I’m tired of waiting – I want a dead simple and dirt cheap touch screen web tablet to surf the web. Nothing fancy like the Dell latitude XT, which costs $2,500. Just a Macbook Air-thin touch screen machine that runs Firefox and possibly Skype on top of a Linux kernel. It doesn’t exist today, and as far as we can tell no one is creating one. So let’s design it, build a few and then open source the specs so anyone can create them.
Here’s the basic idea: The machine is as thin as possible, runs low end hardware and has a single button for powering it on and off, headphone jacks, a built in camera for video, low end speakers, and a microphone. It will have Wifi, maybe one USB port, a built in battery, half a Gigabyte of RAM, a 4-Gigabyte solid state hard drive. Data input is primarily through an iPhone-like touch screen keyboard. It runs on linux and Firefox. It would be great to have it be built entirely on open source hardware, but including Skype for VOIP and video calls may be a nice touch, too.
If all you are doing is running Firefox and Skype, you don’t need a lot of hardware horsepower, which will keep the cost way down.
The idea is to turn it on, bypass any desktop interface, and go directly to Firefox running in a modified Kiosk mode that effectively turns the browser into the operating system for the device. Add Gears for offline syncing of Google docs, email, etc., and Skype for communication and you have a machine that will be almost as useful as a desktop but cheaper and more portable than any laptop or tablet PC.
It will also include a custom default home page with large buttons for bookmarked services – news, Meebo/Ebuddy for IM, Google Docs/Zoho for Office, Email, social networks, photo sites, YouTube, etc. Everything that you use every day.
We’re working with a supply chain management company that says the basic machine we’re looking to build can be created for just a few hundred dollars. They need us to write the software modifications to Linux and Firefox (more on that below) and spec the hardware. Then they run with it and can have a few prototypes built within a month.
What will we call it? The best name I can think of is the Firefox Tablet, but that will take a round of discussions with Mozilla.
Here’s The Plan
We’ll organize a small team of people to spec this out. First is the marketing document that just outlines what the machine will do – we have a first draft of that already and will post it soon. Then we’ll spec out the hardware and get people to help write the customized Linux and Firefox code. Once we’ve completed the design we’ll start to work with the supply chain company to get an idea on the cost of the machine (the goal is $200), and hopefully build a few prototypes. Anyone who contributes significantly to the project would get one of those first prototypes. If everything works well, we’d then open source the design and software and let anyone build one that wants to.
The goal is to keep the machine very simple and very cheap. I think this will be a lot of fun, and it may just turn into an actual product that we can use to surf the web and talk to our friends.
We’ll be coordinating the project over at TechCrunchIT. Leave a comment there if you want to participate and we’ll be in touch soon.
If it will look anything like that rendering, I’d buy them by the hudreds!
Sounds like you want a reasonably prices Nokia Tablet.
When you say “tablet”, are you looking at this being a palm sized device, or a laptop sized device?
How does a jailbroken iPod touch not fit the bill? Decent browser, storage, and only slightly more than the 200 bucks.
No, seriously, the idea is good, but I really do not see you managing such a project! Furthermore that’s an idea more than a thousand geeks had before you! There are troubles to be addressed in order to bring such a project to an end… and it is not having the idea of it!
Once again, unfortunately and as most of the thoughts distillated in this blog, you show no single ounce of intelligence. Poor little pre-formatted american minds.
ipod touch = too small. Man I have been asking for something like this forever now.
What’s the target screen size?
My vote for a name: Firefox Box
“If all you are doing is running Firefox and Skype, you don’t need a lot of hardware horsepower…”
Arrignton, those two programs are resource hogs. Maybe you should choose something else.
http://www.alibaba.com/product-tp/101509462/World_s_Cheapest_Laptop/showimage.html?
you need to order at least 50 of them .. but its $130 add a touch mod for $60 .. done
the mock-up is running safari..
It is not Safari – it is Firefox on Mac (look at back and forward buttons).
