a mini all in one.. palmtop thingy


Forum: Hardware Talk
Topic: a mini all in one.. palmtop thingy
started by: MrBear37

Posted by MrBear37 on June 02 2006,14:52
Greetings all !

 My name is Mark, and I'm a DSL-holic.  now.. I love tiny systems for a number of reasons.  One of which is that I love to go camping.  and I ride a motorscooter.  So space is always a consideration.  Especially when it comes to lugging things around.  so..  before we go down the  "why dont you use this or that PDA"..  by and large .. they are just not my thing.  

  THere have been a few exceptions.  like the Journada.. Micro-sized.  A keyboard you might actually be able to use, a screen you can see, that runs Linux well, and has the necessary connectivity functions ( Cat5/ Wireless/modem)
and enough applications ( office style- a couple of tiny games- text editor etc).. ALL in a TINY and relatively light package that I dont have to sell my retirement to own.  

 See I told you I didnt want much :)

I loved the old journadas for this.. tiny.. useful.. Linux.. there also used to be an NEC palmtop what was very cool..

OK.. I will shut up now..

Peace !

Mark

Posted by John on June 03 2006,01:25
I'd love something like that myself.  I've been looking for cheap laptops which have a flash drive in place of a hard drive, and no optical drive.  I could have them custom made, but I don't think the price point is right.
Posted by AwPhuch on June 03 2006,01:59
Oh wow!

How freeking sweet

< http://h10025.www1.hp.com/ewfrf....t=59950 >

The HP Journada 680 Handheld PC

Quote

Changing operating systems
Changing the version of an operating system on an HP Palmtop or Jornada product requires replacing the Read Only Memory (ROM) module. HP does not currently offer upgrades to the operating system on any of their devices; however, some third-party resellers may offer upgrades that are no longer available through HP.

Quote

Product Specifications
As a busy professional, getting more done in less time is a challenge you face every day. You need a convenient and reliable way to store your information – and keep it up-to-date – while away from your desk. The HP Jornada 680 Handheld PC lets you move at a fast pace. It keeps you current by synchronizing with your desktop or notebook PC and gives you the flexibility and power you need – anywhere, anytime.
Product features
CPU
High performance 32-bit Hitachi SH3 CPU running at 133 megahertz (MHz)
Supported Operating Systems (OS/NOS)
Microsoft ® Windows Handheld PC Professional Edition (CE 3.0) with Color Support
Memory
Standard

   *
     16 MB SDRAM; User upgradable to 32 MB together with ROM upgrade
   *
     16 MB Burst Mode ROM; User upgradable

Display/Resolution

   *
     Screen size/type: 6.5-inch 1/2 VGA (video graphics adaptor) CSTN
   *
     Resolution: 640 by 240, 256 colors on screen
   *
     Maximum graphics resolution on external monitor: 1024 by 768, 256 colors

External ports

   *
     Serial (RS232C): 1 9-pin (115 Kbps)
   *
     Infrared: 1 SIR-IrDA compliant transceiver (115.2 Kbps 1-meter)
   *
     Modem: 1 RJ11 (for the Jornada 680 only)
   *
     Audio: 1 microphone; 1 speaker

Expansion (Accessory) slots

   *
     PC Card (PCMCIA): 1 Type II card slot
   *
     CompactFlash: 1 Type I card slot

Hardware features

   *
     Built-in high-performance 56Kbps, v.90 modem (for the Jornada 680 only)
   *
     Small size for easy portability
   *
     Audio speaker
   *
     Microphone
   *
     Keyboard
         o
           76% full size keyboard
         o
           Embedded numeric keypad
   *
     Hardware controlled blinking notification LED
         o
           AC and battery charging LED
         o
           Appointment notification LED
   *
     Security slot
   *
     Cable for connecting to a PC
   *
     Data Bus Width: 32-bit ROM and 32-bit RAM
   *
     Direct printing via IrDA or serial port to PCL printers
   *
     Voice recording without opening device
   *
     Owner’s Topcard Display

Software features
Preinstalled software
Software built into and executing from ROM (read-only memory):
Microsoft Windows CE H/PC Callisto (Birch) (1/2 VGA version of Jupiter including Microsoft Pocket
Microsoft Pocket:

Microsoft Pocket Word (with Spell Check)

Microsoft Pocket Excel (with Scalable Zoom)

Microsoft Pocket Access

Microsoft Pocket PowerPoint

Microsoft Pocket Internet Explorer

Microsoft Pocket Outlook (Calendar, Tasks, Contacts, Inbox)

MFC and VB run time libraries
HP Productivity Suite:

HP viewer, dialup, settings, backup, quick pad

hot keys, timer password, Power Applet, HP macro
Third-party programs:

Landware - OmniSolve (financial calculator),

BSquare - bFind, bFax Pro
Software on CD-ROM

   *
     Microsoft CD-ROM
         o
           Windows CE Services 2.2 for PC synchronization
         o
           PowerPoint Viewer / Converter
   *
     Jornada CD-ROM
         o
           Starfish - TrueSync CE 2.0 (for plug-and-play synchronization with REX
         o
           Sprynet - Internet / e-mail connectivity software (US)
         o
           Trio - Phone / SMS Manager (CD-ROM, Europe; Web, U.S.)
         o
           Inso - Outside in File Viewer Software (for viewing popular desktop file formats)
         o
           On The Go Software - Pocket Quicken (US)
         o
           Sierra Image - Image Expert CE
         o
           HP PIM Translation Utility

Environmental specifications

   *
     Operating temperature: 0 to 40 degrees C (32 to 104 degrees F)
   *
     Storage Temperature: 0 to 55 degrees C (32 to 140 degrees F)
   *
     Humidity: 90% Relative humidity at 40 degrees C (104 degrees F) maximum

Physical specifications
Dimensions: 189 by 95 by 34 mm (7.44 by 3.74 by 1.34 inches)
Weight: 510 grams (1.1 pounds) with batteries
Power Consumption

   *
     Lithium-ion Rechargeable Standard Battery Pack
   *
     Worldwide 3-piece AC adapter: weight (0.5 lbs)
   *
     One 3V CR2032 coin-cell backup battery


Check out the entire suite of Journada!  How freeking cool!
< http://h10025.www1.hp.com/ewfrf....t=13261 >

Man that thing screams MADE FOR DSL!!!!!

