The Serious DreamPC - Portability, Power, "Virtual Reality"?
Sep 23 '00
Wouldn't it be nice to just wear your computer? Included in this ePinion is my ultimate "dream computer" and where to buy the parts to it.....
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Disclaimer: This ePinion is intended more for "techies" looking for the ultimate "cool system" than beginners or those who simply want a normal computer system.
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The Computer
Pocket-Size EPC system weighing in at only 460 grams. The size of this monster? 150mm (L) x 106mm (W) x 32mm (H) -- This is considerably smaller than the height of a Number 2 pencil!
Maximum Pocket-Size Computer Specs
$1700-2000
700mhz Pentium III
256 Megs SDRAM
20gb Hard Drive
8x DVD-ROM Drive (Through small docking station)
1.44 Floppy, 4mb Video - Max Resolution 1600x1200, 3d Sound (Output available), Built in Speaker, Built in Touchpad, 2 USB Ports, Parallel Port, Video Port.
S-Video Output
Minimum Pocket-Size Computer Specs
$800-950
Celeron 566mhz
64 Megs SDRAM
6gb Hard Drive
24x CD-ROM Drive
1.44 Floppy, 4mb Video - Max Resolution 1600x1200, 3d Sound (Output available), Built in Speaker, Built in Touchpad, 2 USB Ports, Parallel Port, Video Port
S-Video Output
Picture available at http://www.ibuypower.com/images/pocket-epc3.gif
You can find this at the only authorized reseller at http://www.ibuypower.com/ and also find it periodically on auction sites such as eBay, http://www.ebay.com/
So now we have a PC the side of a walkman.. What's next?
The Glasses!
The Sony Glasstron - Glasses that create the illusion of looking at a 52 Inch Television screen from a distance of 6.5 feet. The Sony Glasstron (Which look very much so like VR glasses) also accepts S-Video input, this could be plugged in directly to the Pocket computer.
Want more information on the Glasstron, how much it costs and where to buy it? Take a look at my in-depth review at:
http://www.epinions.com/elec-review-35E9-1FA0E75-39CBF6E1-prod1
The Interface!
Next, a "FinRing" cordless mouse. This mouse fits over your index finger and gestures of your hand direct the on-screen curser. It works by sensors that detect G-Forces (Which would be caused by hand movement) There is also a button present on it for clicking, which you can comfortably do with your thumb. Available at http://www.bosswave.com.
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Let us take a moment and picture the configuration...
You have a walkman size computer, glasses, and a small mouse that fits over your finger. You sit down, plug in the walkman and lean back in a chair... You slip your glasses over your face and begin moving your hand around - clicking occasionally. Are you going insane? No, You're just surfing the web.
Is this really a virtual reality computer? No, in my opinion, Not quite. The glasses would not track head-motion. Is it the closest thing to it that someone could potentially get for under $2000 at this point in time? Yes. It isn't so much a VR setup as it is using an entirely different and unique interface.
So you're sitting in the Lazy Boy, and decide to watch a movie. In goes the docking station and in goes a DVD movie...
But what if you need to type something? Use the foldable keyboard. I tried looking for some time for the link to this, but have been unable to find it at this time. I do know the price for the keyboard is $40 and you can roll it up and unroll it and uses PS/2 connection. It is primarily designed for use in environments where contamination and chemical spills have a possibility of occurring (You could dump a 2 liter bottle of coke on it, put it under the faucet, dry it off and keep using it) I will continue to look for this link.
Okay... But what if you are on a business trip and you're in a hotel room? Lets say a friend came along with you, and he really wants to see that new DVD you bought. You can't fit two heads in the glasses, but don't have access to a monitor - but you still want something highly portable.
The answer? A 5 Inch Flip Monitor with Audio priced at $200. You can pick this up at http://www.partsexpress.com/. If you setup some way for the car to provide power, I imagine you could use this setup in your car with the flip-monitor mounted on the dash! Couple that with a wireless internet USB card or USB GPS unit.... Ahh..
The Upsides:
1. Unparallel Cool-Factor.
2. Due to size, Extremely easy to relocate. (See more on this below)
3. Device doubles as a DVD Player.
4. If used as a primary computer, Virtually no desk space consumed by it and you can plug up a normal PS/2 Keyboard, Mouse, monitor, etc.
5. Objective is to get device as most VR as possible and as small as possible.
6. Runs Windows '95, '98, ME, 2000, etc, etc.
The Downsides of this Exact Configuration:
1. You would require access to power. (Unless you get some kind of battery pack)
2. Upgrade of video and sound impossible (However, you could upgrade the processor, ram, hard drive and also other capabilities through the USB ports)
3. Small size and high price means easy to steal - Would have to keep an eye on it.
What do you think? Sure, You could get a laptop... but will you have the computer in your pocket or fanny-pack, wearing cool glasses and move your hand around through the air?
This technology is just yet more evidence that VR is nearing more of the "reality" side than the "virtual" - Where do you think it will be 5 years from now?
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Epinions.com ID:
ShaunC
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Location: Charlotte, NC
Reviews written: 23
Trusted by: 10 members
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