Computer Gadget Inspector

Hybrid Dual Portable Computer

2009-12-04T23:41:00.000-08:00

Mobile Intelligent Ubiquitous MIU(www.miubit.com) from Korea has introduced its new wireless IP-based hybrid portable device dubbed 'HDPC (Hybrid Dual Portable Computer)', which is equipped with dual OS (Windows XP/Windows CE 5.0 or Linux Qplus).

Adopting a keyboard of general PC and a 4-inch display with 800x480 resolution, the HDPC supports dual-mode function and wireless internet function. It is the concept that user can make a choice of any type of soft/hard ware according to users' needs.

As the name 'HDPC' signifies, user can converge the stand-alone technologies of existing portable devices such as car PC, navigation, mobile phone, PMP, mp3, UMPC, electronic dictionary, internet phone, PSP, digital camera, voice recorder, mobile IPTV into HDPC.

Logitech's Alto

2008-03-10T01:38:00.000-07:00

Logitech's Alto is a Notebook stand fitted with a full-sized keyboard, that in our opinion, is probably one of the biggest favors you can do to yourself, specially if you're spending far too many hours in front a screen.

The stand flips open for easy use on almost any flat surface and is totally adjustable, allowing you to rise and put your notebook at an optimal height and distance for viewing comfort.

Logitech's Alto basically elevates and extends your notebook's display for viewing comfort.
Its full-sized keyboard not only allows you to actually type faster, but also with less fatigue thanks to the integrated soft palm rest that adds wrist support and keeps your hands away from the hot notebook surface.

Additionally, all Logitech's keyboards offer a wealth of shortcut keys and controls that provide instant access to your favorite applications and commands. With one-touch hot keys you can get instant access to your digital files with media and volume controls. Additional hot keys instantly take you to your favorite applications, folders, and Web pages.

Three high-speed USB 2.0 ports are embedded to connect your favorite peripherals, including cordless mice, webcams, printers, and external drives.

System Requirements:

Notebook PC (up to 9 lbs weight)
Windows® 2000, Windows® XP, Windows Vista™
USB port

More Info:
Logitech
NotebookReview.com
Comfort Guidelines

How to position your hands on a keyboard
How to type
How to position your hand on a mouse

Important Ergonomic Information

HP MediaSmart Server

2008-02-09T10:18:00.000-08:00

The HP MediaSmart Server is a fool-proof solution for file access and sharing designed for home networks.

Powered by 64-bit processing technology from AMD and running Microsoft Windows Home Server, the HP MediaSmart Server provides central access and storage for all digital files, (music, photos, video) to all users across the home network.

Easy to install and configure, the server allows for the creation of up to 10 user accounts using the Windows Server permissions system, for whom you can grant access privileges at the shared-folder level to allow Read/Write, Read Only or No Access.
This way you can create albums of photos and video clips on the server that can be accessed by selected users only.

Visitors can also upload their own photos that can be printed by themselves through a link to Snapfish, an online sharing portal that also provides paid-for printing services.

You can also create a shared iTunes music library on the server for access from any desktop or notebook in the network. The centralized playlist can automatically retrieve and add any new music files from the individual computers.

Features:

Supports 10/100/1000 Gigabit Ethernet
Supports Wireless networking with a separately purchased wireless router.
Automatically backup multiple PCs and quickly restore an entire PC or individual files.
Share digital files from any networked PC
Video streaming
Automatic backups
Remote access of files through a secure connection from any Internet-connected PC.
Online Webshare
Expansion bays for additional hard drives, with expansion capacity up to 6TB of storage.
Four USB 2.0 ports to connect external USB hard drives.
Monitor the health of individual PCs through the Windows Home Server Console.

Available from:
HP

Computer Gadget Inspector's AdSense Player

2008-02-01T01:37:00.000-08:00

YouTube has launched a new service called AdSense Players.

With AdSense Players you create customized video players for publishing to Websites or Blogs, using keywords or pre-selected premium content, like you see below:

Watch the latest videos on YouTube.com

This Post is just a test to see what AdSense Player picks up from the content of the Computer Gadget Inspector's Blog.
Comments are welcome.

MacBook Air

2008-01-17T13:50:00.000-08:00

Apple has introduced the MacBook Air, a computer that the company claims is the world's thinnest notebook ("nearly as thin as your index finger").
It weighs about 3 pounds, and sports a thickness of 0.16-0.76 inches. and it's 12.8 inches wide and 8.95 inches deep.

Sporting a silvery finish, the MacBook Air features a 13.3-inch LED-backlit widescreen display that has a 1280 x 800 pixel resolution. The backlighting saves power and provides "instant on" response from the moment you turn it on. The device has a slightly wedge-shaped profile.
The MacBook Air also features a built-in iSight webcam.

A full sized keyboard is full-size with crisp keys just like the ones on MacBook. But MacBook Air goes further by adding backlit key illumination, making it easy to work in low-light settings such as airplanes and conference halls. A built-in ambient light sensor automatically adjusts keyboard and display brightness for optimal visibility. And with the oversize multi-touch trackpad, it just keeps getting better for fingers. The trackpad is also capable of recognizing multi-touch gestures, similar to using an iPhone or iPod touch. As a result, the MacBook Air's trackpad is disproportionately large, compared to the size of trackpads found on the MacBook or MacBook Pro.

The MacBook Air features a 1.8-inch hard disk drive with 80GB of storage capacity standard. A 64GB solid-state disk (SSD) drive is an option. The hard drive is a Parallel ATA (PATA) model that operates at 4200 RPM.

The laptop is powered by an Intel Core 2 Duo chip running at 1.6GHz, with 1.8GHz available as an option. Jobs noted that Intel was willing to engineer a new version of the Core 2 Duo specifically to Apple's specifications -- it's 60 percent smaller than others. The chip operates with 4MB of on-chip shared L2 cache running at full processor speed, and uses an 800MHz frontside bus. 2GB of 667MH DDR2 SDRAM is also included.

Like the MacBook and the MacBook Pro, the MacBook Air features a slimmed down MagSafe connector for power. It comes with a 45 watt power adapter. A flip-down door on one side reveals USB 2.0, Micro-DVI (to connect an external display) and a headphone jack. The MacBook Air also includes 802.11n-based wireless networking support and Bluetooth 2.1 + EDR.
Apple estimates that with wireless networking turned on, the MacBook Air can get about 5 hours of battery life.

No internal optical drive is included, but Apple will offer a $99 USB 2.0-based add-on SuperDrive for users who need it. For users that opt not to get the optical drive, Apple is offering a new software feature on this machine called Remote Disk; it enables you to "borrow" the optical drive of another Mac or PC on the same network as the MacBook Air, to use for installing software, for example.

Technical Specifications

Size and weight

Height:: 0.16-0.76 inch (0.4-1.94 cm)
Width:: 12.8 inches (32.5 cm)
Depth:: 8.94 inches (22.7 cm)
Weight:: 3.0 pounds (1.36 kg)¹

Processor and memory

Intel Core 2 Duo processor with 4MB on-chip shared L2 cache running at full processor speed

800MHz frontside bus
2GB of 667MHz DDR2 SDRAM onboard

Storage

80GB 4200-rpm Parallel ATA hard disk drive²
Optional 64GB solid-state drive²
Optional external USB MacBook Air SuperDrive

Environmental status report

MacBook Air embodies Apple’s continuing environmental progress. It consumes the least amount of power of any Mac and is also designed with the following features to reduce environmental impact:

Highly recyclable aluminum enclosure

Mercury-free LCD display with arsenic-free glass

PVC-free internal cables

Largely recyclable, low-volume packaging

Meets ENERGY STAR requirements

MacBook Air received a Silver rating from EPEAT

Display

13.3-inch (diagonal) glossy widescreen TFT LED backlit display with support for millions of colors

Supported resolutions: 1280 by 800 (native), 1152 by 720, 1024 by 768, 800 by 600, 800 by 500, 720 by 480, and 640 by 480 pixels at 16:10 aspect ratio; 1024 by 768, 800 by 600, and 640 by 480 pixels at 4:3 aspect ratio; 720 by 480 pixels at 3:2 aspect ratio

Graphics and video support

Pure digital video output

DVI output using micro-DVI to DVI adapter (included)

VGA output using micro-DVI to VGA adapter (included)

Composite output using micro-DVI to video adapter (optional)

S-video output using micro-DVI to video adapter (optional)

Intel GMA X3100 graphics processor with 144MB of DDR2 SDRAM shared with main memory

Extended desktop and video mirroring: Simultaneously supports full native resolution on the built-in display and up to 1920 by 1200 pixels on an external display, both at millions of colors

Built-in iSight camera

Input

Built-in full-size keyboard with 78 (U.S.) or 79 (ISO) keys, including 12 function keys, 4 arrow keys (inverted “T” arrangement)
Backlit keyboard with ambient light sensor for automatic adjustment of keyboard illumination and screen brightness
Solid-state trackpad with multi-touch gesture support for precise cursor control; supports two-finger scrolling, pinch, rotate, swipe, tap, double-tap, and drag capabilities

Wireless

Built-in AirPort Extreme Wi-Fi wireless networking (based on IEEE 802.11n draft specification); IEEE 802.11a/b/g compatible

