12-18-2002, 10:36 PM
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Editor Emeritus
Join Date: Aug 2006
Posts: 15,171
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Are Headset-Enabled PDA's The Future?
Much research has been done towards wearable computing. We would probably call PDA's one practical implementation. However, how about combining our existing PDA's with modern research in head-mounted displays?
The Xybernaut Poma is one such device. I'm surprised we haven't picked up on it before. This WinCE unit is broken down into three pieces: the headset, the handheld, and the mouse. The handheld is a 128MHz SH4 with 32MB RAM and a type II CF slot, weighs 10oz and fits in your pocket; the mouse can be kept in your hand as you walk. The headset has a whopping 640x480 resolution.
While it's not a Pocket PC, according to their webstore it has DirectX, Windows Media Technology 4.1, Windows Media Player 6.4 Control, Pocket Word, Inbox, and Internet Explorer for CE. Not a bad bundle for $1,499, and I suspect the device design doesn't match the Pocket PC requirements anyway.
Now, if only the headset was a thin sunglass-style display, I would be all over it. I somehow don't believe the stylish people featured in the Poma's specification PDF would actually be caught wearing this, and this review seems to agree with me. However, such display technology is evolving rapidly; it's only a matter of time before it becomes a small and practical mass-market item.
The advantage of a headset is that it creates a virtual image that's much larger than a 3.5" or 4" handheld LCD, so you can see higher resolutions, and you can read it while walking and looking ahead. The disadvantage (apart from the fact you look like a cyborg, which is solvable) is that the virtual image can be distracting and tiring. Interaction with a virtual display is also difficult.
What do you think: do you think our Pocket PC's should be moving in this direction? Should there be a CF adapter that you can plug into a headset and table-free mouse?
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12-18-2002, 10:42 PM
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Mystic
Join Date: Jul 2003
Posts: 1,768
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Re: Are Headset-Enabled PDA's The Future?
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Originally Posted by Janak Parekh
What do you think: do you think our Pocket PC's should be moving in this direction? Should there be a CF adapter that you can plug into a headset and table-free mouse?
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Yes, I would buy one that was a CF or SDIO card that wirelessly connected to a inconspicuous sunglasses style HUD. Then, use eye-tracking technology to simulate a pointer.
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12-18-2002, 10:45 PM
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Ponderer
Join Date: Sep 2007
Posts: 62
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Of course I would agree that we should keep moving that direction.
Remember 'resistance is futile, you will be asimilated...'
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12-18-2002, 10:55 PM
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Intellectual
Join Date: Mar 2004
Posts: 170
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I love the thought of this kind of devices... but I would like it as an accesory. I think I would still prefer a normal screen on my PDA. I would see this as a VERY usable device in lots of specific circumstances, lots better than a screen, or many times, the only option (think things that need hands free, for example)
But then again, I have never tried one of these 1-inch-from-your-eyeball screen. Has anyone here tried them? Does they work well? Arent they incredibly uncomfortable? Is image quality good?
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12-18-2002, 11:16 PM
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Swami
Join Date: Feb 2004
Posts: 4,303
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Hmmmm, not at all sure about wearing one of these. :? Much too Geeky indeed.
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12-18-2002, 11:18 PM
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Sage
Join Date: Jul 2004
Posts: 658
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Well, I suppose you could wear a hat to disguise it a little :P
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12-18-2002, 11:24 PM
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Ponderer
Join Date: Sep 2007
Posts: 62
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or a pirate patch...
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12-18-2002, 11:39 PM
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Magi
Join Date: Feb 2002
Posts: 2,386
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I wonder how long-term usage would effect your vision. Wouldn't this be equivalent to putting your face against the computer monitor over long periods (minus radiation of course)?
Couldn't you become terribly near-sighted in a relatively short amount of time after using this? Maybe just in one eye?
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12-18-2002, 11:50 PM
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Editor Emeritus
Join Date: Aug 2006
Posts: 15,171
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Quote:
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Originally Posted by ekkie
Couldn't you become terribly near-sighted in a relatively short amount of time after using this? Maybe just in one eye?
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Not necessarily, I think. The focal length may be medium-range. But maybe if you use it all the time, even in bed?  The strain of a display right next to your eye worries me.
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Originally Posted by PDA Gerbil
Hmmmm, not at all sure about wearing one of these. :? Much too Geeky indeed.
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PDAG, take a look at the "evolving rapidly" link. It's now possible to embed one of these behind a standard pair of sunglasses, and in fact the same guy (Steve Mann) now has one that works with (what seems to be) a clear pair of glasses. Miniturization of the display technologies have happened very, very quickly.
--janak
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12-19-2002, 12:08 AM
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Thinker
Join Date: Jun 2002
Posts: 390
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Hey maybe they should start making PDA like desktop computer, separate the units instead of one big chunk.
-main computing unit/storage
-display/headset
-other peripheral.
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