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$99 Linux Handheld with WiFi for Instant Messaging

Posted by CmdrTaco on from the never-offline dept.

An anonymous reader writes "LinuxDevices.com has an interesting write up about the new Aeronix Zipit instant messenger appliance. It is intended to free up a family PC from IM chatting teens. From the article: "the Zipit is based on a Cirrus EP7312-CR-90, an SoC (system-on-chip) with an ARM720T core that clocks up to 90MHz. This chip is supported by several Linux distributions, including FSMLabs's real-time RTLinux." At $99 (cheaper than many textbooks and graphing calculators) it could even be good for classrooms. With that 802.11b WiFi, I think this might be a perfect note-taking computer for students in lectures. "

3 of 194 comments (clear)

  1. Nice but... by eth00 · · Score: 5, Insightful

    While it does look like a nice device for chatting I cannot see it doing much more. The idea of taking notes on something that small is impossible for most classes where you are moving pretty fast. I ended up getting a laptop with a full size keyboard so that it would be easier to type.

    I am all for little devices running linux but I do not see this exact device being used for anything like textbooks. With a lot schools (high school and college) implementing WIFI it will however be a great distraction from what is being taught...

  2. Re:Cheaper than many text books? by Cait+Sith · · Score: 5, Insightful

    You haven't gone to a college bookstore lately have you?

  3. What's wrong with paper? by CyricZ · · Score: 4, Insightful

    What's wrong with taking notes in class using a pen and paper? If anything, it is probably quicker than trying to use one of these little doodads.

    --
    Cyric Zndovzny at your service.