Dave's iPAQ Glimpse Blue Dock

[Jonathon Watkins]

<div class='os_post_top_link'><a href='http://davesipaq.com/news/004015/iPAQ_accessory_synospher' target='_blank'>http://davesipaq.com/news/004015/iP...ssory_synospher</a><br /><br /></div>Every now and again, someone asks when a docking station will be released that will allow them to use their PPC with full sized keyboards, monitors etc. Up to this point it’s only been a nice idea, but it looks like you will soon be able to get your hands on such a device. Dave's iPAQ have obtained pre-manufacturing pictures of the 'Blue Dock'.<br /><br /><i>"The product can be described as an “Intelligent Docking Station” The new design has a interchangeable pocket which allows the BlueDock to support different devices or if you choose to upgrade your PDA the BlueDock will work with a new pocket inserted. At launch time several different PDA vendors will be supported. The BlueDock will support PPC2003 edition, Older Handhelds can be upgraded to 2003 for a nominal fee from the Manufactures website." </i><br /><br /><img src="http://www.pocketpcthoughts.com/images/web/2003/model2_front.jpg" /><br /><br />The manufacturer is called Synosphere and the Blue Dock comes with a 10/100 Ethernet connection, a USB port, SVGA monitor support (800X600) and a SD Slot (Non SDIO). They plan to do a limited release towards the end of this year. You can get more information and lots of pre-production pictures of the Blue Dock at the <a href="http://www.synosphere.com/gallery.htm">Synosphere</a> website. NB, Dave's iPAQ seem to have more up to date images than the ones on the Synosphere Website, which is interesting. So, what do you reckon? Would this allow you to use your PPC as your primary computing platform as the manufactures claim, or is it a novelty gimmick that won't be of much use in the real world?

[ctmagnus]

From the Synosphere site:

A Wholly Owned Subsidiary of iBIZ Technology Corp

:worried:

[jimski]

Back in my early Palm days, I ranted regularly (guess someone from Synosphere overheard me in some airport lounge) about the lack of a universal dock, with interchangable connectors that anyone could use to connect their PDA to; a larger display, keyboard & mouse, memory and external ports. I envisioned docks that would be available in kiosks at airports, for rental at hotels and who knows, maybe even at Starbucks. I thought this was a first big step in not needing to lug a heavy laptop around.

But now with VGA screens, mega memory cards and Bluetooth (finally) keyboards, I don't know if a device like this would have the value it might have once had. I think it's a few years late. :(

[Spiral]

I doubt that they can sell it for a low enough price that it would be much more useful than a budget computer though...

[bodab]

From the Synosphere site:

A Wholly Owned Subsidiary of iBIZ Technology Corp

:worried:

I noticed that too. I mean, come on people, fooled me once shame on them, fooled me twice shame on me. PPCT shouldn't even mention products from that company. :evil:

[Sven Johannsen]

From the Synosphere site:

A Wholly Owned Subsidiary of iBIZ Technology Corp

:worried:

Funny, I was wondering if it could be used with a laser projection keyboard :D

[ricksfiona]

Interesting...

I think this MIGHT work if someone wanted something smaller than a laptop and couldn't afford another computer for their desktop. They would also have to realize that they couldn't play desktop games...

I think 2 - 3 years ago, this could've worked. I'm not sure now.

[RobertS]

I had much the same reaction to this device as most of you...

When I first ran into the marketing info a year ago it seemed like a cool concept...now it seems like most of its functionality is handled by Bluetooth or software.

The fact that it is made by iBiz dramatically lowers the likelyhood it will be released, especially since the SEC have made public notice they are officially investigating iBiz's management team pending charges.

Add to that that the new design form first seen on Dave's site (as he said during his review of the once and future VKB, he has a very close relationship with iBiz). The old design looked sort of retro chic..this one looks like a Cylon's toaster.

So, anybody care to preorder it?

RobertS

[carphead]

Now I can find a use for this. The USB port alone would be a major benifit provided it actually worked. BUT I'm having trouble accepting that all this can be done via a sync/docking port.

Can USB + Ethernet + SVGA all come out of a docking port? How are they going to manage that? When I've never seen a solution like it before?

Yea I've seen Ethernet Cradles for the older IPAQ 3000 series machines. But SVGA via a sync port? :?

I also like the way they used "Blue" when there's no bleutooth involved.

Are they going to release a Black, Red and Green dock as well? :?

[dMores]

maybe i didn't understand the concept of this thing.
but, what's the use if half the screen is not visible?

is it like a toaster that pops up the device to the appropriate height?

[Jonathon Watkins]

maybe i didn't understand the concept of this thing.
but, what's the use if half the screen is not visible?

is it like a toaster that pops up the device to the appropriate height?

Yes, I had wondered about that. At least with the original concept device you could actually see the screen. Odd.

