>>>> I have noticed that many of the inexpensive Android tablets (7") do not
>>>> have Bluetooth.
>>>> (I guess that helps make them cheap)
>>>>
>>>> By cheap I mean under $100 w/free shipping.
>>>>
>>>> As the previous posting "Controlling embedded devices from tables
>>>> apps",
>>>>
>>>> Tables are getting cheap enough to "buy one to use on a single
>>>> project".
>>>>
>>>> But the Bluetooth limitation makes it harder to find one.
>>>
>>> If you can tolerate the smaller screen size, look for a BT-enabled
>>> PDA. I picked up five HP PDA's with WiFi and BT for $20 (total)
>>> including the larger batteries, charging cradles, etc. Of course,
>>> much less available horsepower but, IMO, a UI shouldn't require
>>> lots of MIPS.
>>>
>>> (For hand-held interfaces, I find the size of a PDA much more
>>> appropriate than that of even the smallest of tablets)
>> Interesting idea.
>>
>> What operating system do those have ?
The units I most recently acquired use something MS-related
(CE? WM?). In the past, I've installed NetBSD on PDA's so
I could develop in an environment to which I am more accustomed.
However, I now "talk RDP" in my application ("controlled device")
so I can just use the PDA as a TS client and *not* have to
develop any code to run on the PDA.
Keep in mind, I am using these things for one-offs -- usually
rapid prototyping deployments so I can show someone what a
device would look like without having to design/implement final
hardware/software.
And, the UI is an "optional accessory" in each case. I.e., it
"bolts onto" (figuratively) the device; the device doesn't require
the UI in order to perform its normal function (at least, those
parts that do not involve "talking to the user").
>> Are development tools available for them ?
>>
>> thanks
>> hamilton
>>
> PS: Where did you find them ?
I keep an eye open for cruft like this -- ebay, auctions, CL, etc.
Not the sort of things you can *plan* on picking up whenever you
want/need them...
I've accumulated a fair selection over the years ranging in size,
capabilities, etc. E.g., I have some very small cell phones that
are also WiFi/BT enabled so I can keep the UI in my pocket
instead of having to carry something large (like a full size PDA
or a tablet). Some even have "sliding keyboards", etc. So, you
can have a "capable" interface in a really tiny package. (you
might consider older generation phones, as well -- if you can tolerate
the smaller screen)
[I am keen on reducing the physical size of UI's so they are less
significant in a product's design]
HTH,
--don
> I have noticed that many of the inexpensive Android tablets (7") do not
> have Bluetooth. (I guess that helps make them cheap)
>
> By cheap I mean under $100 w/free shipping.
>
> As the previous posting "Controlling embedded devices from tables apps",
>
> Tables are getting cheap enough to "buy one to use on a single project".
>
> But the Bluetooth limitation makes it harder to find one.
> On 7/7/2013 3:10 PM, Don Y wrote:
>> Hi Hamilton,
>>
>> On 7/7/2013 10:25 AM, hamilton wrote:
>>> I have noticed that many of the inexpensive Android tablets (7") do not
>>> have Bluetooth.
>>> (I guess that helps make them cheap)
>>>
>>> By cheap I mean under $100 w/free shipping.
>>>
>>> As the previous posting "Controlling embedded devices from tables apps",
>>>
>>> Tables are getting cheap enough to "buy one to use on a single project".
>>>
>>> But the Bluetooth limitation makes it harder to find one.
>>
>> If you can tolerate the smaller screen size, look for a BT-enabled
>> PDA. I picked up five HP PDA's with WiFi and BT for $20 (total)
>> including the larger batteries, charging cradles, etc. Of course,
>> much less available horsepower but, IMO, a UI shouldn't require
>> lots of MIPS.
>>
>> (For hand-held interfaces, I find the size of a PDA much more
>> appropriate than that of even the smallest of tablets)
>>
>> <shrug> Just a thought...
>> --don
>
> Interesting idea.
>
> What operating system do those have ?
> Are development tools available for them ?
>
> thanks
> hamilton
>
PS: Where did you find them ?
Reply by hamilton●July 7, 20132013-07-07
On 7/7/2013 3:10 PM, Don Y wrote:
> Hi Hamilton,
>
> On 7/7/2013 10:25 AM, hamilton wrote:
>> I have noticed that many of the inexpensive Android tablets (7") do not
>> have Bluetooth.
>> (I guess that helps make them cheap)
>>
>> By cheap I mean under $100 w/free shipping.
>>
>> As the previous posting "Controlling embedded devices from tables apps",
>>
>> Tables are getting cheap enough to "buy one to use on a single project".
>>
>> But the Bluetooth limitation makes it harder to find one.
>
> If you can tolerate the smaller screen size, look for a BT-enabled
> PDA. I picked up five HP PDA's with WiFi and BT for $20 (total)
> including the larger batteries, charging cradles, etc. Of course,
> much less available horsepower but, IMO, a UI shouldn't require
> lots of MIPS.
>
> (For hand-held interfaces, I find the size of a PDA much more
> appropriate than that of even the smallest of tablets)
>
> <shrug> Just a thought...
> --don
Interesting idea.
What operating system do those have ?
Are development tools available for them ?
thanks
hamilton
Reply by Don Y●July 7, 20132013-07-07
Hi Hamilton,
On 7/7/2013 10:25 AM, hamilton wrote:
> I have noticed that many of the inexpensive Android tablets (7") do not
> have Bluetooth.
> (I guess that helps make them cheap)
>
> By cheap I mean under $100 w/free shipping.
>
> As the previous posting "Controlling embedded devices from tables apps",
>
> Tables are getting cheap enough to "buy one to use on a single project".
>
> But the Bluetooth limitation makes it harder to find one.
If you can tolerate the smaller screen size, look for a BT-enabled
PDA. I picked up five HP PDA's with WiFi and BT for $20 (total)
including the larger batteries, charging cradles, etc. Of course,
much less available horsepower but, IMO, a UI shouldn't require
lots of MIPS.
(For hand-held interfaces, I find the size of a PDA much more
appropriate than that of even the smallest of tablets)
<shrug> Just a thought...
--don
Reply by hamilton●July 7, 20132013-07-07
I have noticed that many of the inexpensive Android tablets (7") do not
have Bluetooth.
(I guess that helps make them cheap)
By cheap I mean under $100 w/free shipping.
As the previous posting "Controlling embedded devices from tables apps",
Tables are getting cheap enough to "buy one to use on a single project".
But the Bluetooth limitation makes it harder to find one.
Thanks,
hamilton