« previous next »
Pages: 1 [2] 3 4 5   Go Down

Author Topic: Hardware Discussion  (Read 28364 times)

0 Members and 1 Guest are viewing this topic.

Offline fb39ca4

  • LV10 31337 u53r (Next: 2000)
  • **********
  • Posts: 1749
  • Rating: +60/-3
    • View Profile
Re: Hardware Discussion
« Reply #15 on: August 07, 2010, 04:33:22 pm »
With the beagleboard, can it be uunderclocked?
Logged

Offline alberthrocks

  • Moderator
  • LV8 Addict (Next: 1000)
  • ********
  • Posts: 876
  • Rating: +103/-10
    • View Profile
Re: Hardware Discussion
« Reply #16 on: August 07, 2010, 04:35:56 pm »
Using Linux, yes. (And using Linux is the plan)
Logged
Withgusto Networks Founder and Administrator
Main Server Status: http://withg.org/status/
Backup Server Status: Not available
Backup 2/MC Server Status: http://mc.withg.org/status/


Proud member of ClrHome!

Miss my old signature? Here it is!
Spoiler For Signature:
Alternate "New" IRC post notification bot (Newy) down? Go here to reset it! http://withg.org/albert/cpuhero/

Withgusto Networks Founder and Administrator
Main Server Status: http://withg.org/status/
Backup Server Status: Not available
Backup 2/MC Server Status: http://mc.withg.org/status/

Activity remains limited due to busyness from school et al. Sorry! :( Feel free to PM, email, or if you know me well enough, FB me if you have a question/concern. :)

Don't expect me to be online 24/7 until summer. Contact me via FB if you feel it's urgent.


Proud member of ClrHome!

Spoiler For "My Projects! :D":
Projects:

Computer/Web/IRC Projects:
C______c: 0% done (Doing planning and trying to not forget it :P)
A_____m: 40% done (Need to develop a sophisticated process queue, and a pretty web GUI)
AtomBot v3.0: 0% done (Planning stage, may do a litmus test of developer wants in the future)
IdeaFrenzy: 0% done (Planning and trying to not forget it :P)
wxWabbitemu: 40% done (NEED MOAR FEATURES :P)

Calculator Projects:
M__ C_____ (an A____ _____ clone): 0% done (Need to figure out physics and Axe)
C2I: 0% done (planning, checking the demand for it, and dreaming :P)

Offline Madskillz

  • LV6 Super Member (Next: 500)
  • ******
  • Posts: 488
  • Rating: +32/-2
    • View Profile
Re: Hardware Discussion
« Reply #17 on: August 07, 2010, 04:48:13 pm »
I think a backlit lcd would be a nice feature that can be controlled by the OS. With different settings like always on, timer, off

You have to remember that battery life is gonna make or break this thing. If you want it to be successful you gotta make sure it can last a long time. I don't know how you plan on powering this thing, but 2 double A's or some sort of a rechargeable type of battery would be the way to go.

I agree on using the mini usb, that is gonna save some space and which is going to be a must.
Another cool addition maybe as an accessory would be one of those motion detectors that was used like in kerm's etch-a-sketch. It has other uses other than just games, I could see it being used in a science class or something. If you could build it into the device that would be cool, but if it was sold as an accessory I could see it working that way as well.
Logged

Offline bwang

  • LV7 Elite (Next: 700)
  • *******
  • Posts: 634
  • Rating: +30/-11
    • View Profile
Re: Hardware Discussion
« Reply #18 on: August 07, 2010, 06:14:59 pm »
A touchscreen would be nice, although it would mean instant banning on all College Board tests.
From what I see in the first post, this sounds more like a laptop pretending to be a calculator than a calculator that's nearly as powerful as a laptop.
Linux would be wonderful, since then we'd have the massive pool of Linux software to draw on.
Is there any reason why this is ARM instead of x86? There are several ultra-low-power, low cost x86 CPUs in existence.
Logged

Offline Mighty Moose

  • LV4 Regular (Next: 200)
  • ****
  • Posts: 141
  • Rating: +4/-0
    • View Profile
Re: Hardware Discussion
« Reply #19 on: August 07, 2010, 06:17:29 pm »
I think they decided on ARM because they wanted to compete with the Nspire (I may be wrong).
« Last Edit: August 07, 2010, 06:17:49 pm by Mighty Moose »
Logged
Cheers!
I beta test, so...yeah.  PM me if you want me to test anything :D.

