Startup unveils plan for ‘2nd generation info appliance’
Mar 18, 2002 — by LinuxDevices Staff — from the LinuxDevices Archive — viewsA tiny San Mateo, CA startup emerged from stealth mode today, unveiling its plan to develop “a second generation information appliance platform”. The concept for the new Linux-based wireless webpad device is the brainchild of Todd Shafer, President and Founder of DOT Design Technologies. According to Shafer, the device, called the X-tend, features a Linux-based operating system with a customizable graphical user interface, 802.11 enabled wireless networked access to the Internet, email, or the family's PC, and will also provide universal remote control capabilities.
The X-tend's target specifications are currently based on a National Geode system-on-chip processor equipped with 64MB of SDRAM and 64MB of built-in Flash memory. The plan calls for a 10.4″ XGA (1024 x 768 pixels x 24-bit) TFT touch sensitive LCD screen, packaged in an 11.5 x 9.5 x 1.5 in. enclosure and with a weight of approximately 4.75 lbs. The goal for peripheral interfaces includes: 802.11 wireless, 10/100 Ethernet, dual USB, audio input/output, Infrared output, and a built-in 802.11 antenna.
Shafer is currently seeking the funding required to finish developing the hardware and software prototypes, and bring the product to market. He hopes to sell the X-tend at a price point of under $700.
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