Wednesday, February 6, 2002
IBM to Unveil Index Card-Size Computer Prototype
Posted by Jason Dunn in "OFF-TOPIC" @ 01:16 PM
http://dailynews.yahoo.com/h/nm/20020206/tc/tech_ibm_portable_dc.html
This device doesn't have a screen, but it represents a new paradigm in portable computing where you bring your PC with you and plug into a docking station to use it. IBM isn't the first to try this - there are several products on the market now that perform the same functions. I'm sure this IBM device will have some unique benefits, but it will be hard for it to break out of the niche market it's competitors are currently in.
"The portable computing device, which IBM Research will unveil on Feb. 11 at a technology conference in Phoenix, Arizona, includes 128 megabytes of dynamic random access memory, a 10-gigabit hard drive and a microprocessor -- which is the brain of the computer -- that runs at 800 megahertz, or 800 million cycles per second.
...Code-named ``MetaPad'', the module is 5 inches long, 3 inches wide and about three-quarters of an inch thick. The module fits into a larger accessory piece that features a small, flat screen on front and is about 6 inches long, 4 inches wide and 1 inch thick. The index-card sized module can also be plugged into a docking station for a personal computer, enabling the user to move all of his or her information and applications from one location to another. It runs Microsoft Corp.'s Windows XP (news - web sites) operating system." Source: Various
This device doesn't have a screen, but it represents a new paradigm in portable computing where you bring your PC with you and plug into a docking station to use it. IBM isn't the first to try this - there are several products on the market now that perform the same functions. I'm sure this IBM device will have some unique benefits, but it will be hard for it to break out of the niche market it's competitors are currently in.
"The portable computing device, which IBM Research will unveil on Feb. 11 at a technology conference in Phoenix, Arizona, includes 128 megabytes of dynamic random access memory, a 10-gigabit hard drive and a microprocessor -- which is the brain of the computer -- that runs at 800 megahertz, or 800 million cycles per second.
...Code-named ``MetaPad'', the module is 5 inches long, 3 inches wide and about three-quarters of an inch thick. The module fits into a larger accessory piece that features a small, flat screen on front and is about 6 inches long, 4 inches wide and 1 inch thick. The index-card sized module can also be plugged into a docking station for a personal computer, enabling the user to move all of his or her information and applications from one location to another. It runs Microsoft Corp.'s Windows XP (news - web sites) operating system." Source: Various
