Omnimaga

General Discussion => Technology and Development => Other => Topic started by: Spyro543 on May 03, 2011, 03:41:02 pm

Title: Project DreamPad - Now a calc.
Post by: Spyro543 on May 03, 2011, 03:41:02 pm
I'm sorry if this is in the wrong section. If it is, please move it.

I called it Project DreamPad. It's just an idea, a concept.

I was inspired by the TOcalc project. After I've seen that project, I wanted to make a pocket PC-type thing. I decided on a device for programming -- a device that had a small full QWERTY keyboard on it that would have interpreters and IDEs for main languages (C++, ASM, Basic, Python, etc. Maybe even HTML?) so the programmers could just put the program on their DreamPad and write programs on the go!

Still debating on the shape, should it be a tall rectangle (TI-84+ shape) or shaped like a TI-92? Or all touchscreen?
Title: Re: Project DreamPad - Programming on the go?
Post by: ZippyDee on May 03, 2011, 03:50:24 pm
Sounds like it could be quite useful, but you'd want more than just a few set languages. Definitely supply open source or an API or some way for people to add their own IDEs and interpreters for any languages.
Title: Re: Project DreamPad - Programming on the go?
Post by: Spyro543 on May 03, 2011, 04:00:27 pm
Yes, I would let people add more IDE's to the device.
Title: Re: Project DreamPad - Programming on the go?
Post by: Munchor on May 03, 2011, 04:05:07 pm
I'm sorry if this is in the wrong section. If it is, please move it.

I called it Project DreamPad. It's just an idea, a concept.

I was inspired by the TOcalc project. After I've seen that project, I wanted to make a pocket PC-type thing. I decided on a device for programming -- a device that had a small full QWERTY keyboard on it that would have interpreters and IDEs for main languages (C++, ASM, Basic, Python, etc. Maybe even HTML?) so the programmers could just put the program on their DreamPad and write programs on the go!

Still debating on the shape, should it be a tall rectangle (TI-84+ shape) or shaped like a TI-92? Or all touchscreen?

I'd use keys for coding, not a bloody touchscreen :P

I would like it if it were 84+ like, QWERTY included. Coding programs on the go would be awesome.

For example, I don't think you can code Android Apps in a phone, but it'd be pure epic.
Title: Re: Project DreamPad - Programming on the go?
Post by: Spyro543 on May 03, 2011, 04:09:43 pm
/me adds more stuff to his features list.

Current features concept list:

Built in IDEs
Let users add more IDEs
Ability to run programs right on the device
Maybe an SD card slot
Definitely a Mini USB port
Full QWERTY keyboard

What if it would be like the Casio fx-9860G Slim? A clamshell design?
Title: Re: Project DreamPad - Programming on the go?
Post by: ZippyDee on May 03, 2011, 04:12:12 pm
For example, I don't think you can code Android Apps in a phone, but it'd be pure epic.
I'm still hoping this happens some time soon... Until then I just have to stick to using the damn emulator for convenient testing...
Title: Re: Project DreamPad - Programming on the go?
Post by: Spyro543 on May 03, 2011, 05:50:04 pm
I have set up a webpage for the DreamPad project!!!

http://dreampad.webs.com/ (http://dreampad.webs.com/)
Title: Re: Project DreamPad - Programming on the go?
Post by: werekitty13 on May 03, 2011, 08:44:20 pm
I don't see why you shouldn't code on the go. A droid phone could easily handle java compiling, even if it took a min or so to compile, no real biggie.

What OS will this thing have? Specs? etc. Don't make it too expensive, IMO, since for a linux based tablet+keypad just for programming, you don't really need much power, and it will increase sales.

But make sure it's got enough for an nspire/84+ emu :P with KOS, it's legal to distribute correctly made roms.
Title: Re: Project DreamPad - Programming on the go?
Post by: Spyro543 on May 04, 2011, 06:13:38 am
I'm thinking of starting off with the Beagle Board XM, running my custom-built Linux.
(Notice I said starting off.
/me yells at SUSE Studio to start recognizing his Google account!!!

Looking at this Beagle Board, it will charge off of USB power, which is great.
Title: Re: Project DreamPad - Programming on the go?
Post by: Spyro543 on May 04, 2011, 03:44:28 pm
Becuase this isn't a calculator, no one is interested, right?

Well, I've already been considering making a graphing calc instead of a programming device.
Title: Re: Project DreamPad - Now a calc.
Post by: willrandship on May 04, 2011, 05:51:09 pm
Nah, I was interested, but really, being a calc will make little design difference :P just the software needs to change. Still make it awesome at programming, though!
Title: Re: Project DreamPad - Now a calc.
Post by: ruler501 on May 04, 2011, 05:52:43 pm
Programmability is number one requirement for me. I'll help with coding if you need it. I learning how to make an LFS so I might be able to help with the OS and I could help with any python programming and some C programming

Are you going to try to make this able to use on the big tests?
Title: Re: Project DreamPad - Now a calc.
Post by: willrandship on May 04, 2011, 05:59:28 pm
I honestly don't think that's your target market. People who would buy this already own a testing calc, like an 84+. I wouldn't care if I had to switch back for the.....wait, I don't have any more tests coming up that limit it except AP calc. :P and the limits on those are pretty loose.

Also, ever heard of the gumstix? think beagle, but twice the cost and the size of a stick of gum.

http://www.gumstix.com/store/catalog/index.php?cPath=27

The kits they have are quite cheap too, with touch LCDs, and other fun stuff.

http://www.gumstix.com/store/catalog/product_info.php?products_id=252
That's a nice one, fairly cheap
Title: Re: Project DreamPad - Now a calc.
Post by: collechess on May 04, 2011, 07:20:11 pm
Thats an awesome idea
Title: Re: Project DreamPad - Now a calc.
Post by: Spyro543 on May 05, 2011, 06:21:10 am
Well I'll have to look at those boards. The BeagleBoard's size was really affecting my concept cases.

And I'll probably still be making a graphing calc.

But then there are tests that allow calcs but not graphing calcs.... I could try to make the best calc possible without it being a graphing calc.

Or I could continue on the programming idea.
Title: Re: Project DreamPad - Now a calc.
Post by: Spyro543 on May 15, 2011, 08:54:57 pm
Hey this was moved. Better placement.

Well, I kinda let this project fall down the drain, I forgot about it. I have a really good design but... I lost it.
Title: Re: Project DreamPad - Now a calc.
Post by: DJ Omnimaga on May 25, 2011, 03:33:12 am
Sorry to hear :(
Title: Re: Project DreamPad - Now a calc.
Post by: Spyro543 on May 27, 2011, 03:11:27 pm
Found my DreamPad notebook in one of my classes! ;D

I'm kinda bouncing between a calc or a mobile programming device....