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Lately I have been using a system called "GTD" ( for "getting things done") which relies on a collection of text files to organize tasks. So far so good.
However, having to go to the computer to edit and retrieve information can be troublesome, so I often use paper and pencil as my "text files",
usually in the form of a spiral-bound notebook. This can also be troublesome: difficult to edit, easily lost or destroyed, poor interoperability with computer text files...
These problems led me to the idea for this machine. It is a handheld (hopefully pocket-sized) machine with a keyboard, small screen, printer, USB, and removable media. Its sole purpose in life is to record text files and print them out, if required, on small strips of paper.
Some details:
Keyboard: some big keys for vowels and popular consonants, smaller ones for q, x, and the like.
Printer: to print on 2 inch wide (say) plain paper strips, something simple with refillable ink or typewriter tape
Operating system: the bare minimum to record and transfer files, thats it.
So, why not use a palm pilot? I think it is the same reason that I have a pocket calculator (several actually) even though the computer has a calculator application, i.e the simple, rugged and task-specific machine is easier to use for the common task and is more readily at hand when needed.
Alphasmart
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/AlphaSmart
[BunsenHoneydew, Nov 30 2006]
Print Dreams
http://www.21stcent...gy/print_dreams.asp
Bluetooth, prints on practically anything. [ScooterMX, Dec 01 2006]
Thermal Printer
http://www.scansmar...og/palm_printer.asp
This printer snaps on to your Palm [ScooterMX, Dec 01 2006]
[link]
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Beware of the red clicker! |
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Tis baked me lad, and baked and baked. I have a Psion 5MX in front of me, lacking merely the printer, and serial instead of USB. CF cards to transfer files. |
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If I'd gone with a Tandy 100, I'd have a printer. |
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A Palm with an integrated or add-on QWERTY or SMS keyboard should do the trick too. And a serial cash register thermal printer. |
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OK, sorry, I re-read properly and I see that you're looking for a single-purpose device, no general purpose. The Alphasmart [link] line of products is close, but not pocket sized and no printer |
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I would agree, its baked, more-or-less.. let me wait for a bit to delete it though - its my first and only croissant, so far |
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It's not really baked in whole as you describe it. I jumped the gun there a little. The general concept is there in the Alphasmart, but without your form factor, keyboard, or the printer. |
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If you added a little one line text scanner (like those pen scanners) and OCR software, it would be great for note taking. |
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I wouldn't delete it, first bun and all. I like the KISS approach to information appliances. |
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