Built-in Bluetooth 2.1 + EDR (Enhanced Data Rate)

Peripheral connections

Audio

Analog audio output/headphone out (minijack)
Built-in mono speaker
Built-in omnidirectional microphone

Battery and power³

Integrated 37-watt-hour lithium-polymer battery

45W MagSafe power adapter with cable management system

MagSafe power adapter port

Electrical and operating requirements

Line voltage: 100V to 240V AC
Frequency: 50Hz to 60Hz
Operating temperature: 50° to 95°F (10° to 35°C)
Storage temperature: -13° to 113°F (-24° to 45°C)
Relative humidity: 0% to 90% noncondensing
Maximum operating altitude: 10,000 feet
Maximum storage altitude: 15,000 feet
Maximum shipping altitude: 35,000 feet

Installed software

Mac OS X v10.5 Leopard (includes Time Machine, Quick Look, Spaces, Spotlight, Dashboard, Mail, iChat, Safari, Address Book, QuickTime, iCal, DVD Player, Photo Booth, Front Row, Xcode Developer Tools)
iLife ’08 (includes iTunes, iPhoto, iMovie, iDVD, iWeb, GarageBand)

What’s in the box

MacBook Air
Micro-DVI to DVI adapter
Micro-DVI to VGA adapter
Cleaning/polishing cloth

MagSafe power adapter
Install/restore DVDs
Printed documentation

Accessories

MacBook Air SuperDrive (MB397G/A)

Play or burn discs directly with the external USB-based MacBook Air SuperDrive. Thin, light, and easy to take with you, this drive is designed specifically for MacBook Air.

Slot-loading 8x SuperDrive (DVD±R DL/DVD±RW/CD-RW)
Size: 139 x 139 x 17 mm / 5.47 x 5.47 x 0.67 inches (L x W x H)
Weight: 320 g (0.71 pounds)
Requires MacBook Air with available USB 2.0 port

USB Ethernet Adapter (MB442Z/A)

No Wi-Fi? Connect to wired networks with this simple, one-piece external adapter.

MagSafe Airline Adapter (MB441Z/A)

Plug into your airline seat power port and keep MacBook Air powered up for the entire flight.

Micro-DVI to Video Adapter (MB202G/A)

Get composite and S-video output from the MacBook Air micro-DVI port.

Time Capsule (MB276LL/A)
AirPort Extreme Base Station (MB053LL/A)
AirPort Express Base Station featuring AirTunes (M9470LL/A)
Apple Wireless Keyboard (MB167LL/A)
Apple Wireless Mighty Mouse (MB111LL/A)
Apple USB Modem (MA034Z/A)
.Mac Subscription (MA361Z/A)
AppleCare Protection Plan (MA516LL/A)

Actual weight varies by configuration and manufacturing process.
1GB=1 billion bytes. Actual formatted capacity less.
Battery life depends on configuration and use. See www.apple.com/batteries for more information.

During its presentation, Steve Jobs also offered information about the environmental goals behind the MacBook Air. It has a fully recyclable aluminum case, and is "the first" to have a mercury-free display with arsenic-free glass. All the circuit boards are BFR-free and PVC-free, and the retail packaging uses 56 percent less material than the MacBook packaging.

The MacBook Air is priced starting at $1,799 and will be available within two weeks.
You can pre-order it at Apple.

More Info:
Apple
www.macworld.com

The Noahpad UMPC

2008-01-14T10:53:00.000-08:00

Taiwanese E-Lead Electronics has announced a new UMPC (Ultra Mobile PC) called the Noahpad, at CES 2008.

Its most interesting feature is its unique keypad composed of two large (70x70mm) dual touch pads that serve both as a keyboard or a mousepad by changing its function at the touch of a key stroke.

Weighting 0.78 Kg and smaller than an A5 in size, it uses a 7 inch display that can be expanded using virtual screen technology to 10 inches and that is capable of achieving 1024 X 768 pixel resolution.

The screen can be folded 360 degrees, and by overlaying an image of the keyboard to aid typing, it allows users to use the touch pads at the opposite side, aided by touch sensitivity.

According to E-Lead's representatives it takes about 20 minutes to get used to operate and input into the computer that way, something that we honestly find hard to believe. But even if it takes a couple of hours to master it, it still is a very innovative and convenient way to operate a computer, specially in restricted environments.

It also features a 30GB HDD with SD slot a built-in WiFi and built-in Bluetooth and external 3.5G.
Battery life is over 10 hours using a external pack.

The price will be in the range of the EeePC and it is expected to be on the market in 2 or 3 months time.

Available from:
E-Lead Electronics

The LunchBox Triple-Screen Computer

2007-10-20T16:25:00.000-07:00

The LPG370TS from Acme Portable Machines is a computer that folds up into a heavy duty metal box to sustain bumps and impacted blows and added handles that make it easy to carry around.

When you open the LunchBox, three 17-inch high resolution high brightness/contrast and fast response LCD displays retract to display a panoramic view of whatever you may fancy to watch or work on.

We are still thinking of a rational use for it, but surely there must be hundreds of them.

Specifications:

Model No. LPG370TS
CPU Intel Core 2 Quad Q6600 2.4GHz
Memory 2GB DDR2 PC2 6400
Chipset nForce 680i
Graphics Dual nVidia 8800GTX in SLI mode
Audio 8-Channel audio output
Network Dual Gigabit LAN
Connectors Firewire 400, USB 2.0
Power Supply
Seasonic® 650 Watt

Display:

Diagonal Size 17"
Resolution 1280 x 1024
Color 16.7M colors
Control System OSD
LCD Protection Yes
Back to top
Portable Case

Available from:
Acme Portable

One Laptop Per Child

2007-10-13T15:33:00.000-07:00

One Laptop Per Child aims to provide a means for learning, self-expression and exploration to the nearly two billion children of the developing world with little or no access to education.

Starting November 12, One Laptop Per Child will be offering a Give 1 Get 1 Program for a brief window of time in North America.
For $399, you will be purchasing two XO laptops—one that will be sent to empower a child to learn in a developing nation, and one that will be sent to your child at home.
The XO laptop is a full-time wireless router. Children in the most remote regions of the globe—as well as their teachers and families—will be connected both to one another and to the Internet.

It features a 7.5 inch, 1200×900 pixel, TFT screen and self-refreshing display with higher resolution (200 DPI) than 95 percent of the laptops on the market today. Two display modes are available: a transmissive, full-color mode, and a reflective, high-resolution mode that is sunlight readable. Both consume very little power: the transmissive mode consumes one watt—about one seventh of the average LCD power consumption in a laptop; the reflective mode consumes a miserly 0.2 watts.

The laptop selectively suspends operation of its CPU, which makes possible even more remarkable power savings. The laptop nominally consumes less than two watts—less than one tenth of what a standard laptop consumes—so little that XO can be recharged by human power. This is a critical advance for the half-billion children who have no access to electricity.

Hardware

Physical dimensions:

* Approximate dimensions: 242mm×228mm×32mm;
* Approximate weight: 1.45KG with LiFeP battery; 1.58KG with NiMH battery;
* Configuration: Convertible laptop with pivoting, reversible display; dirt- and moisture-resistant system enclosure; no fan.

Core electronics:

* CPU: x86-compatible processor with 64KB each L1 I and D cache; at least 128KB L2 cache; AMD Geode LX-700@0.8W (datasheet);
* CPU clock speed: 433 Mhz;
* ISA compatibility: Support for both the MMX and 3DNow! x86 instruction-set extensions; Athlon instruction set (including MMX and 3DNow! Enhanced) with additional Geode-specific instructions;
* Companion chips: PCI and memory interface integrated with CPU; North Bridge: PCI and Memory Interface integrated with Geode CPU; AMD CS5536 South Bridge (datasheet);
* Graphics controller: Integrated with Geode CPU; unified memory architecture;
* Embedded controller: ENE KB3700 or ENE KB3700B;
* DRAM memory: 256 MiB dynamic RAM;
* Data rate: Dual — DDR333 — 166 Mhz;
* 1024KB SPI-interface flash ROM;
* Mass storage: 1024 MiB SLC NAND flash, high-speed flash controller;
* Drives: No rotating media;
* CAFE ASIC (Camera, Flash Enabler chip, provides high-performance Camera, NAND FLASH and SD interfaces); Marvell 88ALP01: (CAFE specification).

Display:

* Liquid-crystal display: 7.5” Dual-mode TFT display;
* Viewing area: 152.4mm × 114.3mm;
* Resolution: 1200 (H) × 900 (V) resolution (200 DPI);
* Monochrome display: High-resolution, reflective sunlight-readable monochrome mode; Color display: Standard-resolution, Quincunx-sampled, transmissive color mode;
* LCD power consumption: 0.1 Watt with backlight off; 0.2–1.0 Watt with backlight on;
* The display-controller chip (DCON) with memory that enables the display to remain live with the processor suspended; the display and this chip are the basis of our extremely low power architecture; the display controller chip also enables deswizzling and anti-aliasing in color mode.

