The next revolution in computers?
 

Wow, this seems pretty revolutionary.

$50, plug it into any flatscreen TV or monitor, keyboard and mouse hook up wirelessly, and away you go.

Dude, you're getting a $50 computer: The reinvention of Dell | Fox News

Very cool idea, they will probably sell some. I don't want one, and I don't know that the average internet connection is up to the task.

will it network with my wristwatch and class ring?

Thin clients been around a long while. Store you data and your profiles in "the cloud." We use these in our call centers, the actual "desktop computer" is a virtual image stored in the ether.

http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1360114848.jpg

We use the version without any ports however so agents can't plug thing into them.

check out the raspberry pi

That's pretty cool, I'll be interested to see it in execution. I'm still not onboard with the cloud concept, something about not storing critical files locally just doesn't sit well with me.

You and me both.

it's mind boggling, but the idea of no local storage still creeps me out. I use my phone and iPad a lot, but still think of my computer as the mother ship. Not sure I'm ready to set sail from her yet.

Especially with huge amounts of storage available for cheap. Most average new laptops have 1 TB or greater hard drive space. Insane.

It's funny how some of my first IT work in the 90's was ripping out dumb terminals. Net boot anyone? Full circle once again.

I bought two.

They're too slow.

I agree. It would be a while before something like this could completely replace your home computer/laptop, etc.

But, for example, 99% of the time spent on my computers at home don't involve critical files.

I think this concept will be huge. It's great for the things that most people do at home. For example, surfing the net and checking emails is a huge % of what most people do on their home computers these days. IMO, for $50, they'd sell millions and millions of these things.

For what? They are supposed to have hardware accelerated mpeg decoding and can play 1080p video ...

I hope the next revolution in computers is in human factors and system interfaces.

Absolutely. It would be great to simply plug this thing into the USB port on one of my TVs and surf the net from my recliner.

They do, and they actually play 1080p video very well. For what they were designed to do (dirt-cheap platform to teach kids how to program computers), they're just about perfect - and a steal for $35 for the Model B (Model A just out in Europe for $25).

But they run 100% CPU on the XBMC menu doing nothing - and take far too long (forever) to update the library. Forget overclocking; they crash very quickly, even within the approved (e.g. non-warranty impacting) limits.

For a fan-less media player I can velcro to the back of the TV to serve all my content from elsewhere in the house, I've pinned my hopes on/am looking forward to delivery of my ODROID-U2 ODROID | Hardkernel.

Yup, that's a quad-core ARM9 1.7GHz with 2GB of RAM for $89...

This

http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1360166417.jpg

No!!! We must have more hard drives! Unless it has a hard drive its only a toy.

Wearables Benjamin, wearables.

Seriously, human ergonomic interfaces that we are already comfortable with. Things like watches, bracelets, glasses, necklaces, belts, rings, etc...

British internet users' personal information on major 'cloud' storage services can be spied upon routinely by US authorities - News - Gadgets & Tech - The Independent
"All personal information stored by British internet users on major "cloud" computing services including Google Drive can be spied upon routinely without their knowledge by US authorities under newly-approved legislation, it can be disclosed."

My information? Your information?
We are all one in harmony.
Aaaaauuuuummmmmm.

(disclaimer:"we" means those individuals not enrolled in a certified opt-out arraignment)

There is no confidentiality, only secrets. Once you know a secret, its not secret any more.

We pulled all our thin clients out at work a couple years ago. They work OK until you need to hook up all manner of hardware to them.

We have had a home theater PC connected to our TV for years and have enjoyed playing local and cloud content since. Our new home theater receiver allows us to play all our local music and video through it (as well as internet radio/Pandora/Sattelite radio). Many people have Roku or other streaming devices as well so I don't see much in the way of new tech other than the form factor here. Most new smart TVs will do most of this stuff now.

You hit it on the head. Sure, MPEG decoding in hardware is nice. If all you do is watch MPEGs.

But I don't, and everything else is painfully slow. Even simply starting up any application is slow. Basic web browsing is an exercise in premature hair loss.

Unless you plan to use the thing in text mode, you won't enjoy the experience. My phone's UI is faster by far.

We have thin clients at work too, but we aren't running them over a home internet connection. That's where I see the problem.

We have looked at wearables. My company specializes in Unmanned Air Systems so we are always looking for the next wave in human systems interfaces, human factors...and training; the how, the curricula, the skill set needed.

The system we exist in, from launch, sensor collection, to operator to processor to decision maker and return (very simplistic) is in need of complete overhaul that is not "processor" driven.

I just got my Pi after about 9 months, don't quite know what I will play with it for...thinking of build a cool case, maybe out of old Porsche parts, what are you guys using?

I went with the clear snap-together acrylic case. Looks much more finished/nicer than the red plastic thing (which would be fine for prototyping).

Heh. I see MCM now offer the Pi with the clear case instead of the default one...

Sun proposed a system like this over 20+ years ago. Plug your keyboard & monitor into a wall outlet and everything would be stored on their systems. No viruses, system crashes, hard drive failures. Faster & safer. Of course all the companies that make or provide parts for that box on your desk were against this.

You've been able to do this for years now. Playstation 3 has a web browser embedded on it (along with streaming video through Netflix, Amazon, etc). And if you have kids, you probably have a PS3 ;) Nothing like downloading/streaming porn on the 90" for all the pervs out there SmileWavy