[NTLUG:Discuss] More iPad hands on

[David Stanaway]

On 5/5/2010 12:28 AM, Mike Hart wrote:
> Back in 95, after my golden brick experience,  I spent a few weeks with mock ups trying to determine exactly what size I needed.  For me, something slightly larger than a palm was about right: something just about the size of a hardback book. (about 4"x6" and less than 1 pound).  The key for me was a screen large enough I can see with my less than 20x20 eyes, but still light enough to hold with my left hand, and tap with my right.  To this day nobody makes such a device that is open format.  Altho Kindle is very close in it's physical size, it is so closed to development and add-ons on it that it doesn't count.  If they put out a linux version kindle size device, I think it would take off like the palm did after newton died. 
>   


I have a B&N Nook which fits the bill.  It is running Android, and the
folkes at nookdevs.org have softrooted it so that you can get # on there
and do what you want.  Also, they figured out how to change the SIM for
the 3G so you can use your own data plan, and not the locked B&N store
only free one that comes with the device. The battery life with 3G/WiFi
turned on is not briliant, but it is a good 6-12 hours, and the battery
is user serviceable.