Integrated peripherals:

* Keyboard: 80+ keys, 1.0mm stroke; sealed rubber-membrane key-switch assembly;
o Keyboard layout details;
o Keyboard layout pictures: international, Thai, Arabic, Spanish, Portuguese, West African, Urdu, Mongolian, Cyrillic, Amharic;
* Gamepad: Two sets of four-direction cursor-control keys;
* Touchpad: Dual capacitance/resistive touchpad; supports written-input mode; ALPS Electric Dual capacitive/resistive touchpad;
* Audio: AC97-compatible audio audio subsystem; internal stereo speakers and amplifier; internal monophonic microphone; jacks for external headphones and microphone; Analog Devices AD1888 and Analog Devices SSM2211 for audio amplification;
* Wireless networking: Integrated 802.11b/g (2.4GHz) interface; 802.11s (Mesh) networking supported; dual adjustable, rotating coaxial antennas; supports diversity reception; capable of mesh operation when CPU is powered down; Marvell Libertas 88W8388 controller and 88W8015 radio;
* Status indicators: Power, battery, WiFi (2); visible when lid is open or closed; microphone in-use and camera in-use visible when lid is open;
* Video camera: integrated color vision camera; 640×480 resolution at 30FPS; Omnivision OV7670.

External connectors:

* DC power: 6mm (1.65mm center pin) connector; 11 to 18 V input usable, –32 to 40 V input tolerated; power draw limited to 15 W;
* Headphone output: Standard 3.5mm 3-pin switched stereo audio jack;
* Microphone input: Standard 3.5mm 2-pin switched mono microphone jack; selectable 2V DC bias; selectable sensor-input mode (DC or AC coupled);
* USB: Three Type-A USB-2.0 connectors; up to 1A power supplied (total);
* Flash explansion: MMC/SD Card slot.

Battery:

* Pack type: 2 or 4 cells LiFePO4; or 5 cells NiMH, approximately 6V series configuration;
* Capacity: 22.8 Watt-hours (LiFePO4); 16.5 Watt-hours (NiMH);
* Fully-enclosed “hard” case; user removable;
* Electronics integrated with pack provide:
* Identification;
* Battery charge and capacity information;
* Thermal and over-current sensors along with cutoff switch to protect battery;
* Minimum 2,000 charge/discharge cycles (to 50% capacity of new);
* Power management will be critical.

BIOS/loader

* Open Firmware used to load the operating system.

Environmental specifications:

* Temperature: UL certification planned to 45C in Q32007, pending 50C certification in mid-2008;
* Humidity: UL certification planned to IP42 (perhaps higher) when closed, the unit should seal well enough that children walking to and from school need not fear rainstorms and dust;
* Maximum altitude: –15m to 3048m (14.7 to 10.1 PSIA) (operating), –15m to 12192m (14.7 to 4.4 PSIA) (non-operating);
* Shock 125g, 2ms, half-sine (operating) 200g, 2ms, half-sine (non-operating);
* Random vibration: 0.75g zero-to-peak, 10Hz to 500Hz, 0.25 oct/min sweep rate (operating); 1.5g zero-to-peak, 10Hz to 500Hz, 0.5 oct/min sweep rate (nonoperating);
* 2mm plastic walls (1.3mm is typical for most systems).

Regulatory requirements:

* The usual US and EU EMI/EMC (Electromagnetic Interference and Compatibility) requirements will be met;
* The laptop meets IEC 60950-1, EN 60950-1, and CSA/UL 60950-1 specifications. It also complies with UL 1310 and UL 498. In order to guarantee the safety of children using the laptop, it also passes ASTM F 963;
* The external power adapter complies with IEC, EN, and CSA/UL 60950-1;
* The removable battery pack complies with IEC, EN, and CSA/UL 60950-1 and UL 2054;
* RoHS (Restriction of Hazardous Substances Directive – EU) compliant.

Software

XO is built from free and open-source software using components from Red Hat's Fedora Core 6 version of the Linux operating system.
XO will support five programming environments on the laptop:

Python, from which it has been built the user interface and the activity model;
Javascript for browser-based scripting;
Csound, a programmable music and audio environment;
Squeak, a version of Smalltalk embedded into a media-rich authoring environment;
Logo. And some support Java and Flash.

Applications will include:

A web browser built on Xulrunner, the run-time environment used by the Firefox browser;
A simple document viewer based upon Evince;
AbiWord wordprocessor,
RSS reader,
email client,
chat client,
VOIP client;
journal
wiki with WYSIWYG editing;
multimedia authoring and playback environment;
music composition toolkit,
graphics toolkits,
games,
shell,
debugger.

Libraries and plugins used by OLPC include Xul, GTK+, Matchbox, Sugar, Pango, ATK, Cairo, X Window System, Avahi, and gstreamer.

More Info about the One Laptop Per Child :
OLPC

MojoPac, Mobile Computing in your USB2 device

2007-10-04T11:47:00.000-07:00

MojoPac is a technology that transforms your iPod or USB Hard Drive or Flash drive into a portable and private PC.
MojoPac uses any USB2 storage device, such as iPods, USB flash drives, portable hard drives, USB-enabled cell phones, and USB-enabled digital cameras to upload your applications and files, modify your user settings and environment preferences, and take it with you everywhere.

Every time you plug your MojoPac-enabled device into any Windows XP PC , MojoPac automatically launches your environment on the host PC.
MojoPac supports popular applications such as Firefox, Adobe Photoshop or Microsoft Office, and it is also high performance enough to run popular PC Games such as World of Warcraft and Half-Life 2.
Your communications, music, games, applications, and files are all local and accessible.
And when you unplug the MojoPac device, no trace is left behind, because your information is not cached on the host PC.

MojoPac is a product from RingCube Technologies, a company founded in 2004 and is based in Mountain View, California.

To setup the MojoPac device, the user runs a installer and selects any USB2 storage device attached to the system.
It then creates an executable in the root of the USB2 device along with an autorun file to allow the user the option to start up the MojoPac environment automatically when the device is plugged in.
Once this application is started, a new Windows Desktop is started up in the virtualized MojoPac environment. Any application running inside this environment is based in the USB device without affecting the Operating System of the host.
The user has the option to switch between the host environment and the MojoPac environment by selecting them from a bar at the top of the screen.

Devices that can be used for MojoPac

	Pros	Cons	Ideal Usage	Mojo Devices
iPod	You already carry it with you for your music. So why not for your Mojo?	iPods are all positive, as long as you can afford the price tag.	30-80GB iPod to carry your iTunes, work, multimedia, games, and personal apps. 2-4GB iPod nano to carry your iTunes, IM.	iPod iPod Video iPod nano iPod mini
USB Hard Drive	High capacity (8GB - 160GB) High performance Getting smaller in size: 1'' drives are slightly larger than Flash (and can be attached to a key chain!). 1.8'' drives are the size of an iPod.	The highest performance drives (2.5'') are a little large, but you can find pocket-size enclosures.	Work applications, high-end games, multimedia applications, developer applications.	Seagate/Maxtor, Western Digital, Hitachi for 2.5'' Toshiba MK8007GAH for 1.8'' Memorex Mega Travel Drive for 1''
USB Flash	Very small form factor. Can be attached to a key-chain.	Much higher $/GB compared with hard drives. Lower performance and shorter life span.	Smaller applications (IM, Firefox, Google Pack, Yahoo Widgets)	Memorex Imation OCZ Sandisk Lexar
Cell Phone	You can't go anywhere without your cell phone. So why not use it to carry your Mojo?	Only a handful of expensive phones come with large internal storage. But this is changing rapidly!	Work applications, multimedia and IM. Samsung i310 can carry 1-2 PC games.	Nokia N91 Samsung i310 More to come…

All the applications can be run on different Windows XP computers, having all user's settings, applications, and documents functioning the same way (although is obvious that the speed depends on every Windows XP host).

Applications that can be used with MojoPac (last updated September 2007)
For an updated list visit the Mojo Applications page

