Gumstix

[LaughingCheese]

Not gaming related, but definitely computer related.

Anyone heard of "Gumstix"?

They make an embedded linux COM the size of a stick of gum, hence the name obviously.


What's cool is that, if you have a company, you can work with them to develop new COM's and such and prototype your product, something like that.

But what's really cool is that they have the electronic barebones to allow anyone to build their own custom cell phone or PDA, because they sell 3.5" and 4.3" LCD's, the expansion board to connect the LCD to make it touch screen, and the gumstix electronics board. Hook it all up and you've got yourself a mini-internet device.

Depending on the gumstix you buy, it can also have wifi and bluetooth, but they only carry wireless b and g models, no n as of yet.

http://www.gumstix.com/index.html

LCD 3.5":

http://www.gumstix.com/store/catalog/pr ... cts_id=243

Expansion Board:

http://www.gumstix.com/store/catalog/pr ... cts_id=242

Gumstix:

http://www.gumstix.com/store/catalog/index.php?cPath=27



EDIT: So the point is, wouldn't it be awesome to build your own PDA? Definitely going to do this sometime.

Although there are some limitations compared to smartphones; as previously stated no Wireless N, and the memory setup is a little bit different, it uses a micro SD card to store the OS, and I assume apps, on.

[Nickswitz]

I would love to do that. And wireless N isn't that much of a problem, most N capable devices don't even receive real N signals, only 2.4 Ghz no 5.0Ghz capable Ive heard of, so your still only taking about 50-80 Mb/s which means that your not getting that much a jump over G rating.

But yes, I think I'll have to look deeper into the design, because I've wanted to make myself a PDA for a good long time.

[LaughingCheese]

I would love to do that. And wireless N isn't that much of a problem, most N capable devices don't even receive real N signals, only 2.4 Ghz no 5.0Ghz capable Ive heard of, so your still only taking about 50-80 Mb/s which means that your not getting that much a jump over G rating.

But yes, I think I'll have to look deeper into the design, because I've wanted to make myself a PDA for a good long time.

The ironic thing is that if you do end up building a DIY PDA with all that, what are you going to do for the case??


I just love how they sell touch screen LCD's. Although I guess they need that back panel. My goal, apart from building an Android PDA, is to build a functional replica of the Enterprise E captain's chair, with actual touch screen LCD's in the arm rests.

Except I would also give the ability to recline, like the Atlantis control chair.