I think this is a pretty good idea, but i think with even the low specs people will want to access the OS even if this is based for cloud computing, linux would require first off that we know the hardware in order to build drivers for it? then it would need to be custom made from a custom kernel in order to accomidate the touch screen? not sure if there is any touch screen linux out there but get Ubuntu MID edition on it http://www.ubuntu.com/products/mobile , give an option for some extra ram up to 1gb, and an option to add 3g whack another usb or 2 onto it and a sd card reader for expansion and you have yourself a winner.
Man, I regret not being a computer geek to help you out…and I´m surprised with the all the negative comments above! If you have nothing good to say, say nothing!
I do believe in this project and wish you good luck! The world need more entrepeneurs like you.
cheers!
Daniel
My questions/thoughts:
1. How big is the screen supposed to be?
2. Would the screen recognize multi-touch input? I rarely use any touch sensitive screens that only recognize 1 point of input, but wouldn’t this seriously slow down typing speed? Someone that has more experience with these type of devices should add their opinion.
3. If this device can update automatically, that would be great. But who is going to manage all of the software servers?
4. Isn’t this kinda what Android was designed to run on? I mean that has support for touch-screens, it has a browser built in (Webkit based I believe but I’m not positive), as far as I know it will have some kind of VoIP software and IM software. And of course it is open-source so it could be easily modified to fit this specific hardware.
5. The SD Card reader idea sounds wonderful, I hope this gets included. Bluetooth would be good as well.
6. Are these devices going to be available already configured from the same Supply Management company that you mentioned, or will everyone have to buy each part separately (or in a kit or something) and put everything together themselves? I’d really love it if you could elaborate on this.
Thanks, if it is possible to be added to a mailing list or something similar for this, that would be great as well. My email address is: deeesseee +at+ gmail +dot+ com
I have the old airpanel from viewsonic smart display. 10″ display. Using it now. If I could get a modern equivelant sans host os, I would be all for it.
I love the idea.
I’d really like to have the time and the knowledge to help in such a project :(
this is the tablet I’ve been waiting for! The iPod touch is too small. If they can have these in st:TNG then so can we!!!!
Love the idea. My guess for the screen size is 9 to 14 inch. Probably 12″ is the golden. ipod is too small. I would dare say it should not be a wide screen format – toolbars will eat up too much vertical space.
I see the signs the threat to this idea is a feature creep. Every one will want to add something. I am for one would love to have Silverlight 2.0 support – which means truly rich apps could be targeting this platform if it is successful.
Access to OS – could be done via a tiny web server preinstalled. User only needs a tiny bit of features from it. May be defragging of the cache. Or there can be a central service, the only one that can call back into the device.
Name: I vote for One Table Per Adult. The price seems suggestive :)
Michael Kariv
Uups, One Tablet Per Adult
Thinking about it more and more I’d like to participate. Count me in.
I once contemplated how a computing platform for my mom would have to look. This device provides the needed platform. All I’d have to do next is to create a web service to match. The one that has big colorful buttons, carefully selected content and cummunity features appropriate for the age and the background.
A cheap built in camera is important. It could replace keyboard for my mom. To send an email to her grandchildren she’d write it on a paper, hold in front of the webcam and click a button. To some people it is easier then onscreen keyboard.
I love the idea.
While I work in IT, I really don’t have the time to help out. :\
But, I do have an idea for a name.
Gossamer: http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/gossamer
1. a fine, filmy cobweb seen on grass or bushes or floating in the air in calm weather, esp. in autumn.
2. a thread or a web of this substance.
3. an extremely delicate variety of gauze, used esp. for veils.
4. any thin, light fabric.
5. something extremely light, flimsy, or delicate.
6. a thin, waterproof outer garment, esp. for women.
Its very nice to know that I’m not only who wants and wait for such tablet.
I want participate.
Sorry, I forget to mark ‘notify me’
I am more than willing to lend whatever assistance I can to the effort.
This is a great idea. I’ve been thinking of something along these lines for some time now, but it was more as a remote interface to my pre-existing computer system. I would speculate that using this device in conjunction with existing IO media devices in the home will provide an excellent user interface to content on disjoint mediums, in addition to viewing documents and web pages.
