Wednesday, November 24, 2010

Computers and the imagination


I'm fascinated by the things people can think of to do with (and to) their iPads. Crescent Electronics blog has listed eight ideas that are both intriguing and a bit out there. Here's one example.




It was only a matter of time before someone with the skills required fitted an iPad into the dashboard of a car. On the face of it, the possibilities are very attractive: large screen satellite navigation, touchscreen access to your music, video...the only problem is, most of these activities would likely cause an accident if carried out while driving. Still, it looks good, right?

Here's a video of the installation process.







There's more at the link. Fun reading.

Not to be outdone, the good people at Dark Roasted Blend have put together a collection of 'post iPad concepts'. This is one of them.

This experimental product [is] called the P-ISM, described by NEC designers as a "Pen-style Personal Networking Gadget Package." A prototype of the system, which cost a reported $30,000 to build, was unveiled at ITU Telecom World in 2003 (that's long, long time ago).




"P-ISM is a 'pen-computer' package including five functions: a pen-style cellular phone with a handwriting data input, virtual keyboard, a very small projector, camera scanner, and personal ID key with cashless pass function. P-ISMs are connected with one another through short-range wireless technology. This personal gadget in a minimalist pen style enables the ultimate ubiquitous computing."


There are many more concepts at the link. Entertaining and thought-provoking reading.

Peter

2 comments:

Anonymous said...

http://www.thinkgeek.com/computing/keyboards-mice/8193/

significantly cheaper with less features but affordable

Unknown said...

I certainly wouldn't mind having the option to have a touchscreen GPS installed in the dash - it'd be one less thing to juggle while driving!

Plus, you'd never have to worry about someone stealing it or it running out of battery power.