.

On and on.

The market is anywhere one might need a real computer but may not be able to (or may not want to) carry a server or laptop.

Re:What's the market for these things?

[phriedom]

"They're essentially a low-grade computer in a small box. I don't see the point: it won't replace the desktop."

The same thing could be said of most laptops, and yet people use them. Sure, this palmtop isn't going to be a workstation, but it will be able to do nearly all the things that laptops do, and in a much smaller size. Battery life DOES suck, but laptop batteries sucked just as bad when they started out.

Re:What's the market for these things?

[AntelopeMCC]

The MCC battery life depends on the accessory. In our hand-held tablet it is 3.5 to 4 hours. In our wearable configuration it is 20 hours, yes I said 20 hours. (no large display to power, just a small HMD) ...

I've been waiting since the 80s

[panurge]

For one of these. Slot it into the bay of a notebook case with screen and keyboard, slot it into a docking station to run a big monitor and heavy duty keyboard, slot it into a chord keyboard, mini HUD and mouse for use on airplanes or between meetings. And perhaps a PDA type screen to clip on one face. Ideally, have the docking station take two so you can sync them overnight and have a live recovery system. I could lock one in the safe when I go on vacation and take the other with me. And, let's face it, 100/gigabit Ethernet and Firewire mean that the I/O of these things isn't going to be ridiculously limited. Though it will really come into its own when flash memory over 1Gbyte gets cheap.

I'm prepared self-sacrificingly to be a beta tester, IBM please note.