Also the multitouch screen must be at least 1″ margin larger than standard letter paper dimensions. Adding a mic to the device, there could be room on board for a basic auditory command interface to replace keyboard and hotkey commands. Also no wires, anywhere, not even to charge the device.
I would welcome the opportunity to contribute to this effort.
Very interested. I’ve always wanted something of this sort.
I would like if it played streaming video from ABC.com.
Michael,
A brilliant idea. I would love to bring my design and web development skills to bear on this project. Research and legwork are also my cup of tea. Please contact me if I can be of assistance.
1. I agree that a min. 10″ screen would be most helpful.
2. Would you consider a simple hadwriting recognition app? I, and I am sure others, would love a simple, cheap digital notepad with OCR.
3. Craig’s suggestion of Gossamer is a great one. Logo ideas are already popping.
Again, great idea!
I’ve been already working on this project for more than a few months. Right now I have a 19″ touch sensitive widescreen that cost under $200. I’m finishing up designs to make it multi touch instead of single touch. I’ve seen a lot of posts that say “No widescreen”. I personally opted for a widescreen so there would be room designated for a virtual keyboard. In addition if you want to turn off the keyboard when you don’t need to type, you can use the extra realistate. Once an official website is set up for this and some organizational is done, I’ll be glad to share my research and work.
That is brilliant!! 19 inch screen under 200 bucks!!??? Whoa! Can I please see your prototype? BTW, i am a web designer, need help? I sure can contribute to a good cause! ;-) Buzz me on nagarjun424[at]gmail.com
Sure I’ll email you. If anyone else is interested to jump right in and immediately discuss some designs, send me an email. afriedman111[at]gmail.com
Let me clarify, I’m working on designs to make it multi touch and thin.
How about just installing Ubuntu’s MID operating system? It sure can run on such low hardware and its full and already developed! It should be a better option that creating a completely new Linux operating system? I am no Linux developer. But, I sure can come up with some GREAT ideas! My friends could contribute.
Great concept. I am a web developer ( php, c#, perl ). I would be more than happy to do anything i can to help this project. I have been looking for this kinda device for long. I hope this can run JVM so that we can have some kinda web interface to connect to remote computer( like log me in ) or i dont know some kinda light VNC?
Email me at uttamsuma@gmail.com for any help.
Thanks
errr why bother? at the end of the day you could build X for Y but someone will always want this and that meaning Y soon becomes Yx5 which raises the price.
Look at the EEE PC for example – what started out as a fantastic idea has slowly morphed into any other low end spec laptop.
And then what do you do with this internet only tablet – keep it in the office, stick it in your pocket, use it as a old peoples food tray?
Just wait till September – Apple launch the iTablet then we can all lie back and bask in its glory, or at the very least scratch our heads and wonder why?
Nige
Sounds cool but too hard to keep it really thin.
http://www.cbsa-group.eu/html/body_pc_portable1.html
http://www.cbsa-group.eu/html/body_pc_portable2.html
http://www.cbsa-group.eu/html/body_pc_portable3.html
wifi , skype , flash , 4.3″ touch screen
looks cute , $190 on ebay
great idea guys! how can I help you? Do you have any basic spec?
Please contact me if you are interested in a Few ideas. You guys should make an ML so we can talk more “openly”.
Maybe we should start a Google Groups?
Skype requirement makes your project far more complicated:
You want Skype => It must be PC compatible or you have to make exclusive contract with Skype
If it will be PC compatible, you need large battery => the device cannot be thin as you imagine, or you have to live with a short time on battery.
You can use an industrial ARM board, flat panel and flat battery, and you can build such device without expensive board development in few days. If you will make an exclusive contract with Skype, they will develop application for your device (Nokia did it for their ARM tablets).
Well, ARM based device will not be as powerful as many people expect for MySpace browsing, so you probably will have to live with not-as-thin PC.
I might be completely wrong about this, but last I checked Skype had an interface for the iphone and other mobiles: http://www.shapeservices.com/en/products/details.php?product=skype
Yeah, a contract with Skype will be needed, but the thickness of the device I don’t think will be heavily effected. I know that the iphone is a well designed product, but I don’t think its thickness is related at all with skype.