Almost only counts in horseshoes and handgrenades.

Cogito ergo sum.

Calcs:
TI-84+, OS 2.43, Boot Code 1.02, 128k RAM
TI-84+SE VSC, OS 2.43, Boot Code 1.00, 128k RAM  (I'm spoiled :P)
TI-81, OS 1.6K (only borrowed)
Casio fx-CG10 (Prizm), OS 01.04.0200
TI-Nspire Clickpad, OS 1.4
TI-Nspire Clickpad, OS 3.1.0.392
TI-Nspire CAS Clickpad, OS 1.6.10110 (!?) now OS 3.1.0.392

Offline jnesselr

  • King Graphmastur
  • LV11 Super Veteran (Next: 3000)
  • ***********
  • Posts: 2270
  • Rating: +81/-20
  • TAO == epic
    • View Profile
Re: Hardware Discussion
« Reply #20 on: August 07, 2010, 09:12:30 pm »
Yes, that is correct.
Quote from: Madskillz on August 07, 2010, 04:48:13 pm
I think a backlit lcd would be a nice feature that can be controlled by the OS. With different settings like always on, timer, off

You have to remember that battery life is gonna make or break this thing. If you want it to be successful you gotta make sure it can last a long time. I don't know how you plan on powering this thing, but 2 double A's or some sort of a rechargeable type of battery would be the way to go.

I agree on using the mini usb, that is gonna save some space and which is going to be a must.
Another cool addition maybe as an accessory would be one of those motion detectors that was used like in kerm's etch-a-sketch. It has other uses other than just games, I could see it being used in a science class or something. If you could build it into the device that would be cool, but if it was sold as an accessory I could see it working that way as well.
Maybe an accelerometer?
Logged

Offline willrandship

  • Omnimagus of the Multi-Base.
  • LV11 Super Veteran (Next: 3000)
  • ***********
  • Posts: 2953
  • Rating: +98/-13
  • Insert sugar to begin programming subroutine.
    • View Profile
Re: Hardware Discussion
« Reply #21 on: August 07, 2010, 10:15:41 pm »
I think the idea was to build two, one arm, one z80, for both product lines.

ARM Cpus will almost always be better than x86 CPUs power-wise. An energy-effecient x86 CPU compared to a rather poor ARM will measure about equally. x86 focuses on backwards compatibility, so it's software is compatible across models. This also makes it very complicated and inefficient. ARM is one of the best (if not the best) CPUs for portable devices. Ultra-low power x86s are just really really weak, particularly efficient (for x86) CPUs. We can get a much more powerful ARM for less cost.

If we do use an accelerometer, can we at least use a Tuning Fork gyroscope with it? (They're in the Wii motion Plus) An accelerometer by itself is much more innacurate, and it shouldn't cost too much more.

Why not use a USB OTG port? They're very common, and fit both mini-A and mini-B cables, mini-A being for acting as a storage device, and B for acting as a host. They;re on the 84+, btw, as well as the 89T and nspire.
Logged

Offline TIfanx1999

  • ಠ_ಠ ( ͡° ͜ʖ ͡°)
  • CoT Emeritus
  • LV13 Extreme Addict (Next: 9001)
  • *
  • Posts: 6173
  • Rating: +191/-9
    • View Profile
Re: Hardware Discussion
« Reply #22 on: August 07, 2010, 10:19:55 pm »
Thoughts:
Mini USB instead of standard size.
Micro SD card slot.
No touchscreen, we want this to be useable on standardized tests.
Backlight.
maybe use a Z80 for the GPU?
Logged

