View Full Version : Jackito's TDA: Tactile Digital Assistant?
Janak Parekh
07-13-2004, 04:00 PM
<div class='os_post_top_link'><a href='http://www.jackito-pda.com/index.php' target='_blank'>http://www.jackito-pda.com/index.php</a><br /><br /></div>From out of left field comes this unique and unusual device -- a PDA that's designed to be operated by solely thumbs, or a TDA, where the T stands for Tactile.<br /><br /><img src="http://www.pocketpcthoughts.com/images/web/2003/parekh-20040712-JackitoTDA.jpg" /><br /><br />It uses its own proprietary operating system, "3ActilOS", and it boasts insane battery life -- 10 hours (color) or weeks-to-months (black-and-white) on a single AA battery. It claims to offer this via an innovative "7-processor" parallel computing architecture, where 5 of the processors seem to be driven by FPGA technology. Sounds hard to believe, especially with the $600+ price tag and requested $100 deposit for early orders? I thought the same thing, and ran it by our local community moderator and FPGA expert, Kati, who happens to have a Ph.D. in the subject. Her opinion follows, along with a poll -- what do <i>you</i> think?<br /><!><br />I took a quick glance at their site, and it's a bit difficult to decipher. They use terminology in places that I personally am not familiar with. It is difficult to tell for those terms if rough translation is the issue, or if they are referring to an area of computer architecture I have not studied. For example, "reversible automata". This term means that you can run through a computation forwards or backwards. Use the outputs of the computation as inputs, and you get the original inputs back [1]. This site does not explain what these automata implemented in the FPGA even are, let alone how it helps that they are reversible.<br /><br />At any rate, the idea of using an FPGA in an embedded device is a sound one. There are many many research groups looking into this, in fact. Why? Well, let me give a brief idea of what reconfigurable hardware (which includes FPGAs) can do in computing. There are many uses, but I'll focus on the one that is most critical to embedded devices. FPGAs can implement a wide variety of circuits in hardware. Basically, by turning certain transistors on or off, they can compute different small logic functions, and by turning other transistors on and off, they can connect these logic functions in different ways to form a larger circuit. The on/off state of these transistors is controlled by bits of SRAM. To load a particular circuit into the FPGA, you simply load that SRAM with the appropriate bits. Unlike a standard microprocessor, there is no need (unless the designer wishes it, but that's another story) to fetch individual instructions from memory, decode what they are, act on them, and store the results to a register file. Doing this takes up time, and uses power. On a programmed FPGA, the circuit is just THERE.<br /><br />The benefits of using FPGAs then are that the computations, if they are of the right flavor, are done using a higher degree of parallelism, and lower power (because we're not fetching instructions, etc). You may have a lower MHz rating, but depending on pin limitations of the FPGA device, you can have more data throughput. It's the pin limitations (ie, the number of wires connecting to the FPGA) that make implementing FPGA technology on the same chip as a controlling microprocessor and RAM very attractive. This is actually where the bulk of the research is focused.<br /><br />Anyway, my evaluation at this point is that the idea isn't unreasonable, I'm glad to see someone commercial working on it, but there's not enough information on the site to really evaluate what they are doing, and some of their statements don't quite make sense to me. Ignoring the "reverse automata" issue, they claim to be using the FPGA to implement 5 "processors". But they're not quite clear on what they mean. That probably doesn't mean implementing 5 XScales in the FPGA. It could be 5 adders for all we know. These processors are used to process more data simultaneously. However, it should be noted that in parallel computing, 7 processors times 10 MHz is rarely 70 MHz for various overhead reasons. Without knowing the structure of what they actually *are* implementing in the FPGA, I can't really determine the quality of their architecture.<br /><br />[1] K. Svozil, Logic of Reversible Automata, International Journal of Theoretical Physics, Vol 39, No 3, 2000.
OSUKid7
07-13-2004, 04:05 PM
I'm skeptical, but their site looks very professional. Guess we'll have to wait and see. :|
esher2292
07-13-2004, 04:13 PM
My friend gave me the link to that except it was at slashdot
Janak Parekh
07-13-2004, 04:15 PM
My friend gave me the link to that except it was at slashdot
OK... we get links from various sources. I think we got 6 submissions yesterday. That's why I sourced it as "Various".
