Pocket Pen Computer

Pocket Pen Computer

Finding new and interesting uses for the tiniest of computers was not always a hobby of mine,  merely the capacity to interact with a remote system used to be enough.  But lately I've found that discreet function, low-power, and remote access to be desirable features in a computer.

Mobile smartphones do well to meet both the low-power and remote capabilities of what I want, but their high cost is restrictive.  The Raspberry Pi on the other hand may not be powerful, but can accommodate countless applications.  But even the rPi is still too large for the application I seek.

The sort of device that is defined by the title of this article, a pocket pen computer is most accurate to define the ideal.  The ideal is that of a device that can act as a remote control digital interface with the portability of a pen.   It should have at least one USB interface, preferably type-C and all the other interfaces found in most smartphones, Bluetooth, WiFi, NFC, Qi, etc... It should support a few hours of battery power so as to maintain itself when land power is unavailable.

A pocket pen computer could do many things when installed at a remote location.  It could act as remote sensor inputs, like visuals, audibles, or weather statuses.  It could manage small WiFi traffic devices or merely monitor wireless activity.  It could be a disposable signaling device or a tiny thin-client.  The potential that such a tiny thing brings when it is both small and a computer is challenging to quantify without a demonstrable example, but there are likely as of yet unknown applications just waiting for a platform.

Multi-purpose Computer Socket Interface

One Socket Fits All

Ever since the USB port made it's way into my hands, I've been a fan.  It is truly a Universal Serial Bus.  However, because of it's size and shape, it requires that all connects be external.

In computer hardware support, a field I have long worked in, there are sockets known in the industry as SFP (Small Form-factor Pluggable).  These sockets allow for a considerable number of interface formats to use the same housing-connection.

A great idea would be to create a Universal Serial Device Socket. A host device that could take all sorts of items.  Items could include networking and storage, but also lights, tools, interfaces to other items like monitors, keyboards and mice.

Although it may be apparent that this very thing could be done by merely placing a USB socket into a frame, it is still possible to use the USB protocol.  But I would hope for something smaller, lighter, and sheath-able, rather than exposed per the current standard.

Although the image above doesn't  much match the ideal of this post, to have a Swiss Army Knife of gadgets with sockets-galore, might just be a Mad Tech Idea.

Modular Everything

Modular Everything

It's no secret that Google's ATAP is making modular phones. And as of very recently the OLPC group is going to be making modular laptops for schools.  So what is next? Will we see modular appliances? Or maybe modular home appliances?

Some of these things already exist.  GM proposed the modular car back in 2005, but I haven't seem them begin making them. Sure many of their vehicles share parts, that's just common business sense. But what manufacturer actually makes vehicles that the consumer can get generic parts for, outside of accessories?

Alas, not everything lends itself easily to modularity.  While desktop computers became modular, and to some extent laptops are too, there's are few de facto standards for swapping parts between devices that would otherwise be left out of the part-swapping ideal.

Modular Appliances

I'd like to see a modular touch-screen device that can be swapped between my Dishwasher, Refrigerator, Dryer, Washer, Oven, or Microwave. It could be between the same manufacturer, but I want to be able to swap it in from another appliance, in the case that one breaks.   I'd like to see my DVR act more like the desktop computer that it is, allowing me to easily upgrade the processor, memory, or storage drive.  I'd like my TV to offer the same computer upgrade options as the supposed DVR changes.

Are these Mad Tech Ideas or is are they just in the making?