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Lifestyle Computers, the Next Big Thing?
Anonymous Howard asks: "Lifestyle computers, otherwise known as 'computers with everything contained in a single unit', are extremely popular in Japan, where living spaces are much smaller then in the North America. Probably the most popular that I know of that was released are the Apple iMacs. Many of the major manufactures like Sony and HP have released Lifestyle computers, like the Sony PCV-W20. What I like to see are the unique stylings from companies I've never heard of over in Japan, like the Sotec Afina AS7180AV, I think it looks somewhat like a high heel shoe from the side. How many of you would find these types of computers useful? In particular, if you are living in a space where you are not cramped for space, would you ever buy one? Are there any other interesting machines like the Sonys/Afina/new iMacs that not only have function, but act as a stylish addition to the room?"
Why have a garage door opener, a remote TV controller, and a handheld computer. The computer can do all the others can and more. Why not not add a phone, multimedia player, wireless Internet, camera, GPS,
A couple of years ago I installed Linux on an Ipaq. screen shots.
It had 2 PCMCIA slots, one held a 5G HD, the other a wireless network card. It also had a fold-able keyboard. I really wanted to turn it into a phone, but though there's an adapter, there's no Linux drivers. And the phone companies don't like to give you their specs.
I usually live on the command line so MGz and RAM are not important to me. The only problem I had was the screen size. If only it had a "roll-out" screen!
My only criticism is that many of these devices seem designed more for fashion than functionality.
So what you want is this ??
;)
Yeah... the bellbottoms of the computer world.