--janak
dean_shan
07-13-2004, 04:17 PM
Your screen would get so gunky after a weeks use. Fingers leak oils styli do not.
Robb Bates
07-13-2004, 04:18 PM
As far as processors in FPGAs go, we've actually used them before, so that fact is very true.
I wonder if these guys are forcasting the use of the new display technologies like the new e-paper displays or OLED displays. Both of those have very low power consumption. And the display is one of the biggest power eaters on most mobile devices.
Robb
Janak Parekh
07-13-2004, 04:39 PM
Your screen would get so gunky after a weeks use. Fingers leak oils styli do not.
They actually kind of answer that in their FAQ, pointing out that its screen will have to be cleaned periodically, much like a cell phone's. I'm not sure it's a great answer, but I'm sure it's come up. ;)
--janak
Jason Dunn
07-13-2004, 04:46 PM
I wonder if these guys are forcasting the use of the new display technologies like the new e-paper displays or OLED displays. Both of those have very low power consumption. And the display is one of the biggest power eaters on most mobile devices.
Yeah, I get the feeling this is a "let's announce a product that we haven't made yet, take deposits to allow us to wait, then hope that the technology comes out to allow us to do what we said we'd do" type of play. :roll:
Kati Compton
07-13-2004, 04:50 PM
Your screen would get so gunky after a weeks use. Fingers leak oils styli do not.
Actually, I find it's not too bad - I use my fingers on my Axim with a Writeshield, and it just wipes off.
Kati Compton
07-13-2004, 04:52 PM
Well, *I* couldn't vote. Your poll is faulty. I'm so upset.
I wanted to vote "I'm undecided", but how can I be smarter than me? :mrgreen:
I *am* suspicious of *some* of their claims. Others sound reasonable. I don't think this is coming to market within the next couple months, though. ;) But, as usual with something like this, I'd be happy to be wrong!
SeanH
07-13-2004, 06:06 PM
Implementing a system level solution on a FPGA has been around for many years. I work with Xilinx FPGA’s more then Altera. Both companies offer there own proprietary CPU core and IP peripherals to go around it. Xilinx calls there core Microblaze. The problem is OS and driver support. The OS is often very limited and lacks drivers for standard peripherals you would like to add.
Linux has run on the ARM core for many years but besides people doing there own builds or the Sharp Zaurus. There are very few PDA’s running Linux. The apps are not being ported. When you take a step backwards and offer a PDA with a proprietary CPU core implemented on a FPGA you are going to see even less ports.
The success of many products is based on devices that use standard CPU’s, OS, and peripheral devices.
Palm was successful with the Palm because it was based on a 68000 CPU that had many years of success and was a common platform for many Hardware and Software Engineers. The 68000 was supported by many software compilers and hardware debuggers. Over the years Palm moved to an architecture with a similar background the ARM.
A PDA with a proprietary CPU and a proprietary OS is going to have a rough time competing in a market places that is very established.
Just my option,
Sean
Marcel_Proust
07-13-2004, 06:12 PM
On exploring the site, it seems so polished, with so many add ons already announced and ready to be ordered... a bistable screen?, internal fm tuner....etc.
It all seems rather too good to be true...
And where did it all grow out of? How did they develop and OS so polished and so quickly? They don't say it's linux or anything like that.
The big sell of it being a thumb operated seems a little gimmicky, but i suppose a pen input add on software wouldn't be hard to do. The hardware is the fantastic part.
The money is held in escrow...then why bother asking for it?
There is a software demo, that they supposedly already know the size of, but it's not available for download.
Asking a few out of many questions.....
I had to think for a second if we were at the beginning of April...
foldedspace
07-13-2004, 06:16 PM
Speaking of which, my company is coming out with a PDA with a new input method. The patented TIM (Tongue Interface Management) allows manipulation to be stimulating to both the handheld and the user. Plus it comes in 3 great flavors including Cherry, Strawberry and Curry.
Ryan Joseph
07-13-2004, 06:44 PM
This device looks very cool, but not that special.
I customized my own version and it was going to cost over $1000. I don't see how a device like this is worth that.
Am I missing something, or is it just me?
