Aeronix used Linux to build a $99 instant messenger appliance aimed at kids. Naturally, hackers soon took an interest in expanding the device’s functionality. The Zipit includes an 802.11b/g WiFi radio, 16-color greyscale LCD with QVGA (320×240) resolution, and a thumb keyboard with rubber buttons. It’s based on a 90MHz ARM720T-based Cirrus embedded processor, running a 2.4.21 Linux kernel. This detailed device profile of Aeronix’s Zipit showcases several Zipit hacks, and offers device vendors advice on how to sell more units.
I want one! If its WiFi capable the possibilities are endless… and certainly a lot cheaper than an iPaq / equivalent.
/me heads off to ebay…
Even the original functionality seems “kinda neat”, but being able to customize it makes it even more tempting. Anywhere to buy in Europe? (Except ebay, then)
should I hold out for a zaurus slc3100? It’s only 7x the price…
fyi: You can get a zaurus 5500 for cheaper of ebay.
I’d give up mine w/wireless card for $30.00(+shipping). I haven’t touched it in last 9 months.
$30 + shipping? I’d take you up on that. [email protected] — remove the spam.
I would also be interested in that price
[email protected]
Brent
I would have so much fun with one of these. This city is so saturated with open APs, I could surf the web cheaply* anywhere I please without the bulky laptop.
*Wifi PDAs are pricey and while my cellphone can browse the web, it’s quite costly per MB.
If this were say 200Mhz and had a colour screen and a tad more ram for just a bit more money I’d buy this in a heartbeat.
I saw this device a while back.
If the ogo didn’t fly – why would this ?
The OGO, at the time of release, was more expensive, required a monthly service fee, and didn’t run Linux or have wifi. This Zipit is ripe for hacking. Shame about the screen, though.
Am I the only one who prefers a good greyscale screen to the masses of cheap CSTNs that seems to have flooded the market? I mean, you really don’t need a color screen on everything you own, and half these cheap pos screens can’t stand a bit of sunlight, have a worthless backlight and eat power like candy. BAH!
For a Command line centric machine, it would be perfect for Linux, ICQ, Pine, lynx, what ever, it does the job.
I’ll prolly get one, they are going for about $50 on ebay here and there. Then again, I got a Nintendo DS, and it will probably be able to do all this and more.
but even after 2 years never really got round to playing with it
I am so gonna buy one of those!
It looks really cool and that’s a pretty good pricepoint, but the thing that’s convincing me to get it is that it includes busybox
…is that some sort of a hybrid display 😉
Grey is a color… So are all the different shades of grey…