Business and Productivity	Microsoft Office (Microsoft Office 2003 (PowerPoint, Word, Excel, Outlook) Lotus Notes 6.5.3 Acrobat Reader 7 Adobe Reader 8.0 Mozilla Thunderbird 1.5 Quicken 2007 Open Office 2.0	Adobe Photoshop CS2: Enterprise, University and volume licenses only Microsoft Remote Desktop - RDP Client Support for retail version of Adobe Photoshop CS2 will be added as an update to MojoPac 1.1.
Games	Age of Empires 3 America's Army Auto Assault Battlefield 1942* Battlefield 2* Battlefield Vietnam* Battlefield 2142* Bicycle Card Games Bicycle Casino Black & White Black & White 2* Chessclub software Blitzin 2.5 City of Heroes City of Villains Company of Heroes Condition Zero (Steam) Condition Zero Deleted Scenes (Steam) Counter-Strike 1.6 (Steam) Counter-Strike: Source (Steam) Dark Messiah Day of Defeat (Steam) Day of Defeat: Source (Steam) Deathmatch Classic (Steam) Diablo II Diablo II - Lord of Destruction Dungeons and Dragons Online EverQuest II FEAR* Fear Combat FIFA Soccer 06* FIFA Soccer 07* Ghost Recon Gothic 3 Retail* Guild Wars Guild Wars Factions Half Life: Blue Shift (Source) Half-Life (Steam) Half-Life 2 (Steam) Half-Life 2: Deathmatch (Steam) Half-Life 2: Episode One (Steam) Half-Life 2: Lost Coast (Steam) Half-Life Deathmatch: Source (Steam) Half-Life: Source (Source) Heroes 5	Just Cause Madden 06* Madden 07* Microsoft Flight Simulator 2004 Microsoft Flight Simulator X Microsoft Zoo Tycoon Natural Selection (Steam) NCAA 07* Neverwinter Nights 2 NHL 06* NHL 07* NFL Head Coach** NFS Carbon Retail* Oblivion Opposing Force (Steam) PartyPoker Client Prey* Ricochet (Steam) Rise of Nations - Rise of Legends Second Life Sid Meier's Pirates Sims 2 Sims 2 Pets Sin 1 (Steam) Sin 1 Multiplayer (Steam) Sin Episodes: Emergence (Steam) Spellbound Retail* Star Wars Battlefront Star Wars Galaxies StarCraft StarCraft: Brood War Steam Sudoku Team Fortress Classic (Steam) The Battle for Middle Earth The Lounge The Simes 2 University Tiger Woods Golf 06* Tiger Woods 07* Titan Quest Tomb Raider, The Angel of Darkness Unreal Unreal II Unreal Tournament Unreal Tournament 2004 Warcraft III World of Warcraft Multiplayer requires PunkBuster for selected servers. *Ignore installation errors - the game will work.
Communication and Instant Message Clients	AIM (AOL instant messenger) v 1.0.4 Gaim 1.5 Google Talk Beta mIRC 6.2 mySpace IM (Beta) Skype 2.0	Trillian Basic 3.0* Trillian Pro 3.0* TeamSpeak 2.0 Ventrilo 2.3 Yahoo Messenger 8.0 Xfire 1.6 X-Lite SoftPhone *for Trillian, please first install QuickTime 7 on your MojoPac.
Browsers	Internet Explorer 6 Internet Explorer 7 (Host Only) Mozilla Firefox 1.5	Mozilla Firefox 2.0 Opera 9
Multimedia Applications	iTunes 6 iTunes 7 Quicktime 7 Real Player 10 Window Media Player 9, 10	Winamp 5 SlingPlayer 1.3 Nero 7 Nero 7.5 Zinio Reader PowerDVD 6
Photo and Graphics Editing	Adobe Photoshop CS2: Enterprise, University and volume licenses only** Irfanview 3.98 Picasa ShutterFly Studio AutoCAD 2007	Flickr Uplodr Gimp 2.2 Maya 7 Gimp ** Support for retail version of Microsoft Office and Adobe Photoshop CS2 will be added as an update to MojoPac 1.1
Email Clients	MS Outlook 2003 Mozilla Thunderbird 1.5	Lotus Notes 6.5.3
Developer Applications and IT Apps	Borland JBuilder 2006 Cygwin Eclipse 3.2 Java J2SE 1.4, 1.5 and J2EE 1.3, 1.4 SDK JBoss Application Server 4.0 MySQL 5.0 .Net 1.1 and .Net 2.0 framework NetBeans 5.0 Putty	Python 2.4 QEmu+KQemu* Sun Java Studio Creator 2 Sun Java System Application Server 8.2 Tomcat 5.0, 5.5 TurboKite 2.27 Visual Studio 2003 WireShark/Ethereal 0.99.3 WS_FTP Home Edition
Security	Clam AntiVirus 0.88.4 ewido anti-spyware 4.0 Anonymizer	Spybot - Search and Destroy 1.4 Ad-Aware Personal SE 1.06 eWallet
Miscellaneous	Google Pack (Google Earth, Picasa, Google Desktop, Google Toolbar) Yahoo Widgets Google Earth Picasa2 Nero 7	Zinio Reader Garmin MapSource Microsoft Street & Trips 2006 National Geographic Topo! Version 4 Evernote Garmin MapSource

Once the portable storage MojoPac-enabled device is disconnected from the computer, there are no traces left behind on the computer.

The MojoPac can be downloaded from the MojoPac website, and comes in 3 different versions:

MojoPac Freedom - Free to download
MojoPac Deluxe - Costs $49.99
MojoPac Enterprise Suite - Consists of three product lines: MojoStation Series, MojoDrive Series, and MojoNet Series. No prices displayed, but you can download a Demo version.

OQO e2

2007-10-01T05:02:00.000-07:00

OQO model e2 is a fully featured notebook computer that is the size of a handheld, capable of running Windows Vista in about 18 cubic inches of space.

San Francisco-based OQO demonstrated its initial proof of concept at WinHEC 2002, signaling a new era in ultra-mobile personal computing.
OQO unveiled its first commercial product, the OQO model 01, at the 2004 Consumer Electronics Show (CES) where it won awards including TechTV's "Best of Show" in the mobile computing and wireless category.
Its successor, the model 01+, was certified by the Guinness World Records, as the world’s smallest full powered, full featured personal computer ever developed.

OQO has recently introduced its first ultra mobile PC, OQO model e2.
The model e2 signals a strategic expansion by OQO into the European mobility market in response to a very high interest from international customers, specially from Europe.

Model e2 Features

Full PC performance

1.5GHz, or 1.6GHz VIA C7-M ULV processor
Integrated graphics chipset together with OQO's patented subprocessor technology
Designed for optimal performance per watt operation.
Storage drive capacities of up to a 120GB HDD,
Available with 1GB of DDR2 SDRAM operating at 533MHz

32 GB solid state drive

OQO is now offering a 1.8-inch 32GB solid state drive (SSD) on OQO model e2 computers. Unlike hard disk drives with spinning platters and mechanical heads, a solid state drive is based on NAND flash memory with no moving parts.

The SSD has a high operating shock tolerance of up to 1,500 G's, making it ideal for users in tough and extreme environments. In addition, model e2 computers with solid state drives exhibit better performance and faster boot times.

Easy input and navigation

Sliding up the 5" WVGA LCD of the model e2 reveals a 58-key thumb keyboard and track stick.

The EL backlit keyboard includes numberpad and SmartLock™ keys to enhance usability and functionality. With 18 keyboard shortcuts configured on the model e2, you can quickly launch commonly used applications such as the OQO Wireless Dashboard.

The model e2 keyboard also features a track stick mouse pointer for precise cursor movement with your thumb and dedicated zoom keys for quickly changing screen magnification that allow full interactivity while zoomed, and support 1000x600 and 1200x720 interpolated modes.

For effortless scrolling within a window or application, capacitive TouchScrollers™ are conveniently embedded in the lower right corner of the screen frame.

Built-in wireless

OQO has engineered 5 antennas into the magnesium alloy chassis of the model e2 to accommodate wireless technologies: WiFi and Bluetooth.

Standard on all model e2 configurations is tri-mode WiFi (802.11a/b/g) with diversity antenna selection for improved performance.

For personal area network connectivity, the model e2 can be paired with other devices such as keyboard, mouse, headset, and stereo headphones via Bluetooth.

To manage all your wireless connections, access OQO’s Wireless Dashboard software using the radio function shortcut on the OQO model e2 keyboard.

Thermal management

OQO has designed an advanced thermal management system that provides >2X improvement in cooling effectiveness over its predecessor, the model 01+.

The model e2 thermal management system includes a heatpipe, a cooling fan, and multiple air vents. The heatpipe extracts and transfers heat from the CPU to the air vents where the cooling fan blows air out of the chassis.

The speed of the cooling fan dynamically adjusts based on internal computer temperature and can also be overriden by the user through the OQO manager software.

Available from:

OQO

Computer Eye Glasses

2007-09-20T11:26:00.000-07:00

Computer glasses refers to the use of special eye glasses to reduce eye strain from viewing computer monitors.

When you work at a computer for any length of time, it’s common to experience blurred vision and other symptoms of computer vision syndrome (CVS). You’re more likely to experience eyestrain and eye fatigue while sitting at the computer, because of unique visual demands that are unlike those associated with most other activities.

If you’re under age 40, blurred vision may be due to inability of your eyes to remain accurately focused on your computer screen for a sustained time period. Or eye fatigue and blurriness may be related to problems with quickly and accurately changing focus, such as when you shift your gaze from your monitor to your keyboard and back again. This lag of accommodation can be associated with CVS.

If you’re over age 40, the problem may be due to the onset of presbyopia — the normal age-related loss of near focusing ability. This, too, can cause CVS symptoms.

What can you do? For one thing, obtaining customized computer glasses can make a world of difference in your comfort level while you're using the computer. These special-purpose glasses are prescribed specifically to reduce eyestrain and to give you the most comfortable vision at your computer.

More Info:
All About Vision

Design Considerations for Computer Glasses

A solution is to provide low powered rimless reading glasses with ultra light frames and permitting the selection of lenses to match each eyes requirements.
If you do wear reading glasses you will find that a lower power is needed for computer use and these are not readily available over the counter.

The Best Possible Solution, from the optical supply system, is of course computer glasses made to your exact prescription and workplace setup. Unfortunately the cost is often very, very high and it is difficult to ensure you obtain exactly the Rx and lens coatings and design (bifocal, progressive, which manufacturer)

Of course you must be prepared to work out the corrections required by following our advice in selecting a set of step diopter lenses to provide the proper computer glasses for your Rx and workplace distances.

