Charmed Announces Crusoe-based Linux Wearable 158
isdale writes: "Charmed Technology, founded by MIT Media Lab graduates, announced what it claims is the fastest available wearable computer -- 800Mhz Crusoe TM5800 processor. The CharmedIT comes standard with a 266 Mhz Pentium MMX for about $2k. The Crusoe upgrade costs another $500. The OS is extra ($250 for RedHat or Debian), as is the display, input device, carrying case, battery, charger, usable application ... if that isn't enough options, you can also get a DIY kit."
Re:Prices please? (Score:4, Informative)
Before you go any further, realize that this device is built for commercial applications. This is for a nurse that needs to know who and where all of her critical care beds are. This is for the contruction worker that is out on side, and can look at the land and see a 3D outline of the building and can punch the earth in the right spots. Devices like this could even be good for museums who want to give ppl an interactive tour.
The only people who would buy a box like this are the people who can use these boxes to make (or save) money with them.
Also note, that in the 70's few really saw the use of having a whole floor of your building dedicated to bulky computer, and almost nobody could afford one.
Think about this as you read all the I337 H4z0r'z post about "who would buy..."
Re:Prices please? (Score:3, Informative)
Strength of this offering is in industrial grade ruggedness, modularity and completeness - businesses are not likely to buy a one-of-a-kind wearable from a geek next door; they want volume, reliability, FCC, CE and UL approvals, repairs and support, and much more - something that only a stable business can offer.
Re:Prices please? (Score:2, Informative)
For every use you propose, there are already better and much cheaper solutions.
ex 1: PocketPC with wireless
ex 2: It's called a blueprint
ex 3: tape, MD, DVD, wireless-enabled PDA. Take your pick.
This is an interesting idea, but at this price schedule it's going nowhere. In the same field, do you really expect this to compete with Xybernaut? They've got a head start and still aren't doing that great.