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IBM Linux Watch v2.0
Posted by
CmdrTaco
on Fri Mar 23, 2001 05:28 PM
from the isn't-that-special dept.
from the isn't-that-special dept.
sdamberger writes "IBM has created an even smaller second-generation Linux wristwatch. They have been modifying Linux to make the battery last even longer." Still oh-so-useless, but an oh so neat proof of concept.
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IBM Linux Watch v2.0
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more at ibm's web site. (Score:4)
It might be useless NOW. (Score:4)
However, consider that we simply won't be doing the same things with a watch that we do with the monster on your desk. We won't be writing reports on it, we won't be spending 20 hour stretches kernel hacking on it, nor will we be playing the latest incarnation of Quake. It probably won't even make a remarkably good websurfer. It would appear quite useless from typical computer standards.
But thats exactly the point. Its not going to be used as a typical computer. I can think of quite a few novelty uses for it besides keeping time. Certainly many of the PDA functions could be replicated on a device as small as a watch. But the true power of a such a device is the capability that a dynamic operating system provides. I don't know what it could be used for tomorrow, but knowing the device runs linux, I have a good shot at being able to implement a useful feature should the opportunity arise, and I won't necessarily have to do a hardware upgrade to accomplish it.
As for battery power, two hours might not seem like a lot of time, but think of how long cell phones used to last with MUCH larger batteries. It will require a combination of more efficient batteries and more efficient electronics, along with an easy method of recharging. Since this is still very much a prototype stage, I fail to see the issue.
-Restil
Good pictures available at... (Score:4)
There are high-resolutions of the second generation device at http://www.zdnet.com/zdnn/graphics/library/screens hot/0103ibm/linuxwatch.html?chkpt=0103ibm [zdnet.com]. (This time, no flash ads.)
I really like that clock face -- anyone know the name of the program?
This is so cool (Score:3)
16 MB of total memory, a processor, display stuff in a watch! Why I'm I sitting here with this huge thing?
Imagine coding some Perl or something hehe :), seriously though this is the direction computing is headed. I want one of these, too bad its not for sale
"One World, one Web, one Program" - Microsoft promotional ad
At last. (Score:5)
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Anything else to include... (Score:3)
Uh, Ok.... (Score:5)
A: Sure, one sec....
> Login: root
> Password: xxxxxxx
> Timex# date
> Fri Mar 23 14:37:59 PST 2001
> Timex#
A: Its Two Thirty seven PM.
I would give my left nut to do that in public. Must be the geek in me.
Re:Uh, Ok.... (Score:3)
You only need root to run hwclock or ntpdate. date runs just fine from the user account.
Name for this Distro? (Score:4)
Wind-OS?
Rolix?
Whatever...