Small Footprint Computing

SFC - Computing in a small place (less than a desk or a table - more like a small tray) ThinkingOutLoud.DonaldNoyes.20110113

The idea in SmallFootprintComputing is to make it possible to compute in a very small space, like a small working surface (as an automobile center console or aircraft seat trays, or even the top surface of your carry-on). With the coming widespread availability of 4G communication, it may soon be possible to communicate from nearly any reasonably populated or frequented areas. (Including almost the whole length of all interstate highways.)

Some IdeaAcronyms? useful in explaining the driving forces behind SFC:

SLP - Small, Lightweight, Portable
IJF - Inexpensive, Just Enough Operating System, Flexible
IPI - Information through Pluggable Interfaces
NSS - Not a - Subsitute for - Standard Computing Platforms

Devices and systems that already exist

Computing and Internet browsing devices built on a SmallFootprint?:

High end
- Apple IPad
- RIM Playbook
Lower priced
- Photographs at bottom of this page
Some lower price entry points in this paradigm may be more useful for non-corporate types, Exhibiting different, targeted capabilities
- Sylvania Netbook
  - Off screen key board
  - OS - WinCe
  - Usb ports - 3
  - WiFi and hardwired Internet connection
  - Photo Flash Memory Card Slot - SD (Can do Photo slideshows)
  - Headphone and Microphone sockets
  - Flash and YouTube video capabilities
- PandigitalNovel
  - Os - Android
  - TouchScreen? navigation (scrolling up down left right) (page flipping actions)
  - On screen keyboard comes up when editing needed
  - WiFi
  - Photo Flash Memory Card Slot - SD (Can do Photo slideshows)
  - Sound Out, No Microphone, doesn't do Flash or YouTube videos)
  - Book Reader and Book Management Including Purchasing Opportunities Online

The Pandigital device became generally available in late fall of 2010 at just under 200 dollars.

It can be used as supplied without hacks for computing available via its internet browser and WiFi capabilities.
It has sound and video output, but no sound input.

Asus makes a variety of netbooks and a tablet, at a variety of pricepoints from cheap to high-end. These are full PCs, not scaled-up telephones or PDAs. The drawback is short battery life.

MicroSoft Development

Designing with hard real-time technologies
- Silverlight for Windows Embedded
- PlatformBuilder - (A VisualStudio 2005 PlugIn?)
  - http://www.google.com/search?q=PlatformBuilder&rlz=1I7RNTN_en&ie=UTF-8&oe=UTF-8&sourceid=ie7
  - About - http://msdn.microsoft.com/en-us/library/ms938344.aspx
- VisualStudio
- ExpressionBlend?
- Windows Compact 7
  - http://www.google.com/search?q=Windows+Compact+7&rlz=1I7RNTN_en&ie=UTF-8&oe=UTF-8&sourceid=ie7
  - About - Evaluation - http://www.microsoft.com/windowsembedded/en-us/campaigns/compact7/default.aspx?WT.srch=1&WT.mc_ID=SEARCH
- Windows Embedded Standard 7
  - http://www.google.com/search?q=windows+embedded+standard+7&rlz=1I7RNTN_en&ie=UTF-8&oe=UTF-8&sourceid=ie7
  - http://www.microsoft.com/windowsembedded/en-us/develop/windows-embedded-standard-7-for-developers.aspx

Linux Development

Designing with hard real-time technologies
- Linux has been ported to a variety of CPUs not primarily used as the processor of a desktop or server computer, including ARM, AVR32, ETRAX CRIS, FR-V, H8300, IP7000, m68k, MIPS, mn10300, PowerPC, SuperH, and Xtensa processors, as an alternative to using a proprietary operating systems
- http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Embedded_Linux

Photographs

Price: One Hundred Dollars

Uses WinCe 6.0 -
- http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Windows_CE
- http://www.microsoft.com/windowsembedded/en-us/develop/windows-embedded-ce-6-for-developers.aspx

Price: More than One Hundred - Less than Two Hundred Dollars

Uses Android -
- http://www.android.com/

Discussion: below here, or if required: SmallFootprintComputingDiscussion

One cyberpunk's vision of the future PC: processor & RAM in one pocket, storage drive in another on a keychain, wirelessly connecting to each other, screens, keyboards, mice, printers, other PCs, etc., when within range. PC can mostly be forgotten, ItJustWorks when you're near an interface. Walk into one room and work on one system (perhaps a TV with a game controller) then into another (with keyboard, mouse, and monitor) and start typing. Then into another and click a pointer to display your presentation on the projector.

Battery life sufficient for at least 36 hours.

Ideally, a portable screen and keyboard could fold to the size & weight of a thin letter-sized folder, or, thicker but smaller, a paperback book (but would unfold to a nice ergonomic size). Something easy to carry around for when you're not in the vicinity of a big screen and clicky keyboard.

CategoryFuture