Tuesday, May 18, 2004
New Toys & Ideas
Well, i've been debating on stuff that would be cool and useful. There are so many digital devices available today, but none of them really seem to fit the necessary functions of a robust device. I have found that my portable hard drive, while great (i love having an almost endless pitt of diskspace available at a moments notice) has become somewhat cumbersome. Its biggest limitation is that it has to be plugged in to be used, which can be quite difficult in a computer lab or other remote locations. Consequently, I have found portable hard drives that utilize the power from a USB port to power themselves and I am thinking about getting one of these. I have also realized how useful it would be to have all my contacts and calendar entries in an accessable form. I have a pda that takes care of this, but it doesn't really have enough memory to really be useful besides its main purpose. I would also like to be able to have music (mp3 & radio) available during travel periods. However, I found that there are several issues that I would like to be able to solve in one device.
I have found that in most cases, I am simply moving from client computer to another client computer. A central "data server" would be ideal, plus I would like to be able to access small amounts of that data on the fly.
The following would be my spec sheet. Obviously it is a bit of a wish list, but I think this is a highly reasonable request for a device. I also think it would be highly consumed (i.e. big profits and popularity)
1) The device should be sufficiently small, able to fit in a pocket and not be too bulky/cumbersome. Something the size of an Ipod or my Dell Axim.
2) It should have a screen (preferably color) that covers most of the device to facilitate working with some files and such - more than a few lines of text at a time basically.
3) It would be ideal if the device were able to fold in half to protect the screen - this also might allow for a larger screen size.
4) Battery life - this is one of the biggest issues. It should be able to play music for 15-20hrs without needing a recharge. It should be able to have 4 hrs of "Full" use, for viewing files, adding contacts, etc. The other important issue is that it should be able to recharge its battery with an ordinary USB power source, or a wall adapter.
5) It needs to be able to connect to a computer without any special device driver or require special software for basic functionality. (Special Software may be used for advanced tasks)
6) It should be able to use the power of the USB port to power it when connected.
7) it should be able to play mp3s (and possibly other music file formats) and have earphones plugged into it. It should also have a radio tuner built into it.
8) To facilitate conserving battery life, some basic function buttons should reside on the outside of the device.
9) It should have at least 1 gig of free data space, preferrable closer to 10 or 20 gigs.
10) Some people might like to have the option to run Linux instead of Windows on it. And a dual system for some might be useful.
11) It would definitely make sense to give it wireless network access 802.11b or something. It should also have a data port for example, plugging into a mobile phone for internet access
12) It needs to have some expansion ability as well, probably just a USB port for connecting a memory stick or something else. It might also make sense either using the USB port or the Data port for connecting a "docking station" that connects to a keyboard, mouse, monitor. Or otherwise transforms into a more traditional "computing device"
13) A pointing device such as a stylus, would be used for input/navigation
14) Bottom line is probably also cost, it should be reasonably priced maybe $300 US
15) It should also come with the correct accessories. A carrying case, ear buds/phones, usb cable, data cable, sychronication station/charging station, wall jack. The case should carry the device, ear buds and usb cable. or some combination of cables. It might also make sense to have the USB cable built-in to the device such that it retracts or something.
16) An Infra-red port would be nice to facilitate transmitting vcards or other files to other devices in a portable/remote environment.
Hmm, more might come to mind as a generate a more complete picture of this product and as I search for a device that will meet my needs. I'll keep it posted I guess
I have found that in most cases, I am simply moving from client computer to another client computer. A central "data server" would be ideal, plus I would like to be able to access small amounts of that data on the fly.
The following would be my spec sheet. Obviously it is a bit of a wish list, but I think this is a highly reasonable request for a device. I also think it would be highly consumed (i.e. big profits and popularity)
1) The device should be sufficiently small, able to fit in a pocket and not be too bulky/cumbersome. Something the size of an Ipod or my Dell Axim.
2) It should have a screen (preferably color) that covers most of the device to facilitate working with some files and such - more than a few lines of text at a time basically.
3) It would be ideal if the device were able to fold in half to protect the screen - this also might allow for a larger screen size.
4) Battery life - this is one of the biggest issues. It should be able to play music for 15-20hrs without needing a recharge. It should be able to have 4 hrs of "Full" use, for viewing files, adding contacts, etc. The other important issue is that it should be able to recharge its battery with an ordinary USB power source, or a wall adapter.
5) It needs to be able to connect to a computer without any special device driver or require special software for basic functionality. (Special Software may be used for advanced tasks)
6) It should be able to use the power of the USB port to power it when connected.
7) it should be able to play mp3s (and possibly other music file formats) and have earphones plugged into it. It should also have a radio tuner built into it.
8) To facilitate conserving battery life, some basic function buttons should reside on the outside of the device.
9) It should have at least 1 gig of free data space, preferrable closer to 10 or 20 gigs.
10) Some people might like to have the option to run Linux instead of Windows on it. And a dual system for some might be useful.
11) It would definitely make sense to give it wireless network access 802.11b or something. It should also have a data port for example, plugging into a mobile phone for internet access
12) It needs to have some expansion ability as well, probably just a USB port for connecting a memory stick or something else. It might also make sense either using the USB port or the Data port for connecting a "docking station" that connects to a keyboard, mouse, monitor. Or otherwise transforms into a more traditional "computing device"
13) A pointing device such as a stylus, would be used for input/navigation
14) Bottom line is probably also cost, it should be reasonably priced maybe $300 US
15) It should also come with the correct accessories. A carrying case, ear buds/phones, usb cable, data cable, sychronication station/charging station, wall jack. The case should carry the device, ear buds and usb cable. or some combination of cables. It might also make sense to have the USB cable built-in to the device such that it retracts or something.
16) An Infra-red port would be nice to facilitate transmitting vcards or other files to other devices in a portable/remote environment.
Hmm, more might come to mind as a generate a more complete picture of this product and as I search for a device that will meet my needs. I'll keep it posted I guess
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