A Linux Machine For Your Collar

MadSaxon writes "gumstix.org has a brief but titillating description of a very small Linux machine based on the PXA255: 20 x 80 mm, '64MB SDRAM, 4MB Flash, MMC/SD/SDIO slot, and power management. It takes 3.6V - 5.0V power, and has been drawing under 200 mA.' It weighs less than 12g sans battery, and 'can fit in a collar undetected.' Is collar-top computing the Next Big Thing?"

Re:Dress Code

[Dave21212]

Do you also believe in pensions, on the job training, company cars, company parking spaces, martini lunches, and lower paid CEOs vs employees as well ? (using the 1980's 40:1 ration instead of the 1999 500:1 ratio). Do the mailroom employees wear suits ?

Not to go totally OT, but it's just so rare to find someone who believes that programmers (who don't meet clients) wearing a suit can increase "production" Actually, working from home increases production more... ever try that ?

Oh, and I'll take two of those PDA shirts since I tend to break those things !!! - Thanks.

Re:Ohh sexy jewelry :o)

[kyknos.org]

You are wrong. While Internet descended from US Arpanet network, WWW itself is an European invention. Invented at CERN laboratory, Switzerland. ---

Surprised at such little insight

[Geccie]

I'm surprised that this advancement is reduced to a joke. I've been waiting for a small form factor os capable platform for some time. The closest I've seen are the 5 1/4 SBCs. My goal is to use these devices for autonomous control of radio controlled aircraft. Personal UAV :) Given the lower power requirements and very low weight, this platform can be combined with an OOPIC sensor interface and gimbal sensors + GPS to do the job. Now if I can get it for less than $100. Combine 20 and have your own battle of Britian :)

Re:under the collar?

[hackstraw]

Collar sensors are very common in places where radiation is present, etc. A networked realtime remotely monitored sensor using a computer like this would be used. Or at least one that can record data with a timestamp vs. an idiot light.

If its a normal computer that you can interface with, it would be neat to just talk to it like a Secret Service agent, but I don't think this guy has anywhere near the processing power for that.

Anyway, I find it amusing that slashdoters (including myself) love technology so much, but as soon as there is something new we all scoff at it and ask "Why?".

180nm process

[otis wildflower]

According to the intel site, these CPUs are fabricated using a 180nm process.. This can only get more interesting once they start migrating to 130nm or 90nm, reducing power needs even further..

What's the heat dissipation on something like this? Can it be safely encased in a waterproof housing without worrying about ventilation (or by using the housing as a radiator)?

Verry kewl....

Google cache

[DerOle]

Seems like they either prepared their site for the /. effect or they initially were out to sell this stuff but reconsidered. Take a look at the google cache here [216.239.37.104] and here [216.239.37.104] where you can find out more about prices and specifications.

Re:So It's a PDA

[jaxdahl]

one-handed input device [wearcam.org]
aremac [eyetap.org]
I've seen ones that look just like sunglasses, but can't find a pic now.