Anti-Reflective Coatings on Computer Glasses

While A/R coatings do require more frequent cleaning the coating also increases scratch resistance.

Glare, when referring to computer use really refers to light intensity higher than that of the monitor that acts as “visual noise” and affects the eye’s ability to focus clearly on the monitor.

Tinted Lenses in Computer Glasses

Tinted Lens to cut down on excessive “blue light” spectrum.
However any tint will cut down on light transmission and cause pupil dilation resulting in a narrower depth of field.

Reading Glasses as Computer Glasses

Reading Glasses are not suitable for most computer users as you cannot choose individual eye strengths and the interpupillary distance can be quite far off (one size fits all) thus inducing “prism” and causing additional eyestrain.

Progressive Lenses for Computer Glasses

Progressive lenses are often prescribed for use in Computer Eye Glasses.

Aside from costing more than normal lenses these require very careful prescriptions and fitting of the eyeglasses for comfortable wear AFTER an adjustment period.

Without appropriate eyeglasses, computer users can often end up with blurred vision, eyestrain, and headaches (computer vision syndrome).
Worse still, many people try to compensate for their blurred vision by leaning forward, or by tipping their head to look through the bottom portion of their glasses. Both of these actions can result in a sore neck, sore shoulders and a sore back.

These lenses are only 26mm in height to permit viewing “underneath” to focus on keyboard etc.

Available from:
Eye Fatigue

i-Disk Touch

2007-09-15T20:29:00.000-07:00

Pretec's i-Disk Touch is a slim and stylish USB Drive with security function for mass data storing, sharing and transporting.

Only registered users whose fingerprints have been recorded can access the data stored on the drive, which can handle up to 10 users.
It will also encrypt files and folders, lock your PC and store your favorite Web sites.

You may also lock the PC and allow only authorized users to access the protected PC.
Simply plug the device into your computer USB port and you are ready to copy and share files.

Its dimensions are just 19.4mm x 76.4mm x 10.2mm, and can storage from 512MB to 8GB.
It provides a transfer rate of up to 12MB/sec and runs on Windows 2000 / XP and above.

Features:

USB flash storage with biometric security
Fingerprint scanner operates on sweep principle, and unit can save the sensor pattterns of up to 10 different people to make sure data can only be accessed by authorised users
iDisk Touch can be used as a PC lock and only allow authorised users to access the protected PC
iDisk Touch can also secure access to data files and documents. Depending on requirements, individual files or entire directories can be encoded with the iDisk Touch and made available again when needed

Available from:
Pretec

PC Media Remote

2007-09-14T20:08:00.000-07:00

As small and flat as a credit card, the compact PC Media Remote from Mobile Edge enables you to wirelessly play DVDs, CDs, Videos and Audio files from up to 100 ft. away.

It uses a 2.4GHz RF technology to manage all your multimedia software without having to point the PC Media Remote at your computer.

Watch movies, play videos and listen to music, all from this versatile remote control that securely stores in your notebook's PC card slot.

Features:

Uses advanced Radio Frequency (RF) technology - No IR line-of-site limitations
Wirelessly control Windows Media Player® 10 and earlier, iTunes® for Windows, WinDVD®, and DVD Player® for Mac
Wirelessly control your media from up to 100 feet from the computer – perfect for your media center!
Slim, compact and easy to carry.The USB adapter is slim enough to snap into the Remote Control, which can then be stored in the card slot of your Notebook computer.
2.4GHz RF technology, Omni-directional remote control
USB Plug and Play

Available from:
Mobile Edge

The Computer History Museum

2007-09-12T08:23:00.001-07:00

The Computer History Museum maintains the world's largest collection of materials related to the history of computers, including hardware, software, documentation, ephemera, and media.
With collecting efforts spanning four decades, the Museum seeks to preserve a comprehensive view of computing history, one that includes the machines, the software, the business and competitive environments, personal recollections, and the social implications of humankind's most important invention, the computer.

The Museum offers online exhibitions (see links below) on a variety of topics related to the History of Computing. You can also visit the Museum and experience computing history in person. Currently on display is Visible Storage, an exhibit featuring highlights from the Museum's collection, Mastering the Game: A History of Computer Chess and Innovations 101, a celebration of Silicon Valley companies and pioneers.

Online Exhibitions:

		Timeline 1939 to 1994 Learn about the significant milestones in the history of computing from its beginnings in World War II to the development of today's Internet.

		Visible Storage View highlights from the Computer History Museum's collection of computing artifacts, the largest in the world.

		PDP-1 Restoration Project Learn about the history and our recent restoration of a PDP-1. Explore almost 200 documents, photos, movies and music related to this amazing machine.

		Mastering the Game: A History of Computer Chess Explore computing history's five decade long quest to build a computer that could challenge the best human chess players.

		Selling the Computer Revolution 250+ digitized marketing brochures, representing some of the important technologies, companies, and applications in computing from 1948 to 1988.

		Microprocessors 1971 to 1996 Understand the genealogy and evolution of the first 25 years of the microprocessor.

		Internet History 1962 to 1992 Discover the major milestones in the early development of today's Internet.

		Hall of Fellows Learn about some of computing history's pioneers recognized by the Computer History Museum for their significant contributions.

		This Day in History Find out what happened in computing history today or any other day.

Website:
Computer History Museum

Wrist Watch Computers

2007-09-08T08:48:00.000-07:00

The Nerds at the "nerd watch museum" have collected hundreds of WristWatch Computer models from several manufacturers.

They also have vintage digital watches for sale at their website.

Seiko Computer Watch Fun

Seiko has been a long-time innovator in the world of horology--their digital watch line started way back in 1973. When we experienced "computer fever" in the 1980s, Seiko wasted no time in releasing a product line which capitalized on the PC market. The D409 was their first model to offer on-board storage. The display was a novel dot-matrix LCD capable of displaying easy to read alphanumeric characters; the user input data via four pushers on the sides of the watch and there was enough storage to hold seven "channels" of messages. The D409 was a successful model worldwide and was only the beginning of Seiko's complex, "computer-esque" watch line. Our effort here is to provide a complete listing of these models. Thus far, our lists includes:

Data 2000
UC-2000
RC-1000
Memo Diary
UC-2001
UC-2002
RC-20
UC-3000
RC-4000
RC-4400
RC-4500

Data-2000 1983 (Cal. UW01-0020)

I first discovered this watch in Chinatown, NYC about 7 or 8 years after it was initially released and was stunned. The dot matrix display, matte black finish and those bright orange buttons gave it such a high-tech look even for 1990. And the keyboard docking station made the ensemble the centerpiece of the nerd watch collection at the time.

What does it do? Aside from telling time and fulfilling the traditional chronograph duties, the Data 2000 can also store memos, appointments and perform calculator functions using the accompanying keyboard (model no. UK01-0030). How does it work? This is interesting part: data is transmitted via "electromagnetic coupling". There's a small metal loop in the watch and another in the keyboard. Current flows through the loops, turning each into a magnet. Communication occurs via a series of magnetic pulses from each side. Data is transferred (2,048 bits/second with a ~32 KHz carrier frequency) and the watch receives the data for storage. The watch is placed into the "Transmission Circuit" of the keyboard and the user presses the transmit button on the face of the watch. You can press either the CAL button for calculator mode; M-A for Memo A or M-B for Memo B. There's also a handy CNT button to adjust the contrast of the watch. Holding the CNT darkens the display; pressing both the SFT and CNT lightens it. The other buttons are intuitive for anyone who's been around a keyboard.

Miscellaneous Information: Seiko's MSRP on this watch was $295 USD. It was sold in a sleak, silver cardboard box with orange trim and included a large instruction book; the watch and keyboard were set in black sponge material. The Data 2000 stores two memos, each with a capacity of 1,000 characters hence the "2000". The watch requires a BR2325 lithium watch battery; the keyboard uses a CR2016 battery. When you replace the battery, you might need to perform an "All Clear" on the CMOS to get the watch working again. Take a look for a tiny round hole near the edge of the watch with a gold contact. Take a tweezer or any small metal object and touch this contact and the battery at the same time. Then check the LCD, the display should read 12:00. Is your watch quiet? Perhaps the alarm is disabled. Enable it by pressing the leftmost and rightmost buttons at the same time. Keyboard and watch not communicating? This might be hard to fix, but after inserting fresh batteries, try this: mount the watch in the keyboard and press all four buttons at the same time. While doing this, flip the switch on the keyboard several times. We've owned several faulty Data-2000 watches--almost always, the communication failures resulted from a problem in the watch, NOT the keyboard. Our efforts to find a repair service for this watch were unsuccessful. Seiko USA (Coserv) couldn't service the watch because replacement parts were not available.