Offline jnesselr

  • King Graphmastur
  • LV11 Super Veteran (Next: 3000)
  • ***********
  • Posts: 2270
  • Rating: +81/-20
  • TAO == epic
    • View Profile
Re: Hardware Discussion
« Reply #23 on: August 07, 2010, 10:28:06 pm »
I like the miniUSB, but still don't see a point for a micro-sd.  I could transfer pdf documents from my phone to my calc, I guess, but this is supposed to have wifi anyway, so I don't know.

I don't think a touch screen goes over well with the ACT/SAT. I'm not sure, though.

A backlight would be awesome.  I don't know if we even need a gpu.  I mean, the only good it would do is for games.  In which case, a z80 would be fine.
Logged

Offline alberthrocks

  • Moderator
  • LV8 Addict (Next: 1000)
  • ********
  • Posts: 876
  • Rating: +103/-10
    • View Profile
Re: Hardware Discussion
« Reply #24 on: August 07, 2010, 10:31:52 pm »
Micro SD is fine for this one. This is the "TONS OF FEATURES" calc ;)
HAHAHAHA - GPU is embedded in the chip (or so I think, it's supposedly SoC), SO YOU CAN'T TAKE THAT AWAY FROM MOI!!! :P

(In reality, the GPU is really useful for handling 2D stuff. 3D stuff, if ever, will just include GUI animations. Think Compiz and the Clutter library.)
Logged
Withgusto Networks Founder and Administrator
Main Server Status: http://withg.org/status/
Backup Server Status: Not available
Backup 2/MC Server Status: http://mc.withg.org/status/


Proud member of ClrHome!

Miss my old signature? Here it is!
Spoiler For Signature:
Alternate "New" IRC post notification bot (Newy) down? Go here to reset it! http://withg.org/albert/cpuhero/

Withgusto Networks Founder and Administrator
Main Server Status: http://withg.org/status/
Backup Server Status: Not available
Backup 2/MC Server Status: http://mc.withg.org/status/

Activity remains limited due to busyness from school et al. Sorry! :( Feel free to PM, email, or if you know me well enough, FB me if you have a question/concern. :)

Don't expect me to be online 24/7 until summer. Contact me via FB if you feel it's urgent.


Proud member of ClrHome!

Spoiler For "My Projects! :D":
Projects:

Computer/Web/IRC Projects:
C______c: 0% done (Doing planning and trying to not forget it :P)
A_____m: 40% done (Need to develop a sophisticated process queue, and a pretty web GUI)
AtomBot v3.0: 0% done (Planning stage, may do a litmus test of developer wants in the future)
IdeaFrenzy: 0% done (Planning and trying to not forget it :P)
wxWabbitemu: 40% done (NEED MOAR FEATURES :P)

Calculator Projects:
M__ C_____ (an A____ _____ clone): 0% done (Need to figure out physics and Axe)
C2I: 0% done (planning, checking the demand for it, and dreaming :P)

Offline TIfanx1999

  • ಠ_ಠ ( ͡° ͜ʖ ͡°)
  • CoT Emeritus
  • LV13 Extreme Addict (Next: 9001)
  • *
  • Posts: 6173
  • Rating: +191/-9
    • View Profile
Re: Hardware Discussion
« Reply #25 on: August 07, 2010, 10:34:29 pm »
Wait, are you saying the ARM has a GPU packaged with it?
Logged

Offline alberthrocks

  • Moderator
  • LV8 Addict (Next: 1000)
  • ********
  • Posts: 876
  • Rating: +103/-10
    • View Profile
Re: Hardware Discussion
« Reply #26 on: August 07, 2010, 10:35:58 pm »
Likely, but I'm not 100% sure. The lovely picture on the 1st page has a left box indicating some features, and surprisingly enough points to one chip.
Logged
Withgusto Networks Founder and Administrator
Main Server Status: http://withg.org/status/
Backup Server Status: Not available
Backup 2/MC Server Status: http://mc.withg.org/status/


Proud member of ClrHome!

