Re: Cheap control + whole house display

[Andy Laurence <andy@xxxxxxx>]

> Using an existing product sold in bulk like this that already has got = to
> be a cheaper way to go.

Indeed.  They can be picked up for a tenner if you're happy with an ol= der
model, or =A330 for a Palm V.  The models are often sold off in bulk w= hen
they're replaced too, so new bargains at =A350 are often on the cards.

> The device already has screen, which is touch
> sensitive, possibly some hard buttons, and some local processing if > required.  The only concern for me is how much a palm can be phys= ically
> modifed to look good mounted in/on the wall and not just look like a > "handheld stuck on the wall"

This will be the main problem, although it will probably look quite cool protruding from the tabletop ;-)

> > Speed About .6 sec from pushing a button to a new screen being > > fully displayed.
>
> This sounds quick enough.  Have you given any thought to areas of= the
> screen also being used to display things like news, temperature etc. <= BR> > when idle.

Surely, if the server throws out HTML to the Palm, you can display
anything?

> > So the cost is reasonable and as it doesn;t matter if the palm is= new
> > or old palm/handspring/sony, availability should be good for 2nd = hand.
>
> Have these manufacturers made several different sized/shaped palms?&nb= sp; Do
> they have backlights when required?

Some models have backlights, some do not.  The Palm V does, but it doe= s
have to be dark for it to work.  Using the backlight at dusk with your=
back to the window does not yield good results :-/

Andy (very interested in this project, but sadly not a developer :-/ )
--
Building a community network for Bristol
http://consume.andylaurence.c= o.uk - updated 06/08
4x4 in town - bog brush for your teeth
NB: Alternate E-Mail - andylaurence at yahoo dot co dot uk

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