UC-2000 aka Wrist Information System 1984 (Cal. UW01-0010)

A more traditional looking "nerd watch," the UC-2000 was equipped with an gray bezel and stainless steel band. The watch was but one accessory in a signficant ensemble called the UC-2000 Series Wrist Information System. Like the Data-2000, it communicates with a pocket-sized keyboard except this one is beige in color and labeled the UC-2100. View a picture of the UC-2000 mounted in its keyboard here. There are actually two varieties of this keyboard: the UK01-0020 keyboard has 61 buttons; the UK01-0010 has 62! The extra button toggles the alternate keyset of Kanji characters, obviously intended for the Japanese market. We have seeen this watch surface in Europe, Asia and North America a little more frequently than the Data 2000. Using the UW01 module, it also store 2000 characters on board, as well as perform time/date, stopwatch, alarm and hourly chime functions. The UW01 module is NOT waterproof but it is Y2K-compliant. It's one of a select few watches out there that displays the time with seconds, date and day all at the same time. That large dot matrix display also allows the watch to show the day in unabbreviated format. Setting the watch is very easy--simply hit the mode button a couple of times until you see the seconds flash. Then hit the right button to toggle through each portion of the display; use the left-most button to set. When you're done, hit the mode button again.

Nearly all of the technical information mentioned earlier for the Data 2000 can be applied to the UC-2000. So, in 1984, why would I choose to buy the UC-2000 over the Data 2000? This wasn't called the Wrist Information System for nothing--the UC-2000 operated with a larger, more powerful terminal called the UC-2200 (model no. UM01-0020). This device was equipped with a Transmission Circuit but also offered a spool-fed printer, 4K of RAM and a 26K of ROM via a plug-in Application ROM Pack. Seiko's offering was a computer system with the wristwatch serving as the display! The UC-2200 included removeable ROM pack which contained Microsoft's BASIC and a demonstration of the UC-2000's capabilities. There were two other ROM packs offered: one which included some games and another with an English-Japanese translator application. We're wondering how popular this system was for word processing back in the day--how difficult would it be to write a document using a 10x4 character display?

How does it work? The UC-2200 terminal requires 3 AA batteries. Look for that Transmission Circuit and pull it up slightly so it sits at a slight angle. Power up the terminal and plop your watch into the transmission circuit, then hit the transmit button.

There are four options: you can perform the typical calculator and memo editor functions as before or you can utilize the power of the UC-2200. Try hitting the BASIC button. You'll see the watch's LCD display some copyright information for Microsoft, then print storage availability and finally a blank screen. From here you write some code, if that's your thing. You can also choose the APL button which will load the inserted ROM pack. If you're using the included ROM pack, you'll see a four-option menu of the screen of your watch: DEMO; SCHEDULE; HIT and RACE. The latter two are games. Select any of these using the arrow keys in the lower right corner of the keyboard. The watch will flash * LOAD START * for a bit and that's it. The program has been loaded onto your watch! You won't have the memo function anymore, the storage has been used up by the program. But your UC-2000 is now a game watch or can hold a schedule!

Perhaps Seiko overestimated the success--was the world ready for a computer watch? The initial price of the Wrist Information System was about $300 USD in 1984 but by 1986 merchandise clearinghouses like Damark were selling the Seiko system for about $100. In Japan, the UC-2000 was offered a la carte. One could purchase the watch, terminal, ROM packs are any combination of each. The watch was offered for ¥19,000; the terminal for ¥29,800.

Why buy a UC-2000 if you already own a computer? Good question, and Seiko had an answer. You couldn't carry your computer with you, so a device was offered to connect your watch to your home computer! The UC-2300 was a dock that was equipped with a transmission circuit but also had an interface for connecting to your home PC. We observed this device in Seiko's brochure for the UC-2000 but have only seen it sold with the UC-2001. If anyone has information on the device in conjunection with the UC-2000 (software, computer vendor compatibility) please share the information!

Miscellaneous Information: Again, most of the information submitted for the Data-2000 can be applied here. The watch requires a BR2325 lithium watch battery; the keyboard uses a CR2016 battery. The terminal requires 3 AA batteries and the printer requires specially sized paper roll. We're not sure whether the printer ribbon is replaceable. Both this watch and the Data-2000 are water-resistant but we don't recommend making a habit of getting these wet. The circuitry inside is protected by a very thing gasket which may not be effective.

UC-2000 brochure from Japan; UC-2000 magazine ad from USA

RC-1000 aka Wrist Terminal 1984 (Cal. S501-5000; S501-4000)

This is one of the more uncommon Seiko computer watches, sold briefly in around 1984. It was Seiko's first to be offered with the intent of computer connectivity. The watch was sold packaged in a gray square boxed and included an RS232C interface cable and software. No keyboard or terminal was included; all data input was to be controlled from the computer. In the early '80s, the public had a wide variety of computer architectures to choose from. The RC-1000 was compatible with several: the Apple II, II+ and IIe; the Commodore 64; IBM PC, PCjr, and IBM PC compatibles; NEC 8201; Tandy Color Computer, Model 1000, 1200, 2000 and TRS-80 Model I, III, 4 and 4p. Each watch shipped with a black Interconnecting Cable and a 5 1/4" floppy diskette or (data cassette) containing Data Transmission Software for one computer platform. If you owned more than one type of computer, we presume you'd need to buy another RC-1000 that included the appropriate software, or perhaps Seiko sold floppy disks for each platform separately. The disk (or cassette) was labeled Wrist Terminal Data Manager. Seiko's documentation says that while all software can perform the same basic features, not all distributions are the same. They give the example of the world time display, where some versions contain more world cities than others.

The watch is equipped with six buttons and some interesting functions. In addition to the typical day, date, alarm and timekeeping functions, the RC-1000 also has memo, schedule alarm, weekly alarm and world time functions (these require the software!). Oh, and there's a light too! Just hold the SET down to illuminate the face. Sadly, the screen display is a paltry 12x2 characters but it does scroll the data in memory. Like the previous models, the RC-1000 has 2 kilobytes of RAM.

How does it work? The user connects the watch to the interface cable which is plugged into the computer. He inserts the floppy disk, goes into BASIC. Then LOAD and RUN the Data Manager. There's a file called RC1000.bas (the cassette will have RC1000.RC or .R) ; run the command RC1000. You'll be greeted with a menu with five options: 1. Edit/Create Watch Data; 2. Transmit to RC-1000 (Load Watch); 3. Print Watch Data; 4. System Menu. To add any data to your watch, whether it be a schedule, world time or memo, you'll need to start with the first option. A blank screen and a cursor will appear--next, hit CTRL+I and you'll see a submenu: 1. Add Memo Label; 2. Add Memo Data; 3. Add Schedule Alarm Data/Label; 4. Add Weekly Alarm Data/Label; 5. Add World Time Data/Label. The manual or some free time of hacking will be useful if you've made it this far. To roll back to a previous menu, use the ESC key. The editor relies heavily on the CTRL key.

Miscellaneous Information: At least two versions of this watch were offered. The S501-4000 was fitted with a black plastic or rubber bracelet; the 5000 had a matte black metal bracelet. Again, this watch requires a BR2325 battery. Replacing the battery requires a unique procedure to get the watch working again, and it's tricky to do with only two hands. After the battery swap, close up the case and then hold the top three buttons down and the lower middle button at the same time for at least three seconds. The watch will beep and the screen will flash but then display normally. This is the only Seiko computer watch equipped with a light! Hold the lower right button down the illuminate the display. To set the watch, hit the SELECT button to display the time and date. Next, press the LOCK button, and then hit SELECT again. You'll notice the flashing seconds display. To set a specific element of the display, use the SELECT button; use the SET button to change it. This is one of the more uncommon Seiko computer watches and we're not aware of any variations based on geographic location, though we presume the watch was marketed for the Sinclair in Europe and the MSX and Sharp personal computer line in Japan.

RC-1000 Ad from Japan

Memo Diary 1984 (Cal. UW02-0010)

We guess Seiko released this model to fill the well-dressed salaryman niche. It's similar in design to the Data-2000 and UC-2000 but sports a fancy, polished silver or gold finish. The watch case was heavier and the dial appeared more refined. The gold model actually has a gold-tinted LCD to match the case. The keyboards for each were also color-coordinated. Sold in 1984, during the height of Japan's bubble economy we can only guess how many Tokyo executives sported this dressy nerd watch.

How does it work? The Memo Diary tells time, stores memos and has a diary, or schedule feature. Using the included terminal, you enter data into the watch with a small keyboard. There is no calculator or stopwatch function, but the schedule feature is most interesting. You could program future appointments into the watch, and you'll be reminded of them at the start time. One could store 31 days worth of scheduled appointments with a maximum of 15 per day. But no more than 43 total scheduled appointments could be stored. The Memo Diary also offers a single memo page of 1000 characters. To set the time, follow the instructions offered for the Data 2000. To create a schedule, plug the watch into the terminal, hit the TRANSMIT button, then hit the SCH key. Wait a couple of seconds and you'll be prompted to enter a date. After supplying a date, hit the bell key to enable the alarm and then type in the time, followed by an A or P to indicate AM or PM. Then you can type in a label or small message to describe the event. Use more than one line if you need to by hitting the RETURN key. To submit the event, hit the ENT button once again. You can also adjust the contrast if you need to by hitting either of the CNT buttons.

