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! "

Comments

Comments...

[TurkishGeek]

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??

And the market for this is...?

[Kaa]

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

Re:And the market for this is...?

[Pascal Q. Porcupine]

Not everyone works at a desk. Some people need access to their information at work from anywhere. Mechanics, nurses, shipping/receiving folk, and many, many more who work in time-critical environments where they need instant access and can't have terminals everywhere, and certainly can't take the time to log in. Like, if a patient is crashing (in the medical sense) and the nurse on duty needs an instant judgement based on their charts and medical records.
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"'Is not a quine' is not a quine" is a quine.

Re:Specs?

[Anonymous Coward]

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..

Anyone want to work on the software it? :-)

[Vidar Hokstad]

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)