[Jonathon Watkins]

From the Synosphere site:

A Wholly Owned Subsidiary of iBIZ Technology Corp

:worried:

I noticed that too. I mean, come on people, fooled me once shame on them, fooled me twice shame on me. PPCT shouldn't even mention products from that company. :evil:

Well, it was sent in as news and I believe that it is worth posting on. If it turns out to be vaporware, then that's life, but at least we had a useful discussion and got thinking about possible docking station, PPC usage scenarios etc. A posting on PPCT is no grantee of a product's quality. :wink: Just because something is newsworthy, does not mean it is praiseworthy. Heck, the ongoing laser keyboard story is worth it for entertainment purposes along. :lol:

[RobertS]

Heck, the ongoing laser keyboard story is worth it for entertainment purposes along. :lol:

I agree completely. I have been following the twists and turns of iBiz and their unusual business practices for monthes now. It's fascinating like a train wreck...just when I think it can't get worse something else happens.

As for the BlueDock, I believe the concept is that it works like a Port Replicator and allows your keyboard, mouse, monitor, network connections etc to use the PDA as a CPU the same way they would a notebook computer.

The concept of this giving LAN and USB access to a PDA is great but I am not sure how the monitor angle would work. Since it is the only computer involved would it stretch the display from your PDA or only use a small amount of the screen size?

Anyway, all this is moot since as I said, most of the functionality can now be handled by wireless or third-party software. This is a clear example of a great idea taking too long in development...or in other words another way for iBiz to swindle stockholders with decent ideas, splashy headlines and dubious press releases (not to mention carefully orchestrated reviews).

If any of these ever DO see the marketplace odds are the money will go straight to the SEC to cover fines. The first time iBiz was charged by the SEC with fraud (paying a stock analyst for a good review) they paid 20 grand. Since this time they violated the terms of the deal which allowed them to pay a fine without admitting guilt (not to stretch the truth in Press releases anymore) I think iBiz could be looking at a good deal more than 20 grand.

RobertS

[cteel2004]

I may just not be understanding the idea correctly, but what can you do with a usb port on this thing other than external media like hard drives and jump drives? Most other usb devices are going to need drivers that don't exist for pocket pc's.

[RobertS]

Exactly...which is why we are saying it has limited functionality. When the idea was dreamed up wireless was only on a few elite devices. Now there are keyboards a plenty and WiFi connections into networks. As for monitors and mice...who needs them on a PDA?

At this point this is a bit like someone coming up with a revolutionary way to make gas powered streetlights. Interesting but it took so long to even contemplate production that it is more than a bit behind the times. I bet the bells and whistles went over a treat with stockholders, though. That is SO iBiz.

[Christian]

I'm trying to picture my 19" LCD displaying a 320x240 resolution... 8O :lol:

[Jonathon Watkins]

I'm trying to picture my 19" LCD displaying a 320x240 resolution... 8O :lol:

8O :crazyeyes: :shocked!: Your poor eyes!

:lol:

[davea0511]

I'm surprised by the number of people here that say they don't get it. Why don't you close your eye's and imagine the following: you are carrying your laptop around with you in the form of a PDA/Cellphone, and it turns into a full blown desktop computer by dropping it into a cradle located just about anywhere (someone even mentioned airports). You don't have a computer at home and another one at work, and some stupid PC Anywhere program - Instead, it's all on the same device that you carry around in your pocket, and it's immediately available when you're on the subway, using it to listen to MP3s that you didn't have to download from your computer because your PDA is your computer.

That said, I'll admit that this probably won't fit the bill for most if any of us - but not because it's a bad idea, but only because all the right pieces aren't in place yet. Mainly:

1) WinCE USB drivers are nearly non-existent (except for DeJe's Mass Storage device driver - God bless you, DeJe)

2) It's doubtful that most devices will produce resolution on their monitor above what thier devices produce natively on the PDA.

3) Most WinCE programs aren't designed to take advantage of large SVGA+ monitors, and there simply aren't enough WinCE programs to match what's available for any popular desktop OS.

BUT PDA's running desktop Operating Systems will be here very soon, at which time all you guys that are trashing this whole concept will be looked upon like we view people who trashed the Apple Newton and hastened its lack of acceptance, thereby resulting in it's demise and setting the PDA world back by at least 5 years.

So although this probably won't fit the bill for most of us avid information exploiters, but I applaud anyone's efforts if it means that someday I'll never again have to "sync" up my PDA with my computer because they're one and the same device. If it means I won't have to VPN to work because I ahve my work computer in my pocket - the more power to them. And for some people (like my grandma who has bad vision and only uses the computer for PIM and IE) this might be a good solution already - in it's current form - even if it isn't for the rest of us.

-Dave

ps - no I'm not a spokesman for iBIZ. I just hate seeing people trash a good idea while it's still in its infancy.