Miscellaneous Information: The Memo Diary requires a BR2325 battery. The keyboard requires a CR2016 battery. The watch was sold in silver and black; it and the keyboard shipped in an attractive white cardboard box with a silk-like padding material. There's an unusual watch out there that is nearly identical in appearance to this model, it's called the Spacetronic. We have no idea if this watch was sold with a keyboard or solo. The transmit button is labelled "unlock" and the bracelet is varies slightly to that of the Memo Diary. The one Spacetronic digital we found has the model number W030-0010 on the back; other markings are consistent with the Seiko. A famous line was sold under this name by Swiss watchmaker Zodiac. Could there be a relationship? If anyone has any details, please share them with us!

Japanese Memo Diary Ad

UC-3000 aka Seiko Memo Diary Wrist Information System1984 (Cal. UW02-0020)

The UC-3000 is the Memo Diary in a matte black facade. It offers the same functionality: Display of time, date and day of week;; 1K storage for memos; and a diary, or schedule capable of 43 separate appointments. An alarm feature notifies the user of each appointment.

How does it work? The MODE button toggles time, memo and schedule modes. To enter alphanumeric data into the watch, attach the watch to the "Transmission Circuit" of the UC-3100 (module no. UK02-0030) keyboard terminal. Press the "Transmit" button on the watch, then select your function on the terminal. Using the terminal you can add appointments, create memos and adjust the contrast on your watch. Unlike the UC-2000 and Data-2000, this model offers no stopwatch or calculator feature. But the multiple alarm capability could be most useful for the businessman on the go.

Interesting keys on the UC-3100 terminal: STP Used to replace an incorrect data. While in schedule mode, push the SFT+ENT, then enter the correct date. INS for Insert and DEL for Delete while in memo mode. ILN inserts a blank line while in the memo feature. This is handy for separating memos. DLN deletes and entire line. While in memo mode, if you want to reach the End Line quickly, simply hold down the SET button. Pressing and holding it again will bring you to the Start Line. The Select button performs the same feature. The memo contains a total of 100 lines. If all 100 lines are filled with data and you attempt an Insert Line, you will receive MEMORY CAPACITY OVER indicating your memory is full.

Miscellaneous Information: The UC-3000 requires a BR2325 Lithium battery; the UC-3100 terminal uses a CR2016. The packaging for this watch is quite impressive. The UC-3000 was sold in a red cardboard portfolio with two sets of instructions (1 English and 1 for other other languages, our has French, German and Italian). On the inside flap of the portfolio, a gold sheet explained the purpose of the UC-3000: "The Seiko UC-3000 Series Memo Diary is an amazing product that anticipates the 21st century. Incorporating SEIKO's advanced quartz technology and micro-electronics, this technological marvel will provide years of dependable service and a wide variety of flexible, practical features." The portfolio came in black cardboard storage box. This model might be the most plentiful of the bunch, suggesting that Seiko either over-produced this model or that sales were lacking. We've confirmed that with exception of the case and module, all parts from the UC-2000, Data-2000 and Memo-Diary are interchangeable.

UC-2001 aka Datagraph 2001 1985 (Cal. UW02-????)

Seiko's initial Datagraph UC-2001 was a classic stainless steel watch modeled after the Memo Diary to deliver convenience to the wrist. The watch was programmed with a personal computer, some software called Time Trax and the interesting UC-2301 interface. It used the same wireless technology 2000 series models, but the interface plugs into the serial port of the computer (much like the RC-1000). We have only seen an Apple II version of the UC-2001 Datagraph. We have not confirmed releases for other computer makes.

How does it work? From your computer running Time Trax, you navigate through the file card-like user interface of the software and can create a schedule (simply and alarm with a memo) or up to 1000 characters worth of information in the Memo feature.

Miscellaneous Information: The Memo Diary requires a BR2325 battery. The UC-2301 requires 3 AA batteries. We've only observed a silver version of this watch and do not know of a version made for computer makes other than the Apple II. You can find some terrific details on this watch and more information on Time Trax at applefritter.com.

UC-2002 1985 (Cal. UW02-????)

Seiko's Memo Diary was offered in necklace form as the UC-2002. This is indeed one of the rarest Seiko computer watches out there. We believe this "nerd amulet" has all the same features and characteristics of the UC-2001 and Memo Diary. It hangs from a stainless steel chain and could be housed in a little leather sleeve. Wear it like a pocket watch or necklace, your appointments and memos are always handy with this little gadget.

How does it work? We're not sure, but we believe all instructions provided for the Memo Diary will work for this one, too. Thanks to Mr. Tyo for providing the picture for this one. We've seen the UC-2002 in one other place, the incredible digital watch reference from World Photo Press, Electric Watch. We suspect this Seiko was only offered in Japan, but if anyone can offer details on this model and a photo of the original box, we'd appreciate it!

RC-20 1985

Seiko is a large company and certainly not limited to the manufacture of wristwatches, they're successful leaders in medical instruments, consumer printers and video products, too. The child company Epson started way back in 1961 with the manufacture of timers and printers. By the 1980s, they were leaders in the business machine market. Epson was also a big name in computers in their native Japan. The release of the RC-20 Wrist Computer appears to be yet another Memo Diary, but taken to the next level. The Wrist Computer has a sexy look but is equipped with a powerful SMC84C00 8-bit Z-80 compatible microprocessor; 8K of ROM and 2K of RAM inside. This watch can perform as a scheduler, store memos, display world times and serve as a four-function calculator. With optional accessories, it can run other programs, too!

The Wrist Computer has a plastic case and band; two colors were offered: beige/brown and black/red. The large dot-matrix LCD displayed 42x32 pixels. Where are the buttons? The neatest feature is the buttonless design. All input is submitted using a touch-sensitive display! The face has a thin membrane that responds to pressure. If you view it at the right angle, you'll notice this 25 "button" interface. Simply touch the screen to toggle modes, set the watch and utilize its features. How does it work? There are five screen modes; toggle through them by hitting the the MODE button. The primary display shows the time and date. There's a TIME SET and ALARM SET modes which are self-explanatory. Setting the time or alarm is pretty easy. Touch MODE until you reach TIME SET, then click on CR. Toggle through time/date setting by using the -> and <- buttons. Then correct the setting by simply touching the appropriate digit in the lower portion of the screen. When you're done, touch MODE again. Follow the same procedure to set the alarm too. If this were 1985 and you were wearing a Wrist Computer that had been programmed right from the factory, you'd be able to access various functions by entering PROGRAM RUN? mode. You would touch CR and "Scheduler" should display with "Next" underneath. Touch Next to enter Memo Bank, and then World Time, followed by Calculator (Program 1) and World Time Editor (Program 2). We guess Epson stored these functions in the watch's RAM because after a battery change, the watch's memory cleared and we didn't observe any of these on our RC-20, just an ERROR 1.

How to use as a computer? This is the RC-20's coolest feature. Like the RC-1000, a proprietary RS-232C cable (according to the manual, a level shifter is also needed to bring the watch's signal voltage to an adequate level) connects to a port on the left side of the watch and a home computer. Using communication software, one could supposedly upload these programs and even home-grown ones into the RC-20. The manual suggested this software was planned for the IBM PC and PC Jr.; Apple IIc and IIe; EPSON QX-10 and PX-8. To transfer a program, change the RC-20 mode to LOAD MODE and utilize the transfer software on the home computer to send the data.

Japanese RC-20 Ad; Programming Book

RC-4000 aka PC Datagraph 1985 (Cal. S521-????)

The PC Datagraph was dubbed the world's smallest computer terminal. This is one of our favorites and also one of the harder to find models of Seiko wrist terminal line. The display was an unusual three-line dot-matrix type. Reserved for the display of time, the lowest line was considerable larger in size than the upper two. The watch had 2K of storage, its capabilities of course were determined by the size of programs. It communicated with popular computers of the day like the Apple II, II+, IIc and IIe; Commodore 64 and IBM PC and PC Jr. using a cable and communication software. The software was distributed on a floppy disk much like that of the RC-1000.

How does it work? There's a small port on the left side of the watch. A plastic clip attaches to this port; an RS-232C cable is attached to this and plugged into the serial port on the home computer. The Wrist Terminal Data Manage program is run, allowing you to upload a variety of programs, including a scheduler, world time and memo programs. By default, the watch can display the time Programming the watch is, of course easiest using the software but you can hack it by hand if you have the patience. Toggle modes by pressing the center SELECT button: M1, M2, M3, S.A (Schedule Alarm) and W.A (Weekly Alarm). The first three modes are for memos; the last two are for scheduled alarms. In the memo modes, press the right pusher and a cursor will appear in the upper right-most space. Use the left and right <- and -> keys to navigate through all alphanumeric characters. When you've arrived at the character you wish to use, press the center button to move onto the next space. It's time-consuming for sure but the alternative is to find an old computer with a 5 1/4 inch floppy drive and run the software. PocketCalculatorShow no longer has instructions for this watch--can someone out there help by sending us a copy, please?

Miscellaneous Information: In the US and Europe, the RC-4000 was sold in agray box and included a RS-232C communication cable and software for a specific computer make. We've observed an offering of the RC-4000 sans hardware and software in Japan in a plain blue and white box. There are two versions of the watch: a stainless steel model and a matte black version with gold trim. Our friend Mr. Tyo provided the photo below. It displays two RC-4500s connected via an RC-4300 interface. This little gadget allowed you to transfer data from one watch to another. If you had both versions of the RC-4000, you'd could wear either depending on your model, yet still be assured you had the most up to date information on your wrist.

