If They Can...

[pjtrader]

... fit a 10/20/30G hard drive into a palm-sized device called the iPod, why can't they build a Pocket PC with more internal storage?

I spent the last few minutes considering a purchase of an iPod. Audible.com has an offer that if you join one of their Listener programs, you can get a $100 discount off an iPod from J&R Music World. (That puts the 10G iPod down to around $195.) I know it's not a PPC, but with an alarm clock, to-do list, text based notes reader, calculator, and contacts list, plus all that lovely MP3/WAV storage space, it meets a LOT of my PPC's duties and responsibilities. Now only if it had a color screen...Pocket Word...or <gasp> a more robust operating system that is sooooooooooo close to full-fledged Windows?

Just some mindless wanderings on a 104 degree afternoon.

Cheers,
Pam

[spursdude]

Putting a hard drive into a Pocket PC would probably put battery life so low that the PPC would be useless. Battery life is already bad enough while using internal flash memory.

Also, the size of a PPC would probably increase. An iPod is thicker than a Pocket PC, probably because of the hard drive and the larger battery needed to support the drive's power drain.

[upplepop]

They do have these devices... they're called Tablet PCs :lol:

Actually, I do remember that I heard of a device someone was creating that had Windows XP installed on a small device with a approx. 5-inch screen. Anyone have more information on these?

I have also wished someone would incorporate a drive in Pocket PCs. You know, there are some HDD-based MP3 players with small color screens with decent battery times--doesn't seem to be that much of a stretch. I was looking into a Toshiba device for a long time because they have that USB-host accessory that may be able to accept portable hard drives.

[PetiteFlower]

If your PPC was based off a hard drive, you'd have to wait for it to boot! Among other things :)

[spursdude]

Actually, I do remember that I heard of a device someone was creating that had Windows XP installed on a small device with a approx. 5-inch screen. Anyone have more information on these?

That's the OQO - I don't think they actually exist yet, but I could be wrong. They looked really cool - essentially, they had good laptop specs, but all compressed into something the size of a really really thick PDA.

[Kati Compton]

Actually, I do remember that I heard of a device someone was creating that had Windows XP installed on a small device with a approx. 5-inch screen. Anyone have more information on these?

That's the OQO - I don't think they actually exist yet, but I could be wrong. They looked really cool - essentially, they had good laptop specs, but all compressed into something the size of a really really thick PDA.
Check out some of the Sonys (U101) at http://www.dynamism.com .... ;)

[upplepop]

Yes, that was it.... the OQO computer (http://www.oqo.com)

http://www.oqo.com/_images/Hsm480.jpg

It was originally scheduled to come out late 2002 (http://news.com.com/2100-1040-883861.html), but has been heavly delayed. Another release date is planned for the end of 2003.

I did find this article (http://wireless.ziffdavis.com/article2/0,3973,1208356,00.asp) which compares the features of four potential 'Windows XP Handhelds', but none of them have yet been released.

[Oeryk]

I am looking into doing just this...adding a drive to a PPC. I already have the whole thing worked out as far as the schematics, including someone to write the driver code. However, since I am not in the hardware business, I am stuck at this point.

Does anyone know how to proceed from my "design" to actual prototyping and manufacuture? I also need info on financial backing. I know I can find tons of Venture Capitalists, but that is not necessarily the route I want to go.

I have this fantastic idea that would DEFINITELY sell, but need help desparately. Thanks in advance!

[rzanology]

i'll tell you what....im up for a hard drive on my ipaq...but are you up to drop $1500 and up to get it?

[Oeryk]

My device would be the coolest yet, and would be MUCH less than that! More in the 450-500 range! :mrgreen:

[GoldKey]

Actually, you can connect a PC Card HD through CF with an adapter to most PPC's. The adapter is flexible, so you could velcro the drive to the back. Or, if you have an Ipaq, use the PC card sleeve for a much cleaner solution.