@graphmastur, juju2143: Saw this a little while ago, which gave me that push to create a calc.

@SirCmpwn: You probably skimmed a page before writing this, didn't you?
Won't blame it too much on you - the topic practically exploded to 14 pages in around 24 hours...

First and foremost, YOU are the owner of KnightOS, so you already own the copyright. Heck, this post could be considered my copyright. YOU own it, so YOU decide. We've established that a couple of pages ago.

Second, I really didn't know you were underage. Writing a kernel isn't a joke. It's some serious thinking here and there. Lots of companies love that kind of skill.

Third, don't worry about firmware blocking or anything. This project is a community driven project, NOT a profit driven project. Why would we do something that we're fighting against?

Fourth, we've established the "no QWERTY rule" already, at least for the OTZ80. Screen size will be similar or the same. There may or may not be wireless capabilities. Basically, OTZ80 is an attempt to get people to buy a calc that feels like a TI-8x, but is much better in terms of openness, functionality, and speed.

Fifth, that's an option that will be placed in.

Sixth, this was also already established in some pages ago: What's the point of selling a calculator that can't do math? Math is the top priority here.

Finally, Zilog is not really likely to bend down and just design a chip for us. However, there IS a nice alternative - eZ80. It's the Z80, only a LOT better, and by the same company.

Whew. I don't know why I used numerical words... probably because I'm writing an essay at the same time?

@Eeems, @DJ: I'm not sure how this would work. I know some people are willing to donate a bit, but my usual question is: is it legal? If people are willing to donate, they really don't need the money.

@willrandship: That's my point there. Also, that's a good idea. And the goal is to sell LOTS. Destroy the crazy TI monopoly? And we (hopefully) won't be using custom ICs - just ones that can be purchased easily.

@SirCmpwn: good idea for venture capitals

@willrandship: Good point. Our OTZ80 will definitely fit those regulations.

@graphmastur, willrandship: I still like a password idea, but I'm not sure myself. Definitely there should be a Press-To-Test mode or something of the sort. Otherwise, testing boards will reject this calc for use on standardized tests.

WHEW again. Now off to finishing a fun little narrative essay at 1:22 AM in the morning, and then off to bed for moi.

@alberth That looks like something more beagle-boardish. Looks good, but It'll be a little too fancy for the z80 one.

Beagleboard isn't a great choice for making products. It's not the right shape (i'm assuming rectangular, or are we going 92-esque?) and it's kind of pricey. If we actually plan to sell these then we'll want to make our own board.

Maybe we could design a PCB that works for both models, then populate them differently for ARM and z80. That would save some money, but we'd need to find z80 and arm processors that are the same size :p

This is only for the OTARM, not Z80.

BeagleBoard is a dev board. You basically do some coding/soldering/building there, and when you're done with that, you get a schematic, take any unnecessary parts off, and create a production board that will actually be used in the calc. Basically, BeagleBoard != OTARM.

Yeah, regular AAs and chargeable AAs via USB port. (?? dock ??)

Dev boards are always high priced, since companies want some profit for giving people tools to create products.
Of course, the FINAL product will be way cheaper.

There were actually $1000+ dev boards for nearly the same stuff as the BeagleBoard, but the product itself is much cheaper.

They would probably say no. Nintendo's a lot more eviler than TI. (Especially with the Wii)

My suggestion is to ask SirCmpwn what he thinks. If he thinks his OS will work, then we'll use it. Otherwise, we definitely need a smart person/smart group
to design a new OS. OS designing is a lot harder than it looks, especially for the kernel part, so beware.

Interesting idea - not sure how to implement though. Maybe a regular backlight? Or LED bars?