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Cool Linux-based web device
DrStrange writes "I just noticed that Screen Media has updated their pages with info about their upcoming "FreePad"... It's a Linux based wireless
web device and phone with touch screen, and according to one of their techs it's only 2.4cm (less than an inch) thick! The same tech also
told me they'll be using NanoGUI for the graphical frontend! "
Vidar Hokstad (who works for Screen Media)
All you would have to do is stick one of these devices on every bench. Add a stylus (NOT a screwdriver) and voila, instant access without ever having to leave your bench.
Yes, of course. I thing Boeing did (or is trying to do) exactly this thing. But the problem is that you need hardened hardware for that. You need a pad that will survive drops onto a concrete floor, huge amounts of oil and grime, screwdrivers used in place of styluses, probably also closeness to motors (magnetic fields!) and a myriad of other stuff that I am too lazy to think of right now. Such hardware can be build, but it tends to be expensive, much more so than the $400...
Kaa
Kaa
Kaa's Law: In any sufficiently large group of people most are idiots.
Ericsson is first with a new device using a new protocol enabling data transmissions at 112 KBps over existing GSM networks. It's called GPRS, and it's currently being implemented by a German operator called T-Mobil. There's more info at www.gprsworld.com.
%japh = (
'name' => 'Niklas Nordebo', 'mail' => 'niklas@nordebo.com',
'work' => 'www.pipe-dd.com', 'phone' => '+46-708-444705'
Although I could see this being useful for corporate types who never get to sit down at their desks and are always lugging 8-lb laptops around, waiting for them to boot, and typing in a 15-word note.
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To understand recursion, one must first understand recursion.
Overall, this looks like a great idea. It is much like Cyrix/NatSemi's Web Pad; only it is smaller and runs Linux instead of QNX. If they can offer this at an attractive price, I'm sure a lot of people will buy it. However, the wireless connection needs a bit of clarification-the system contains a DECT phone and I understand it utilizes the DECT system to connect to a base station in the house. DECT is another great European wireless technology standard (don't want to start another GSM vs. CDMA[insert any American(=Qualcomm) digital wireless technology abbreviation here] debate here; but they are pretty good at this stuff); but it is not common in the U.S. From a geek's point of view, the device looks wonderful. To be able to tap into the vast American market, though, they will need to come up with some other means of wireless connectivity, IMHO. Most people will not trash their existing phone system and go get DECT systems just for being able to use this in their home. And remember, this has a very limited range and will only let you access the Internet in or near your house (or wherever the DECT base station is).
Still, given the incredible track record of Nordic people in wireless communications; I believe they should be able to find a way to make this work in the US using a different technology. Until then, I think this is strictly for Europeans. I am not even sure if DECT is permitted by the FCC in the US. Anyone with info on this??
Zigbee Central: A Zigbee weblog
I am somewhat unsure of the usefullness of such a device. It seems that it needs a normal computer somewhere in the house/office which is actually connected to the net and which feeds the wireless hub that transmits to the pad. So it's not independent like a laptop, and not a PC replacement for the great unwashed. Given that there is already a computer around, and given that the pad is mostly useful for passive web surfing and dealing with small-volume email, I wonder who needs it (besides the buy-the-latest-gadget crowd).
Sure it's cool to sit in a bed/recliner/bathtub, stretch out a hand, pick up the pad, and check some web news. But it's likely to be a bit too expensive for this convenience. I don't think you can do much useful work on this pad, and if I already have a full-blown computer around, I'd rather haul my ass to it to do real thing.
Of course, this is all IMHO and YMMV.
Kaa
Kaa
Kaa's Law: In any sufficiently large group of people most are idiots.
I've talked with them. It's supposed to be running a MediaGX CPU, possibly a 12" LCD screen, a smartcard reader, 16MB or 32MB RAM and 8MB flash..
This is really interesting actually.
An inch is exactly 2.54 centimeters. Several years ago (never mind how long exactly -- probably in the 70's with the metric hoopla) in order to make EngishMetric conversions absolutely precise for worldwide scientific use, the inch was actually standardized to the centimeter. As far as I know, the inch is now defined as 2.54 centimeters.
~GoRK
I'm still somewhat unclear about the setup. Let me describe how I see it, and you correct me where I am wrong.
OK, the Freepad is, basically, a full-blown computer, in particular it runs the TCP/IP stack and all the accompaniments to it. The Freepad talks IP (among other things, maybe) to the base station, which is essentially a modem (also among other things). Presumably, the Freepad can tell the base station to dial a certain number and log in to the ISP. After the log-in, the base just shuffles IP packets between the phone wire and the Freepad. Currently the base station can handle POTS and ISDN (haven't you noticed it's dead? must be pretty smelly by now). Real soon now it will also support ethernet and CATV. BTW, does supporting CATV mean that the base can act as a cable modem? Or you need a separate cable modem?
So, what is correct and what I got wrong?
BTW I am still doubtful about the utility of a computer larger than a palmtop without a keyboard. And what't the expected price point? At $100-150 it may work. At, say, $400 and above -- fuggedabutit.
Kaa
Kaa
Kaa's Law: In any sufficiently large group of people most are idiots.
If you're a programmer, and happens to live in Norway, and would like to work on the software for the FreePad, mail me at vidarh@screenmedia.no.
</SHAMELESS-PLUG>
Vidar Hokstad
(Yeah, I work for Screen Media)