Hello Sup Forums!
Some of you are enthusiasts for palmtops and portable computers. But these are no good times for you - portable computers were killed by smartphones and tablets. The market for normals does not deliver for you. But together we can change that, build our very own.
Please, have a look at pic related.
It's a barebone UMPC - you insert a smartphone of your CHOICE into the lid - connect it to the USB and audio loop-through, and presto, you can enjoy some comfy UMPC feels. A passepartout, customized to your screen real estate, will make it look like a finished product. The body of the UMPC can be split into two stages, depending on YOUR NEEDS.
This design is 100% DOABLE. It will be free (as in free speech). And YOU can JOIN. Feel free to post your suggestions. Please!
In case you use Stage I on it's own, the smartphone will power Stage I. If you decide to use Stage II, the integrated powerbank will power your phone and Stage I until it's depletet to about 10% - then it will power only Stage I, for increased UMPC fun-time.
A limited production run will be done - after community input, after polishing the design - if there are enough interested people - relying heavily on available chinese hardware, user-friendly microcontrollers, my engineering degree and modern prototyping services.
Also, I have a need for some input regarding the keyboard: What kind of layout would you wish? What kind of key mechanic would be optimal for this size? Micro-switches, or a custom rubber-dome (which would be no problem to produce!)?
If there is enough feedback, there will be a mockup in about a week.
Please, do a post, reply. I'll be happy for your input.
Reminder: this is doable, because the barebone design circumvents 78% of the associated problems of building your own UMPC.