RC-4400 aka Pocket Terminal 1985 (Cal. S521-???)

An interesting device with all the power of the RC-4000 but this device was to be carried about like a calculator or pager. The display is about the same size as its wristwatch counterpart. We have only observed this device advertised on the box flap of the RC-4000 but Mr. Tyo was kind enough to provide a photo of his. Of all of Seiko computer watch devices, this might just be the toughest to find.

RC-4500 aka WristMac 1985 (Cal. S521-4020)

Who says nerd watches need to be silver, gold or black? The RC-4500 was identical in functionality to the RC-4000 but the case was slightly different and Seiko added a little color. We recall the '80s as a decade of flash and vibrant color and indeed, this watch represented that. The plastic case was offered in red, teal green, yellow and for the traditional folks silver and black, too. We have confirmed that this model was marketed as the WristMac for Apple computers. The RC-4500 was distributed with an RS-232C interface cable and WristMac software, v. 2.5.1.

How does it work? PocketCalcuatorShow owns various RC-4500s but we have not yet obtained the WristMac package. We guess it operates pretty much like the RC-4000. If anyone has information or can provide some screenshots, we'd appreciate it.

Miscellaneous Information: The RC-4500 was Seiko's last computer watch. Subsequent computer watches would be released under the Ruputer name and by Epson. As the '90s arrived, Casio and Timex enter the computer watch market, achieving some success. But the PDA, cellular telephone and handheld computer arrived shortly after and offered more elaborate and convenient pocket computing solutions.

Wrist Mac photo courtesy of hollenback.net

Source:
nerd watch museum

The Top 10 weirdest case mods from fosfor gadgets

2007-07-06T08:04:00.000-07:00

Computers come in many different flavors, but apparently that ain’t enough for everybody. Case modding - the modification of a computer chassis - has become a big hobby for thousands of enthusiasts around the world.

fosfor gadgets have created this list of The Top 10 weirdest case mods ever.

10. The Microwave PC

Let’s start of by a case mod that ain’t that crazy. What does it look like? That’s right - a microwave oven. It was built for the CES 2003 and I guess they have just ripped the interior of the microwave and replaced it with PC components. Looks cool though.

Microwave PC [engadget]

9. The Wallcrawler

Compared to some other case modifications, this got a quite radical design. All parts are fitted on the outside of a cabinet and it’s purpose is just to be a practical design since the user of the PC alternate between different hard drives on a daily basis.

The wallcrawler [extreme tech]

8. The WMD

WMD is short for Weapon of Mass Destruction, and that’s exactly what this project is all about. Even though it’s not completely finished yet, the build of this bomb is very impressive. But why have a PC that looks like an atomic bomb? Because you can I guess.

WMD Part I by G-gnome [Bit-tech]

7. The R2D2 PC

You saw this one coming, didn’t you? Of course someone has built a replica of R2D2 and fitted a computer inside. It looks nice too. But I guess that this one won’t impress the girls - as if any of these case mods would. Hehe, sorry all you case modders! I Don’t mean to offend anyone here. Check out the CD/DVD-roms drives. Awesome.

R2D2 PC photos [ya.com]

6. The Lego Mac

When you look through thousands of different case mods, you start wondering why nearly all modded cases is based on a PC. Is the Apple computer a natural beuty? Anyway, it was refreshing to see this Lego Macintosh. It was created back in 1997 out of a damaged Apple PowerBook 5300.

The Lego Mac [Apple-juice]

5. The Cyberpumpkin

The cyberpumpkin is one of my favorites on this list. It’s so weird - in a lovely way. Hehe. It was custom built for Intel to show off their Pentium 4 processors at the E3 2002.

Cyberpumpkin [Envador.com]

4. The Y2K bug

The surface of this bug is outstanding. It sure has been polished a couple of times. But why is this one ranked so high in this list. I’ll tell you. It took 6 months to build. That’s weird. You can find some Quicktime movies at the end of the work log.

The Y2K bug [Mashie.org]

3. The Gingerbread PC

From the same creator as the Cyberpumpkin comes this really neat gingerbread PC. This one looks really good. Too bad you can’t eat the parts though (hardboard) except for the candy decoration of course. If it wasn’t christmas season this one probably wouldn’t have got this far up the list. But hey, it’s a really cool case mod, and it’s soon christmas so here it is.

Gingerbread PC [Envador.com]

2. The Toilet PC

Of course, to be a runner up on the Top 10 weirdest case mods ever, it has to be something really unique. And what can be more unique than having your own toilet PC. Byt why couldn’t they just have built a nice toilet - what’s up with that brown stuff? It get’s a good position on the list though.

Toilet PC [Envador.com]

1. The Miss Kanna PC

And at last - the weirdest case mod ever. This one was built for a magazine in the spring of 2004 and is some sort of manga figure. But why do you have to see the panties? There’s something with this manga culture that I don’t understand, but this case mod is extremely well put together, and yes, it’s WEIRD!.

Miss Kanna case mod [cside.com]

The Municator

2006-05-13T14:01:00.000-07:00

Presented at CeBIT 2006, the Municator is a 146$ Linux computer from China.
Despite its low price and Chinese-made components, it is a computer capable to perform all chores that most people need, such as Internet browsing with Firefox, emailing with Thunderbird, instant messaging with Gaim, Internet phone calling with Skype, Word processing with Open Office, Audio and Video playback with Mplayer, etc.

It features:

40GB Hard Drive
400mhz/800mhz Godson VIA processor
256mb ram
4 USb2 ports
VGA-output
PS2 input
TV output

The Municator weighs less than 400 grams.

The Company's slogan is “Say no to Wintel”.

The Korean Ubiquitous Fashionable Computer

2005-11-14T16:10:00.000-08:00

The Korean Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (www.kaist.ac.kr) has presented the Ubiquitous Fashionable Computer.

http://aving.net/news/default.asp?mode=read&c_num=8918
http://www.it-soc.org/English/index.asp

Sony Clie PEG-UX50 Handheld

2005-11-13T17:12:00.000-08:00

A very small and compact computer, kind of a cute mini-laptop.

Solid and well constructed.

Size:

Weight: 6.2 oz (175 g)

Operating System: Palm OS 5.2.1

Memory:

Video:

Very easy to use.

Highly Recommended

Amazon.com: Sony Clie PEG-UX50 Handheld: Electronics

(Description copyright Amazon.com) - PEG-UX50/U - Built-in QWERTY-layout wide-pitch keyboard with backlight. What's in the box: Clie handheld, Charger Cradle, USB HotSync Cable, Retractable Stylus, AC Adapter, Hand Strap, Installation CD-ROM, Instruction manuals. A new concept in handhelds: an extremely portable personal entertainment communicator. 6 oz. with stylus. Integrated wireless LAN (802.11b) and Bluetooth interface

480x320 pixel; 65k-color; transflective back-lit
Audio:	stereo headset jack; bottom speaker; mono mic

Connectivity:	USB cable, MSIO, IrDA, Bluetooth (v1.1), Wi-Fi (802.11b)

16MB RAM; 104MB expandable

4" x 3.4" x .7" inches (103 x 86.5 x 17.9mm)
Processor:	Sony Handheld Engine (Sony CXD2230GA)

Linux for PlayStation 2

2005-11-13T13:58:00.000-08:00

The Linux kit for PlayStation 2 allows you to use your PS2 as a fully functional desktop computer and run a wide variety of computer applications that have been written for the Linux operating system.

Thanks to an internal hard drive, keyboard, mouse and monitor you can now install Linux in your PS2. In addition, the kit allows you to develop your own PlayStation 2 programs that operate on Linux.
The Linux kit also includes an Ethernet broadband network adaptor for connection to high speed internet services and home PC networks.

GNU Linux is an operating system developed under Open Source development.

http://www.linux.org/

Linux for PlayStation 2, is a website hosted by Sony Computer Entertainment.

Linux kits for PlayStation 2 can be delivered across Europe, Africa and the Middle East, but unfortunately are no longer available in North America.

And if you are interested in becoming a Licensed PlayStation Developer or Publisher, then send your information to Sony Computer Entertainment America.

PlayStation 2

(Description copyright Amazon.com) - Internal volume has been reduced by 75 percent. overall weight has been halved. thickness trimmed down to 2.8 cm (thickness of current model is 7.8 cm).. Size is almost as small as a hardcover book, making it easier to carry around and enjoy games and DVD videos anytime, anywhere.. Equipped with an integrated Ethernet port and modem port for online play.

Technorati : PlayStation

Apple iBook Notebook

2005-11-12T19:26:00.000-08:00

Apple iBook Notebook 14.1" M9848LL/A

1.42 GHz PowerPC G4
512 MB DDR SDRAM
60 GB Hard Drive
SuperDrive

Sony VAIO

2005-11-08T13:38:00.000-08:00

Sony VAIO VGN-FJ170/B Notebook PC
- 14.1" Screen
- Intel Pentium M Processor 740, 512 MB RAM
- 100 GB Hard Drive
- DVD+R Dobule Layer/DVD+/-RW Drive