Monday, March 15, 2010

Qi Hardware's Ben Nanonote Hobbyist Toy


In the world of small and portable computers, there are netbooks. Then there are smartbooks.  And then there is the Ben Nanonote.  This little "handheld laptop" is a class on its own.  Looking like a cross between a Nintendo DS and an electronic dictionary, the device is supposed to be an easily hackable Linux computer.  The goal: developers will turn it into some sort of media player, offline dictionary/encyclopedia, or some other random device.  Here are the specs:

  • 3″ 320×240 Resolution LCD
  • 336 MHz XBurst JZ4720 CPU
  • 32 MB RAM
  • 2 GB Flash Memory
  • Expandable MicroSD Card Slot
  • No Wi-Fi
  • One Massive Bevel

There really is not that much incentive for people to buy these, except for the $99 price tag. But even that can quickly be overshadowed by the fact that the Nanonote is easily outperformed by a smartphone.  Still if tinkering is your thing, it might be worth a look.

Via Engadget

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