I think this looks like an interesting concept. Kind of reminds me of entering things on my first Newton OMP (handwriting recogntion sucked and there were no hardware buttons). I wonder what kind of input methods are available for this design as they don't really show what the keyboards actually look like. There is potential here.
The concept of being able to touch the screen in multiple locations at the same time sounds like it could be useful. While the stylus has become the primary way of interacting with PDA's I can't see any reason that thumbs couldn't work just fine.
I have to agree with the above posts about software and drivers. Without any additional support these guys are fighting an uphill battle. I like my PocketPC. It has lots of great software available but I can't say I *love* it like my old Newton.
They make a lot of noise regarding the battery life of several weeks. However, when you go to the order page and order it with a color screen, battery life drops to 10 hours. Not bad, I guess, for a single AA battery but still... I don't want to revert to a monochrome screen again.
I miss my Newton :(
Damn Steve... Hrmph, grumble... Steve...
vancouver_jones
07-13-2004, 06:58 PM
First post for me.
I think the device is compelling on a technical level and is really well thought out in what it actually is. I like the fact that the device stores its data in flash memory so that you can't loose it and using your thumbs is compelling to say the least.
I fear that they have a very tough fight ahead.
Let's face it, the classical PDA market is consoladating. HP bought Compaq, Palm bought Handspring, and Sony has temporarily exited the North American market. Sales are flat across the board in spite of solid units from Dell and Sharp. The device mentioned here has an unfamiliar OS, a lot of technical speak that I don't think will resonate with the average consumer, extra cost for extra features like an internally rechargable battery, a lack of features when compared to comprably priced PDAs, and there is no confirmation of good distribution channels, so they may have a really hard time selling 500,000 to bring down their price to $100 (according to their faq). I think they will need to do a lot of additional work to be competitive because they are in between bargain PDAs like Cassio's low end models, and mainstream PDAs in terms of features out of the box, have one point that will really agree with some consumers (the thumb operated screen), but have a premium price.
I feel that this device would have generated much more excitement in 1999-2000, but as it stands, the overall package isn't too compelling.
Janak Parekh
07-13-2004, 07:17 PM
Asking a few out of many questions.....
I had to think for a second if we were at the beginning of April...
You ask the same questions many others have been asking. :) I think they really need a review by an independent 3rd party in order to boost credibility.
--janak
Jeff from MS
07-13-2004, 10:29 PM
Jackito thread on Slashdot: http://slashdot.org/article.pl?sid=04/07/12/2019203&mode=thread&tid=100&tid=137
paulv
07-14-2004, 12:03 AM
:D
What a beautifully constructed con-job. It's quite impossible that a company has independantly come up with a new PDA, with new processors, new OS, new apps, new screen size and type that NO-ONE ELSE is making, and just look at the wierd options - why is an MP3 player an option when the thing's got this great speaker in it and supposedly a parallel OS. It should be able to play MP3's out-of the-box. Why is an internal microphone an option? Why is a cable and power supply an option? Why do you need to buy a pack of 4 rechargeable batteries when it only takes one?
The bit I love is the testimonials :wink: They are a cack!!!! I know there are gullible people out there who believe this stuff but the testimonials were the clincher for me - they are so funny!
Phoenix
07-14-2004, 05:07 AM
:D
What a beautifully constructed con-job. It's quite impossible that a company has independantly come up with a new PDA, with new processors, new OS, new apps, new screen size and type that NO-ONE ELSE is making, and just look at the wierd options - why is an MP3 player an option when the thing's got this great speaker in it and supposedly a parallel OS. It should be able to play MP3's out-of the-box. Why is an internal microphone an option? Why is a cable and power supply an option? Why do you need to buy a pack of 4 rechargeable batteries when it only takes one?
The bit I love is the testimonials :wink: They are a cack!!!! I know there are gullible people out there who believe this stuff but the testimonials were the clincher for me - they are so funny!
I would have to agree. This is what I was saying as well.
Their OS - 3ActilOS - try Googling that and see how many hits you get.
They talk about how there's no need for a stylus. Wow! Really? You mean, like I can do with any handheld out there? And why would you only want to use your thumbs instead of a stylus? Makes no sense.