Correction: IM+ for Skype is an application for a one time $30 fee that you run on your home pc. Your mobile phone connects to it as a service which allows you to make skype phone calls oun your mobile phone. So you need a desktop computer to be perpetually on, 30$ fee for the application, and whatever skype charges.
Thickness of the device is not related with Skype. It’s related with PC compatibility and required battery life:
- PC compatible, long battery life => thick
- PC compatible, thin => short battery life
- PC incompatible => small battery, long battery life, no Skype
The situation could change soon, as the new generation of PC compatible mobile processors may be comparable with embedded processors regarding the power consumption.
The application you refer is not Skype, it is only a license for Skype proxy service. It’s unusable for this purpose, as it is not yet ported for any Linux device of any platform.
If you would live with a standard VoIP instead of proprierary Skype, you will never reach these problems – SIP applications are easily portable to any embedded device with sufficient computing power.
You can try to contract developing of a native Skype application for your device, but I guess that you will pay hundreds of thousands dollars for it.
I have Nokia N800. I use it as BookReader(FBReader, Evince), for video (mplayer the best player), to surf the Web and as GPS ( Maemo Mapper 2.4 + external GPS).
I’m waiting device like n800 with screen 7-10 inches and worktime not less than 10 hours for web surf and book reading. 5 hours for video browsing.
I beleive a Tegra chipset will answer for such requirements, but Nvidia is going to support only Windows Mobile platform. The planing price of Tegra divices – $200.
I’ve started a google groups for this for people to get started immediately. I haven’t heard anything back from the organizers so I thought I would start a google groups in the mean time. If anyone wants to dive in, sign up at: http://groups.google.com/group/200-web-tablet
I have been working on a project of mine that I called tables.
I took the motherboard of an ASUS EEE PC and attached it to an old laptop LCD that I had laying around (15″ monitor).
I bought a touchscreen kit off ebay. It connects through USB. The Point that I am at in the developement of my project is the LCD data cables don’t match up. The compaq presario 2100 monitor has a different “plug” then the asus eee pc. Now, They seem to have the same amount of wires. I am currently trying to figure out the wire placement.
The cost so far has been roughly 300 for the eee pc, 80 for the touchpanel, the lcd screen i had lying around.. and the time its going to take me to solder the lcd data cable to the eee pc mobo connector.
Sounds so exciting linked here through Giz.
It should have a ebook reader element in it as well, simple UI like turn pages button ect. It’d be nice if a custom SDK could be written for it for the basics so that normal non-programming whizzes could program simple applications for it. I don’t know am I looking to into it?
Also the name, def not Firefox Tablet… You need something revolutionary like the idea… Or something to do with open source… like Nepo (Open backwards) and stuff like that. Then like add something on the end like NepoTab or NepoBat (keeping with the backwards stuff lol) I don’t know if I’m being any help here but just throwing suggestions.
Also agree on the Ubuntu mobile thing… That OS looks perfect for the job… Also have to agree with the limited access to the OS… I mean if you allow access to the OS you open SO MANY doors for no more in price… Perhaps a little more time but other than that.
Oh also like the name suggested Gossamer
Ideea for name: FireBox
I like the ambition of the project. I wish I had one now.
I feel like Veronica from Willey Wonka.
Hi Mike,
sorry to burst the bubble, this idea has been had many, many times over. We worked on getting a low-cost tablet into the market for at least 5 years, with almost a dozen suppliers / partners. None of them could come up with something that worked in the only space required: the market.
There is no discernible consumer need to these tablets. Just trust me, there is none. We blew close to $25 million in global product development over more than 5 years, and we did not find one. ONE. Just let it go, and focus your enviable energy on something the consumer wants.
I haven’t heard anything about this since it was first mentioned… did everyone give up so soon?
I started this:
https://firetouch.wordpress.com/
It is not organized real well, but I plan to release my work. https://firetouch.wordpress.com/