June 20th, 2006
A wrist-worn Linux PC
According to LinuxDevices.com, the Zypad WL 1000, a new wrist-worn PC has been demonstrated to the military forces. This device, which can run Linux or Windows CE, is a hands-free computer which handles wireless networking and GPS tracking. It also comes with a 240 x 320 pixels touchscreen and has a battery which can last about 8 hours. It only weighs 300 grams — but it will be at attached at the end of your arm, so it might feel heavier than this. It should be available in July for about $2,500 and could be used by healthcare or law enforcement personnel. But read more…
Here are more details on the hardware provided by LinuxDevices.com.
The Zypad WL 1000 is based on a Raza Microelectronics 32-bit MIPS-based AU 1100 processor (formerly offered by AMD) clocked at 400MHz. It has 64MB each of flash RAM and flash ROM, with expansion available through an SD card slot.
The Zypad WL 1000 has a 3.5-inch QVGA (240 x 320) touchscreen with automatic contrast adjust. It also features an 11-key backlit keypad.
Network interfaces include 802.11b/g, GPS, and PAN Bluetooth class 2 (32 feet), each with integral antennas. The device also includes USB 1.1 host and device ports, along with stereo audio I/O.
This wrist-worn PC is developed by the Eurotech Group and sold in the US by its subsidiary, Parvus Corporation.
Below is an artist rendering of the Zypad WL 1000 (Credit: Parvus).
And here is what it looks like around your wrist (Credit: Parvus).
Eurotech adds that this wrist wearable wireless computer (WWWC) can be used for indoor and outdoor tasks,.
The high wearability of the design allows flexible positioning and easy fastening to the arm (even over working clothes), assuring an ideal weight distribution and the best comfort at work.
I’m not sure that such a device can be comfortable to work with during several hours, even if this other product page tells me it will be really comfy and gives additional details.
The wireless functionalities of the WL 1000 ensure continuous connectivity no matter the location of the user, by utilizing Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and GPS capabilities. Using Linux or Windows CE operating systems, the unit can be quickly configured to access any remote host system through integrated wired or wireless interfaces.
Integrating a tilt and dead reckoning system, the WL 1000 can be used to determine if a user is motionless or fallen down and then transmit a locator beacon after a specified amount of time. This technology is also used to conserve power consumption by placing the unit in standby mode when the user’s arm hangs down beside the body.
For more information, you also can read this brochure (PDF format, 2 pages, 798 KB).
Finally, neither the manufacturer nor LinuxDevices.com says something about the software that could be used with this computer. We know it can run two OSes, but that’s about all. If you happen to know more details, please let me know.
Sources: LinuxDevices.com, June 19, 2006; and various web sites
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