They also talk about how you can hit two places anywhere on the screen at once and have them both register at the same time. Why would a person need this? This is like saying you can hit two keys on a keyboard at the same time and have them both register. What's the point?
10+ hours of battery life from a AA battery with a 4.5" color screen? Yeah, right.
Their website was just recently registered, they accept payments only via PayPal, and according to Engadget.com, their phone number is some pre-paid anonymous cell phone number (although I'm not sure how Engadget found this out so easily, but still).
Hardly legit, IMO.
invaders
07-14-2004, 08:37 AM
Come on guys, do a little research. This is so obviously fake ! It's either a scam to get the 100 dollar prepaid money thru Paypal, or it's an art school project in web design (like the infamous Neonode, which was made by Stockholm artists). Just dig those databases at the French Chamber of Commerce and you will see that it is a fake. No such company exists. Dig the white pages and you'll see that no such company is listed in the Paris phone book. Google the CEO and you will see that he has no record whatsoever.
jasondearyou
07-14-2004, 03:29 PM
I think this is a bunch of BS. I don't know who they think they are going to fool but until I see one of these in the local BestBuy or CDW, or actually see and feel out one, and until I see a rewiew.
Jonathon Watkins
07-14-2004, 10:21 PM
First post for me.
And very welcome you are too.
I feel that this device would have generated much more excitement in 1999-2000, but as it stands, the overall package isn't too compelling.
True, but as it stands, it looks rather like a scam. :?
How cynical we all are! :lol:
What I am impressed with is the revelation of Dr. Kati :) What field is this exactly? (Sorry I probably missed it when this was brought up in the past.)
Kati Compton
07-15-2004, 05:14 PM
What I am impressed with is the revelation of Dr. Kati :) What field is this exactly? (Sorry I probably missed it when this was brought up in the past.)
Computer Engineering, with a specialty in Reconfigurable Computing.
Again, there's great potential for FPGAs and the like in handhelds. This particular implementation? The 10MHz and the limited battery power makes me say no. ;)
Novinit
07-21-2004, 06:08 PM
Hi Kati,
thank you so much for your unbiased and informative comments on our product and website.
We've learned a great deal of them, and have tried to answer your questions in the FAQ of our website : http://www.jackito-pda.com/faq/index.php
"About hardware" section under "Why does the Jackito TDA use an FPGA?"
and in
"About software" section under "3ACTIL-OS: why doesn’t this OS have a website?"
Here is an exclusivity for you all : the proof that the Jackito does exist!
http://www.jackito-pda.com/video/video.php
These URL and video are currently not accessible directly from our website.
And last word for Invaders :
Novinit exists as a company :
http://www.societe.com/cgi-bin/recherche?rncs=422899021
and so do I as a human-being! :wink:
Have a nice day
Arnaud de la Fouchardière
Novinit
http://www.jackito-pda.com
Kati Compton
07-21-2004, 07:08 PM
"About hardware" section under "Why does the Jackito TDA use an FPGA?" and in "About software" section under "3ACTIL-OS: why doesn’t this OS have a website?"
Interesting! I'll update my opinion then. Given what I see for the B&W version in the video, I'll believe your battery life claims are within the normal marketing headroom, and that you can run those particular apps at 10MHz. Oh - and assuming I'm not misunderstanding, I would STRONGLY suggest using the term "reconfigurable" instead of "reversibly wired automata." The layperson isn't going to understand your term any better than "reconfigurable", and that is the standard term for the ability of an FPGA to be reprogrammed to form different circuits at different points in time.
For this message, I will treat the device as "possible". ;) Though I still am not yet convinced that 10MHz is fast enough for more complex games, MP3 playing, video playing, etc, or even a detailed and responsive color user interface. But anyway...
Have you thought about attending any of the relevant conferences about FPGAs or reconfigurable computing? I'm sure you'd have many people interested in the challenges of incorporating reconfigurable hardware in an embedded device in a manner transparent to the programmer. There's an upcoming conference in Belgium, so that should be reasonably doable for you. Also, IMEC in Belgium has also, I believe, been working on FPGAs for PDAs, which might be of interest to you.
About your FAQ... Note that I'm putting on my "Professor" hat a bit here, and this is how I'd review a technical paper. None of this is meant to be critical in a cruel sense, but instead only constructive. Normally, I'd probably charge by the hour. ;) Some of these questions may not be what the normal FAQ-reader is interested in.
