[aprssig] New $200 Netbook Appears To Have APRS Potential

[Robert Bruninga]

Did I miss any response to this post for EduBook $200 laptop?

Being native Linux, looks like this would be an ideal APRS
mobile platform for XASTIR? 
I'd buy one once the XASTIR guru's bless it..

Bob, WB4APR

> -----Original Message-----
> From: aprssig-bounces at tapr.org 
> [mailto:aprssig-bounces at tapr.org] On Behalf Of Stephen H.
Smith
> Sent: Tuesday, February 09, 2010 7:17 PM
> To: TAPR APRS Mailing List
> Subject: [aprssig] New $200 Netbook Appears To Have APRS
Potential
> 
> Article posted on Slashdot.org today about a new cheap netbook
that 
> appeared at CES.
> 
> <http://mobile.slashdot.org/story/10/02/09/2138200/XCores-EduB
> ook-a-Netbook-That-Runs-on-AA-Batteries>
> 
> The company's website is:
> 
> <http://www.norhtec.com/products/gecko/index.html>
> 
> 
> This device reportedly is begins at only $200. More
interestingly it 
> runs off 8 standard AA-size NiMH cells rather than some
proprietary 
> battery pack -- i.e. it should be able to run directly from 
> 12 VDC. They 
> claim total power draw of 1.2 watts.
> 
> It has a BUILT-IN AC power supply. Only a standard cloverleaf
laptop 
> power cord is required with no external brick. It comes 
> default with 8 
> GB of flash memory but can also accommodate standard 2.5"
laptop hard 
> drives. It's supplied with a variant of Ubuntu Linux but is 
> capable of 
> running Windows XP instead. The device has three external USB 
> ports and 
> one internal one. There is empty space inside for added 
> devices such as 
> cellular wireless data cards. You could stuff a USB-interfaced
GPS 
> INSIDE the device.
> 
> Even it's standard 8 GB flash could easily hold Windows XP, 
> and either 
> MapPoint/APRSpoint or UIview/Precision Mapping resulting a
device 
> functionally similar to an AVmap 5 or nuvi 350 but with a 9" 
> screen and 
> real keyboard. A USB<-->serial dongle could connect it to a 
> Kenwood D700 
> or D710 for a complete but compact and cheap mobile APRS
setup.
> 
> Another interesting application: Since it has a sound system 
> with mic-in 
> and line out, it could be ideal as a dedicated Echolink 
> terminal due to 
> it's low power drain.
> 
> 
> Some specs off the mfr's website:
> 
> --------------------------------------------------------------
> ----------
> 
> 
> The Gecko Edubook
> 
> Accepting orders for August shipments.
> 
> The Gecko EduBook is an upgradeable, low power, portable and
cost 
> effective laptop. Unlike most inexpensive laptops (often
called net 
> books), the Gecko EduBook is designed for tough, long service.
> 
> The Gecko EduBook does not have a fan. The Xcore86 CPU used 
> in the Gecko 
> EduBook is more energy efficient than any other x86 CPU 
> running at 1Ghz. 
> It can support Microsoft Windows XP. The Xcore86 only uses 
> 1.2 watts of 
> power. While the Gecko EduBook costs less than most every
other x86 
> compatible laptop, the Gecko Edubook features a large, bright
LED 
> backlit 8.9 inch screen with a resolution of 1024 x 600.
> 
> 
> CPU 1GHz Xcore86 Device on ChipT
> Graphics Integrated Graphics Chip
> Memory 512MB / 1GB DDR2
> Display 8.9" WSVGA 1024 x 600 resolution TFT LCD screen with
LED
> backlight
> HDD SD Card or IDE Flash Disk
> Audio Line-out, Mic-in, Internal Mic, Internal stereo speakers
> Ethernet Built in 10/100 Base-T
> USB 2.0 ports External : 3 ports, Inernal : 1 port (reserved 
> for WIFI, GPRS,
> CDMA, 3G or 3.5G USB dongles)
> I/O D-sub 15 pin VGA out, integrated SD card reader, touch pad
> Power / Battery Rechargeable AA Battery - NiMH 8 pcs (4 hours
max) or
> Li+3S (4 hours max) or Li+3S2P (6 hours max)
> AC 100V-240V (no external adapter)
> 
> 
> --------------------------------------------------------------
> ----------
> 
> --
> 
> Stephen H. Smith wa8lmf (at) aol.com
> EchoLink Node: WA8LMF or 14400 [Think bottom of the 2M band]
> Skype: WA8LMF
> Home Page: http://wa8lmf.net
> 
> NEW! Universal HF/VHF/UHF Antenna Mounting System
> http://wa8lmf.net/mobile/UniversalAntMountSystem.htm
> 
> "APRS 101" Explanation of APRS Path Selection & Digipeating
> http://wa8lmf.net/DigiPaths
> 
> Updated "Rev H" APRS http://wa8lmf.net/aprs
> Symbols Set for UI-View,
> UIpoint and APRSplus:
> 
> 
> 
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