Brian
AwPhuch

Posted by John on June 03 2006,05:22
I believe they have StrongARM processors, so its not compatible.
Posted by MrBear37 on June 03 2006,14:36
What John says is correct. and to add my 2 cents worth.. after dooing some research.. there is a project called Familiar which is being used on the Journada.. BUT.. there are some technical limitations.. LIKE.... WIN-CRAP Modem ALERT..  and that the card bus is 16 bit NOT 32 bit so you would have to choose a slower/older Wired or Wireless Nic.....

 Also some of the built in functions do not work.. if you look around you will see some compatibilities .. and there are some who have put debian on it I believe.. Also there are issues with a boot loader and with file transfers.. if memory serves..

OK.. that is the caveat.. there was also a note in there ( for those who are electronic evil geniouses... that you could basically replace the board inside the unit ( thereby replacing the ROM chip.. and you should be able to do.. what eeeeeeeever you want there :)  


Just a thought..

Mark

Posted by dougz on June 04 2006,18:35
Have you considered looking for a used Toshiba Libretto?  No longer sold new in the US, but they actually did run Linux.  

About the size of a VHS casette.  Definitely DSL class machines.  Came out when Win 95 was current.

Quote
The Toshiba Libretto mini-notebook PC is one of the smallest full-featured PCs on the market. Originally only sold in the Japanese market, since 1997 it was sold internationally. Unfortunately the Libretto range was deleted by Toshiba outside of Japan in 1999, although new Libretto models continue to be produced for the Japanese market.
< Libretto Information site >   < Pictures of the Libretto >

< Red Hat 5.0 on Libretto >  However, DSL would be much more appropriate.

Some folks even import current model Librettos as grey market items, but they wouldn't like be in your price range.   < New Librettos >  

Google is your friend; you'll find lots of info.

If you like them, you can find them on Ebay.
Quote
TOSHIBA LIBRETTO WORKING LAPTOP

INCLUDES BATTERY CHARGER / CORD.Intel Pentium MMX 233 MHz 32 MB (EDO RAM) Hard Drive 4.3 GB IDE Display 7.1 in. TFT Active Matrix Operating System Microsoft Windows 98 Processor Type Pentium MMX Bus Speed 66 MHz Hard Drive Capacity 4.3 GB IDE Display Size 7.1 in. Sound card Input Method Keyboard Trackpoint Battery Run Time 4 Hour(s) Lithium ion Width 8.27 in. Depth 5.2 in. Height 1.38 in. Weight 1.98 lb. Exterior Color Gray

Starting bid US$70, Shipping $19

< Auction URL >

Posted by kubera on June 14 2006,01:45
Quote (John @ June 03 2006,01:22)
I believe they have StrongARM processors, so its not compatible.

Here's the question: Are the StrongARM processors not DSL-compatible because nobody's yet ported it, or because it's un-port-able?

I think I may have a couple of old StrongARM PDAs gathering dust in drawers that I'd be willing to find new batteries for and maybe donate to the cause if it's simply a lack of 'test subjects' in the community. I'd have to check to make sure they're still viable.

Of course, I suppose when discussing DSL-ok processors, VIAble is probably a poor word choice.

Yeah, okay, I deserve to have something thrown at me for that one.

Posted by cbagger01 on June 14 2006,17:33
StrongARM CPU is different from Intel 386/486/Pentium/Celeron CPUs

DSL, like most Linux Livecds, is designed for use in an Intel x86 personal computer system.

You could build a DSL-like livecd from scratch that could work with a StronARM processor, but it is not a trivial task.

Posted by dougz on June 15 2006,00:21
Quote
You could build a DSL-like livecd from scratch that could work with a StronARM processor, but it is not a trivial task.

Lots of hobbyist StrongARM (Intel IXP420) Linux development work is done on the hugely popular LinkSys NSLU2 box.

< Home page >
< CPU Overview >
< FAQ >
< Cool projects >

Posted by MrBear37 on June 20 2006,14:30
Hey John,

 Would the NEC Mobile Pro 770 work ?  Its Mips Based I believe.. ?  there are a couple in this arena that look somewhat promising that are not StrongARM based I believe ?

THanks !

Mark

Posted by dougz on June 20 2006,23:34
Thoughts from a not-John...

Quote
Would the NEC Mobile Pro 770 work ?  Its Mips Based I believe.. ?

Yes, it is MIPS.  For some reason, it is easy to find BSD Unix, but not Linux.  Both the 770 and the IBM Z50 near-clone were popular.

< MIPs PDAs >
< User experience >
< X with TWM window mgr >
< NetBSD on IBM Z50 >
< BSD Forums >

If one really liked the hardware, BSD would be a better choice since most of the hard work has been done.  However, the screen is really not optimal for X.  It made a better character mode box for remote admin work.

I think that most people found that the StrongARM & MIPs were too much work for too little function.  

Also, not much of a market.  Sharp pulled Zaurus & Toshiba pulled Libretto.  Current devices, many of which are not imported to the US but can be bought "grey market."    
< Linux PDAs >

People who need tiny laptops use something like the Sony Vaio T boxes, which are compatible with Debian.
< Debian on Vaio >

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