1. In the About Hardware section, you state that you do not feel the need to have a PC cradle, as you expect people to use Bluetooth connections. Most desktops do not come with Bluetooth, and most people expect PDA purchases to include everything they need to sync with their computer. Also, are you planning to sync with Outlook, or your own desktop software?
2. You say that Jackito doesn't come with Internet Explorer because it's designed to access the internet via a mobile phone, and the mobile phone has a browser. The real reason you don't have Internet Explorer is that you'd have to license that from Microsoft, I suspect. But regardless - if you are accessing the internet, even via the phone's connection, you need a browser on the Jackito to view the information from the phone's connection. That is the real question being asked. Do you have a browser, and what one is it? If it is proprietary, what capabilities does it have?
3. You seem to say that the reason you use a multi-processing solution is because of mobility needs. However, multiple processors may be larger in area than a single, more powerful processor. Is area then less of a concern than power? I think things are actually moving in this direction in semiconductors. Also note that "IT" might not be the right term here - most people think of network support when they see "IT", not computer architecture. The other reason multiprocessors aren't as prevalent is the difficulty of writing efficient code for them, especially for general computing. They can work well for compute-intensive scientific applications, though. Really, CPU+graphics processor could be considered a form of multiprocessing.
4. Your FPGA description is probably as detailed as the layperson would be interested in, though of course, that's not me. ;) I would check into using the term "reconfigurable", and also look into all the reasearch done in the area if you haven't already. You differentiate between gate arrays and field-programmable gate arrays at the top of the statement, but at the bottom start saying "gate arrays" when you mean FPGAs. Since mask-programmable gate arrays can only be "programmed" essentially once, be careful about using these terms interchangably.
Not in the FAQ:
- On the order screen. The choice of GUI in the ordering process is a bit odd. You buy an initial interface, and then other interfaces later?
- Is it a database-type file system?
- The Internal MP3 Player - is this a separate hardware device, or are you using the FPGA at least in part? How much does it affect battery life while in use? What speed does *it* run at?
So now what I'm thinking is that this PDA is not in the style of a PPC, which is more "a mini computer", but more in the style of earlier Palms/Psions, but with interesting addons like the cool fingertip interface, an interesting GUI, and Bluetooth. Plus, you can add specialized hardware to do things like play MP3s. *IF* this assessment is correct, I'm not sure that you'll get many takers at that price point. I have a feeling you'll need to do something else (in addition to the fingertip interface) better than PPCs to have someone want to pay more for your device.
The Escrow approach is... interesting.
Anyway - I'm looking forward to your response.
Robb Bates
07-21-2004, 10:02 PM
I don't want to revert to a monochrome screen again.
I actually like this idea. Many applications are static and only need monochrome displays. e.g. email, ebook reader, Word, Excel, Notes, Tasks, Calendar, etc. While the addition of color to these makes for a more pleasent experience, B&W is still quite funtional.
The bi-stable display they are talking about is that new B&W LCD (http://www.zbddisplays.com/) that once you update the display, you can remove power and it retains the display indefinitely. That's how they can get the extremely long battery life. A few microseconds of processor power to update the display and then several minutes of zero power while the user reads the text.
As far as the thumbs only approach, I'm all for it. As little effort as it takes to pull out your stylus, there is some mental fatigue involved in trying to make precision taps while walking or driving your car (you know you do it!) The crude precision required with a finger/thumb based GUI is very appealing. The "FingerNav" mode in this Palm Pilot email client (http://www.snappermail.com/palm/mail) had the right idea for my Treo before I saw the PPC light.
Robb
Robb Bates
07-21-2004, 10:11 PM
Continuing with the idea of a thumb based interface, what PPC programs are out there that make an attempt at a finger/thumb based GUI?
I know there is EZNote (http://www.pdamill.com/prod_en.shtml).
What else?
Robb
There already are a variety of thumbs based keyboards out there for the PPC, like SPB Full Screen Keyboard or Touch Keyboard (formerly BigKeys) the latter which has portrait as well as landscape layouts. There are at least one or two others but I couldn't find them in my quick Handango search; a deeper search should show them.
