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.

Nano Router runs off non-powered Ethernet

Nano Routers are all the rage now, as they race to the bottom to the smallest device that still maintain the functional ability.  These devices can be tasked to several different functions, such as Wireless Access Points, Wireless Client Adapters, and Wireless Bridges. But what if you could run a Nano Router off normal, unimproved (!PoE) Ethernet?

One of the first problems to face is power.  Depending on the speed Ethernet can have a potential difference of between 2 and 5 volts.  Each speed is different and signals are also different depending on the bandwidth.  But there's a problem with distance and Direct Current (DC). The low voltage is only at that point at the source and the further you get away from the source, the lower the voltage will become.  So it might be smart to only use such a device within a very short distance from the source.

But what would you do with such a tiny device?

Oh, I can think of several things, mostly having to do with power, but also discreetness.  First off, most people don't care about broadcasting the signal more than a few feet, maybe up to 25 feet (8 m). So if your signal is weak, you can blame the low voltage.  But a device of such size won't really  need much power.  And due to the fact that it won't need an external power source, it wouldn't require an additional power port or a power adapter.

But the second purpose, discreet use, is the fun part.  A device that is barely larger than the head of an ethernet cable could be very discreet and portable.

Right now the smallest routers are about the size of a pack of gum, which is quite small.  But these devices still require external power.  But with something as small as the jack itself, it might be pretty cool (if not very useful).

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.

Automobile as a Platform

Although not a spectacularly new idea, the Automobile as a Platform will hopefully be the new killer app in the near future.  General Motors is apparently thinking along these lines for all models from 2015 and beyond. But will some day all manufacturers use this approach and if so what operating system will they use?  Will it be compatible with other vehicles on the road?  I will explore these ideas and questions in this post.

At the beginning of 2015 at the Consumer Electronics Show it was apparent that Google and Apple are hot on the ideal of the Automobile as a Platform. Or more specifically the control of an automobile as a platform.  Both Android Auto and CarPlay are targeting the inner functionality of the vehicle.  But it's not just the ideal of the Sat-Nav and Media, but just about everything.  And now with Apple (rumoured) to be joining the fray for Autonomous vehicles, we're in for a decent show in the near future.

Compatibility would seem to be a simple concept. It is fortunate that at least a few regions have decided to allow semi-autonomous vehicles on the road.  As for compatibility, it is now a question of whether Google and Apple can or will work together.  I've even heard that Ford is dropping Microsoft for Blackberry,

The future certainly seems bright, and interestingly enough, this isn't so much a of Mad Tech Idea after all...

Welcome To Mad Tech Ideas

This blog is the result of the all the nutty ideas that come to me as a result of watching shows on Science Fiction, Fantasy and reading Tech Blogs.  In my first blog Gadgantis, there are several postings that go by the heading "Get Outta My Head".  These posts are usually ideas that I've had prior to their appearance as real products.  I thought of them long ago and someone finally came along and made them real.

This blog however will beat them to the punch.  Here I plan to divulge the ideas before they hit the market. No, I do not have a crystal ball, there's no way I could know that someone else is making one of these ideas. Yes, I could have decided to make a business from these ideas, but honestly I have no business sense.  I'm only barely learning how SEO and Blogging works.

So, thank you for visiting and if these ideas don't fit your fancy, then check out one of my other blogs.

Gadgantis: Gadget Blog
Eclectic Vehicles: Mostly Electric Car Blog
Modern Mobile Digital Life: Apps Blog
Google Today: All Things G