Miss my old signature? Here it is!
Spoiler For Signature:
Alternate "New" IRC post notification bot (Newy) down? Go here to reset it! http://withg.org/albert/cpuhero/

Withgusto Networks Founder and Administrator
Main Server Status: http://withg.org/status/
Backup Server Status: Not available
Backup 2/MC Server Status: http://mc.withg.org/status/

Activity remains limited due to busyness from school et al. Sorry! :( Feel free to PM, email, or if you know me well enough, FB me if you have a question/concern. :)

Don't expect me to be online 24/7 until summer. Contact me via FB if you feel it's urgent.


Proud member of ClrHome!

Spoiler For "My Projects! :D":
Projects:

Computer/Web/IRC Projects:
C______c: 0% done (Doing planning and trying to not forget it :P)
A_____m: 40% done (Need to develop a sophisticated process queue, and a pretty web GUI)
AtomBot v3.0: 0% done (Planning stage, may do a litmus test of developer wants in the future)
IdeaFrenzy: 0% done (Planning and trying to not forget it :P)
wxWabbitemu: 40% done (NEED MOAR FEATURES :P)

Calculator Projects:
M__ C_____ (an A____ _____ clone): 0% done (Need to figure out physics and Axe)
C2I: 0% done (planning, checking the demand for it, and dreaming :P)

Offline TIfanx1999

  • ಠ_ಠ ( ͡° ͜ʖ ͡°)
  • CoT Emeritus
  • LV13 Extreme Addict (Next: 9001)
  • *
  • Posts: 6173
  • Rating: +191/-9
    • View Profile
Re: Hardware Discussion
« Reply #27 on: August 07, 2010, 10:38:15 pm »
Ah, that would be awesome then! :D
Logged

Offline bwang

  • LV7 Elite (Next: 700)
  • *******
  • Posts: 634
  • Rating: +30/-11
    • View Profile
Re: Hardware Discussion
« Reply #28 on: August 07, 2010, 11:18:01 pm »
Quote from: willrandship on August 07, 2010, 10:15:41 pm
I think the idea was to build two, one arm, one z80, for both product lines.

ARM Cpus will almost always be better than x86 CPUs power-wise. An energy-effecient x86 CPU compared to a rather poor ARM will measure about equally. x86 focuses on backwards compatibility, so it's software is compatible across models. This also makes it very complicated and inefficient. ARM is one of the best (if not the best) CPUs for portable devices. Ultra-low power x86s are just really really weak, particularly efficient (for x86) CPUs. We can get a much more powerful ARM for less cost.

If we do use an accelerometer, can we at least use a Tuning Fork gyroscope with it? (They're in the Wii motion Plus) An accelerometer by itself is much more innacurate, and it shouldn't cost too much more.

Why not use a USB OTG port? They're very common, and fit both mini-A and mini-B cables, mini-A being for acting as a storage device, and B for acting as a host. They;re on the 84+, btw, as well as the 89T and nspire.
But x86 also brings with it compatibility with existing hardware drivers, and more software.
And it would be able to run Windows. Who doesn't want Windows on a calc? :P
« Last Edit: August 07, 2010, 11:18:57 pm by bwang »
Logged

Offline jnesselr

  • King Graphmastur
  • LV11 Super Veteran (Next: 3000)
  • ***********
  • Posts: 2270
  • Rating: +81/-20
  • TAO == epic
    • View Profile
Re: Hardware Discussion
« Reply #29 on: August 07, 2010, 11:20:38 pm »
Me.  We can write our own os, btw.
Logged
Pages: 1 [2] 3 4 5   Go Up
« previous next »