I tested one or two but I find they require too much pressure on the screen, especially since I have a screen protection, but some swear by them (I swear AT them :D)
YMMV.
For those wondering why the Jackito keyboard layout is not QWERTY, remember this is software based and can be reprogrammed. :D
Too bad we can't change out votes.
Especially since it's purely subjective and our opinion can -and does here- change.
I think I chose "suspicious", but now recent events show this poll has no more "raison d'être" and should be removed.
What about running a new poll asking people if this present poll still has a "raison d'être" ?? :twisted:
.
theflew
08-18-2004, 08:28 PM
For those wondering why the Jackito keyboard layout is not QWERTY, remember this is software based and can be reprogrammed. :D
The site states that there are 10 keyboards available (pick) and you can design your on. Also, Palm's and PocketPC are boring. The only thing that happens year after year is a faster processor, but you can do anything more with them - except games (buy a Gameboy). Given some of the technology this device has it could beat them all in the speed department. I ordered one. Lord knows (and my wife) how much I've spent over the past 8 years on PDA's just to replace them 1-2 years later. I emailed the sales department about the internal options (i.e. FM radio, MP3, etc). They are not add on options. They are just unlocking features. I imagine everytime you open the MP3's, radio, etc.. they are reconfiguring the FPGA. A very iteresting concept. Also the display technology is possible. Our Pocket PC eat batteries because of the processor not the display. The backlight does take power but the processor eats it. Intel admits that they could make a 1Ghz processor, but it would only run a few minutes on batteries (the size in a PDA).
Jackito team
09-23-2004, 08:03 PM
In just a few days, Jackito our Finger-Touch TDA (Tactile-Digital-Assistant) has enjoyed a response that exceeded our wildest expectations. Our www.jackito-pda.com website has received over 150,000 visitors, with enquiries about distribution rights coming from every continent, many requests for press packs and photos for newspapers and magazines, requests for interviews, product samples and several thousand messages and comments on Jackito (to which we have tried to respond by grouping together similar observations and questions).
Kati Compton’s comments particularly caught my attention for their quality and balance. I passed them on to François Mizzi, the architect since 1980 of the whole family of Finger-Touch TDAs, of which Jackito is the latest member. A summary of François’ CV is given on our site (go to About us and then Partners). Like Kati he holds a PhD: they should be able to speak the same language.
François Mizzi will use his 3Actil blog (http://3Actil.blogspot.com) to discuss these issues freely with Kati Compton.
Kati Compton
09-24-2004, 12:40 AM
In just a few days, Jackito our Finger-Touch TDA (Tactile-Digital-Assistant) has enjoyed a response that exceeded our wildest expectations. Our www.jackito-pda.com website has received over 150,000 visitors, with enquiries about distribution rights coming from every continent, many requests for press packs and photos for newspapers and magazines, requests for interviews, product samples and several thousand messages and comments on Jackito (to which we have tried to respond by grouping together similar observations and questions).
Kati Compton’s comments particularly caught my attention for their quality and balance. I passed them on to François Mizzi, the architect since 1980 of the whole family of Finger-Touch TDAs, of which Jackito is the latest member. A summary of François’ CV is given on our site (go to About us and then Partners). Like Kati he holds a PhD: they should be able to speak the same language.
François Mizzi will use his 3Actil blog (http://3Actil.blogspot.com) to discuss these issues freely with Kati Compton.
I'm glad you found my comments helpful, and that your product seems to be enjoying success at this point. I always enjoy when a device using an FPGA does well.
I took a look at the site listed, and his comments to me. However, I'm not sure how much time I can spend on this. First, I've been spending less time here at Pocket PC Thoughts lately due to my busy job. Second, if I am to spend a significant amount of my time helping a commercial product, I would be charging a similarly significant consultation fee.
In the blog, François indicates that his priority is to document for potential buyers, not for those interested in the internal operations of the device. I don't remember my statements (no time to go back and read them now), but I believe I stated that I felt the discussion of the operation of the device *was* less important to document for a commercial product, but *if* it is documented, it should be done so more clearly *if* the goal is to convince technologically sophisticated naysayers. If I didn't state it that way, I apologize - but that is what I meant.
By the way, François discusses an "attached report" in his blog message, but I don't see a link in that message for that report.
