New linux toy

icepuck

For those who like the zipit. It's almost the same specs but its bigger.
sharism.cc/
-dan

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Arguing with myself--sometimes me, myself, and I don't always agree.
(Former) Caterpillar product support technician

Scope

I was one of the people who actually purchased a Tapwave Zodiac 2, so, it probably figures I like this item - very cool.

Peter Jakacki

For $99 it looks good but why is the naked pcb development version $199? It's easier to buy the complete unit and then strip out the pcb for a saving of $100. It's looks interesting enough that I will order one to play with.

BTW, the datsheets for the CPU are here www.amebasystems.com/downloads/hardware/datasheets/ben-nanonote/Ingenic-SOC-JZ4720/Jz4740-PM/

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*Peter*

hinv

It looks like a cool little clamshell. As for a first look comparison to the Zipit Z2:

Pros:
Faster processor (MIPS probably has a better instruction rate than ARM and it's clocked higher too)
HDSC microSD (vs not so great miniSD on ZipitZ2)
Larger Keyboard including function keys
Completely open hardware and software!
Microphone built in.
2GB flash built in (vs 8MB on ZipitZ2)
USB 2.0 Device
Looks like a USB 1.1 Host port is hackable.
Charges via USB(no mor adapter hassles)

Cons:
Price
No network
No expansion port (as far as I have seen)
32MB memory probably won't go as far with a MIPS cpu
Smaller battery (850mAh vs 1230mAh)
Not as many software options (because it is mips)

Post Edited (hinv) : 3/27/2010 3:36:05 AM GMT

LoopyByteloose

Take a good look at the development board - It may well have more features and thus more value.



I've explored OpenWRT on an ASUS wifi router.

That merely cost me $150 with two USB ports wifi and a complete chassis.

So there ARE shopping alternative.

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Ain't gadetry a wonderful thing?

aka G. Herzog [noparse][[/noparse] 黃鶴 ] in Taiwan

Unknown

Why not just hack the $99 dollar tablet which is coming out from Marvell?

"The device uses an Armada 600 series processor and offers Wi-Fi, GPS, Bluetooth, and Flash support. It's also capable of full 1080p HD playback and boasts an FM radio. Marvell says the device should go on sale by the end of this year."

Unknown

Here is the video for the Armada 600 processor and you can basically run four screens:

Unknown

You probably need a lot of experience with Arm 7 for the Armada processor but if you could interface it with four prop screens then this device could probably display them all.

http://www.marvell.com/products/processors/armada/armada_600/armada610_pb.pdf
http://www.marvell.com/products/processors/armada/armada_600/armada618_pb.pdf

hinv

I don't need that kind of performance, but I want small.
Here is my wishlist for a palmtop.
The screen should be 4 to 5inch VGA or WVGA and have very little border.
A little bigger than the zipit.
Omap3 processor with at least 64MB memory.
Clamshell design
USB Host and Device
USB power and charge
12 hour run time.
External serial port
Microphone and headphone jack.
Keyboard that is friendly for programming with the special characters(especially in spin)
microSD
Wifi and Bluetooth.
Enough room to put a propeller or two.

Unknown

The tablet would be easier to carry around with your microcontroller project.· Carrying around your docs on a tablet would be more practical because you have more of a screen than a Zipit and you could possibly·program your prop with it.· I carry around a flashdrive so my docs are with me and a tablet would fit the bill because I'm always writing and you can write down your ideas when you are on the go.