Hackable $99 Linux Handheld Includes WiFi
Linked by David Adams on Fri 15th Jul 2005 15:38 UTC
PDAs, Cellphones, Wireless Aeronix used Linux to build a $99 instant messenger appliance aimed at kids. Naturally, hackers soon took an interest in expanding the device's functionality. The Zipit includes an 802.11b/g WiFi radio, 16-color greyscale LCD with QVGA (320x240) resolution, and a thumb keyboard with rubber buttons. It's based on a 90MHz ARM720T-based Cirrus embedded processor, running a 2.4.21 Linux kernel. This detailed device profile of Aeronix's Zipit showcases several Zipit hacks, and offers device vendors advice on how to sell more units.
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What a brilliant toy
by JCooper on Fri 15th Jul 2005 16:28 UTC
JCooper
Member since:
2005-07-06

I want one! If its WiFi capable the possibilities are endless... and certainly a lot cheaper than an iPaq / equivalent.

/me heads off to ebay...

Reply Score: 2

I want one too
by Anonymous on Fri 15th Jul 2005 18:02 UTC
Anonymous
Member since:
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Even the original functionality seems "kinda neat", but being able to customize it makes it even more tempting. Anywhere to buy in Europe? (Except ebay, then)

Reply Score: 0

should I hold out for a zaurus slc3100?
by Anonymous on Fri 15th Jul 2005 19:25 UTC
Anonymous
Member since:
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should I hold out for a zaurus slc3100? It's only 7x the price...

Reply Score: 0

Matthew Payne
by Anonymous on Fri 15th Jul 2005 19:43 UTC
Anonymous
Member since:
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fyi: You can get a zaurus 5500 for cheaper of ebay.

I'd give up mine w/wireless card for $30.00(+shipping). I haven't touched it in last 9 months.

Reply Score: 0

RE: Matthew Payne
by Anonymous on Fri 15th Jul 2005 23:38 UTC in reply to "Matthew Payne"
Anonymous Member since:
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$30 + shipping? I'd take you up on that. barakmichspam@gmail.com -- remove the spam.

Reply Score: 0

RE: Matthew Payne
by Anonymous on Fri 15th Jul 2005 23:51 UTC in reply to "Matthew Payne"
Anonymous Member since:
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I would also be interested in that price ;) realm_lord@hotmail.com

Brent

Reply Score: 0

Bitchin'
by Jackson Brown on Fri 15th Jul 2005 20:07 UTC
Jackson Brown
Member since:
2005-07-06

I would have so much fun with one of these. This city is so saturated with open APs, I could surf the web cheaply* anywhere I please without the bulky laptop.

*Wifi PDAs are pricey and while my cellphone can browse the web, it's quite costly per MB.

Reply Score: 1

RE: Bitchin'
by Anonymous on Fri 15th Jul 2005 21:27 UTC in reply to "Bitchin'"
Anonymous Member since:
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If this were say 200Mhz and had a colour screen and a tad more ram for just a bit more money I'd buy this in a heartbeat.

Reply Score: 0

Hmm...the OGO did't go, why would this?
by mini-me on Fri 15th Jul 2005 22:44 UTC
mini-me
Member since:
2005-07-06

I saw this device a while back.
If the ogo didn't fly - why would this ?

Reply Score: 1

Jackson Brown Member since:
2005-07-06

The OGO, at the time of release, was more expensive, required a monthly service fee, and didn't run Linux or have wifi. This Zipit is ripe for hacking. Shame about the screen, though.

Reply Score: 1

Screen
by Roguelazer on Sat 16th Jul 2005 01:21 UTC
Roguelazer
Member since:
2005-06-29

Am I the only one who prefers a good greyscale screen to the masses of cheap CSTNs that seems to have flooded the market? I mean, you really don't need a color screen on everything you own, and half these cheap pos screens can't stand a bit of sunlight, have a worthless backlight and eat power like candy. BAH!

Reply Score: 1

Greyscale
by Anonymous on Sat 16th Jul 2005 03:11 UTC
Anonymous
Member since:
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For a Command line centric machine, it would be perfect for Linux, ICQ, Pine, lynx, what ever, it does the job.
I'll prolly get one, they are going for about $50 on ebay here and there. Then again, I got a Nintendo DS, and it will probably be able to do all this and more.

Reply Score: 0

I bought an VR3 Agenda
by Anonymous on Sat 16th Jul 2005 06:16 UTC
Anonymous
Member since:
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but even after 2 years never really got round to playing with it ;)

Reply Score: 0

Sweet
by crashback on Sat 16th Jul 2005 11:35 UTC
crashback
Member since:
2005-07-12

I am so gonna buy one of those!
It looks really cool and that's a pretty good pricepoint, but the thing that's convincing me to get it is that it includes busybox ;)

Reply Score: 1

16-color greyscale LCD...
by Anonymous on Sat 16th Jul 2005 13:10 UTC
Anonymous
Member since:
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...is that some sort of a hybrid display ;-)

Reply Score: 0

RE: 16-color greyscale LCD...
by Roguelazer on Sat 16th Jul 2005 13:22 UTC in reply to "16-color greyscale LCD..."
Roguelazer Member since:
2005-06-29

Grey is a color... So are all the different shades of grey...

Reply Score: 1

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