He also talks about how I should pay $200 to get one of these units, reverse-engineer it, so that I can better convince my colleagues how wonderful it is. I appreciate that he feels very enthusiastic about this device, but to put it bluntly, I am not going to pay $200 to help you advertise your product, which is what those statements seemed to imply. Not only do I not have the time for this, but I am not inclined to pay $200 of my own money to disprove any of the skepticisms I may have about the product, let alone anyone else's.
Finally, he mentions my comment about the use of the term "reversible automata" vs. the term "reconfigurable". He states that there is some reason why he chose "reversible automata", and it wasn't because he was unaware of the term "reconfigurable". But he doesn't explain this reason. Instead he says:
Serious dialogue can not be based on illusions, and it is these illusions that I now need to dispel. My goal is that you should ask yourself this question: why did they use the term “reversibly wired automata” rather than “reconfigurable” in common with other specialists in FPGA? I can’t see how I can answer such questions until you ask them of yourself.
He wants me to "ask myself" this question? This is not a metaphysical question about the meaning of life and such. This is a technical question. If he chooses not to answer, that is fine, but since my actual job is a more important priority to me, I will not be devoting my time to discovering that answer on my own. I just don't have time for it.
This is my response to his blog. I appreciate that he is addressing my concerns, but I really just don't have time to watch his blog. Really, I haven't even had time to watch this *thread* - someone else pointed out this post to me. Otherwise, I would have missed it.
mchang
09-24-2004, 01:02 AM
Wow. This thread is still alive? No product here. Move on folks, nothing to see.
But, if they want to send me the device, I'll be happy to review it.
Not holding my breath,
out
Janak Parekh
09-24-2004, 03:27 AM
François Mizzi will use his 3Actil blog (http://3Actil.blogspot.com) to discuss these issues freely with Kati Compton.
I couldn't help but notice that Francois took a sideswipe at me while he was at it. I'm not amused. Perhaps you'd like to pass the following on to him.
These words were highly revealing of your view of us. You are certain that we are boasting of the impossible: you have no doubt of this.
Perhaps François would like to brush up on his knowledge of the English language. "Boast" does not imply that I'm accusing Jackito of being liars. The canonical definition of boast is:
v. tr.
1. To speak of with excessive pride.
2. To possess or own (a desirable feature): “[the] capital of a region in the southeast that boasts bountiful coal fields” (US Air).
3. To contain; have.
None of the three are intended to be even remotely insulting. Anyway, I don't appreciate the hostile tone to what I felt was a very fair and balanced post. Since you're so summarily dismissive of my comments, you're obviously not interested in further contact with me. That's fine with me.
--janak
Dolphin
09-25-2004, 04:14 AM
Pardon my ignorance... but couldn't the current slew of pda's do the same thing with software that utilizes large screen buttons like on Palm's "voice memo"? Or, is this screen some how more suited for fingers?
Jackito team
09-27-2004, 12:31 PM
Thank you Dolphin for your important question.
You can read a first answer at www.jackito.com>What is Jackito> Ergonomics.
As we receive many times such question, it seems our answer is not clear enough. That is why I will write a more complete answer in my Blog : www.3actil.blogspot.com; I need some time to write it.
François
Pat Logsdon
09-27-2004, 07:46 PM
It uses its own proprietary operating System, 3ActilOS, and it boasts insane battery life...These words were highly revealing of your view of us. You are certain that we are boasting of the impossible: you have no doubt of this.Perhaps François would like to brush up on his knowledge of the English language. "Boast" does not imply that I'm accusing Jackito of being liars.
Excellent example of totally misplaced anger based on insufficient understanding of the English language! "Boasts insane battery life" does not imply that you (François) are lying, or that you are insane. "Boasts" in this instance means the same as "includes", and "insane" is roughly analogous to "very good".
If you would like to maintain good relations with sites that have the potential to reach large segments of your potential market, I would suggest that you make very sure that your interpretation is correct before you publicly respond.
Janak's post was well-written, fair, and objective. In my opinion, you owe him an apology.
Jackito team
09-28-2004, 03:41 PM
About my misunderstanding of your sentence "Boasts insane battery life" I receive many critics; I recognise my error, please excuse me.
François
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