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[Brandt]

I'm interested in getting an internet tablet....

I've looked at the 3Com Audrey, the Fujitsu Sytlistic LT C 500, and the Nokia N770,800,810

I want to have a touch screen that you can use your finger with not a stylus or either one. Internet access w/ browser (preferably wireless), audio would be a plus..That's all I can think of for my requirements...

Anyone got any insight on this?

[HA Dave]

Anyone got any insight on this?

I have no insight. But I am very attracted to the itouch as a touch screen X10 controller. I wonder if the ipad... won't be even better.

[Brandt]

I thought you were all about affordable home automation 

[HA Dave]

I thought you were all about affordable home automation 

I am. But both the itouch and ipad have other functions as well. They earn their keep on their own for most users... the HA function is nearly a freebie bonus. Plus [as I understand it] you could take ether device with you (to work or out of town). And at least with the itouch... keep an eye on and control of your home from wherever you find a wifi connection. That is a value at $200 - $400... and with NO monthly fees.

I think our (cell) phones will play a bigger part... not only in our lives... but also (of course) our HA as well. Certainly some of these devices will be using Linux (right up your alley). IMHO these devices are the perfect use for Linux.

[pconroy]

Certainly some of these devices will be using Linux (right up your alley). IMHO these devices are the perfect use for Linux.

The 'droids run a Linux (SysV) variant - and you can program them in JME, Java.
The iPhone OS has it's roots in BSD UNIX.  I have *no* desire to relearn Objective-C.

[Brandt]

At this point I don't own a smartphone, and If I did I would take it with me when i left the house, leaving the rest of the family with nothing.

It looks like the Fujitsu Stylistic family is too big and bulky, unless you're looking for one main controller mounted in a huge hole in the wall.

The 3Com audrey also looks too big and wireless internet is a big hack.

The thing that seems to fit the bill is the Nokia Internet tablets 770, 800, 810. The 800 would be my primary choice but the price has not come down enough yet.

The Nokia 770, is the right size, touchpad, wireless internet, and the price is right on ebay:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nokia_770

http://www.mavromatic.com/?p=604

[eagle]

I will test drive the HP Slate for my wife when it comes out.

The biggest plus I see with it over the iPad (I'll refrain from making crude remarks on the name) is its ability to run flash-enhanced websites.   It will run Windows apps and perhaps a USB interface for portable storage devices.  The keyboard doesn't appear to occupy the width of the screen like the iPad but we'll see.

The iPad looks really cool but without the ability to run flash, it unfortunately is automatically out of the running.

r,
eagle

[aussie mate]

have you seen these x10 touch screens from Marmitek in Europe....

http://www.uk-automation.co.uk/marmitek-easytouch-panel10-p-1401.html

The only problem for people in the USA is that they wont work..as they are on a different frequency.

[dave w]

Yeah, these are very neat. The manufacturer would sell a bunch if redesigned to US frequency. We hope it is coming! 

[Brandt]

have you seen these x10 touch screens from Marmitek in Europe....

http://www.uk-automation.co.uk/marmitek-easytouch-panel10-p-1401.html

The only problem for people in the USA is that they wont work..as they are on a different frequency.

Wow, very cool. I had not seen those. I think It would work with the RFXCOM whole house receiver as it does both 310 and 413? mhz

[Brian H]

Well the European X10 RF is 433.92Mhz.; not the 310MHz. and 418MHz. that X10 USA uses.
Can the RFXCOM do 433.92Mhz.?
http://www.marmitek.com/
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UvTGgtY59I4


This unit mounts in a wall switch box but I am not sure if it can be used with X10. Looks neat.
http://www.cocoontech.com/portal/articles/news/22-touch-screens/151-new-domobec-moonshine-video

[Brandt]

Yes, the third model down comes with two receivers that can do both:

http://www.rfxcom.com/receivers.htm
http://www.rfxcom.com/descr_433_310.htm

[Brian H]

I was not sure if you had or where going to get the dual band one.
Note 433.92MHz is a commonly used frequency like the Paralax Basic Stamp senders and receivers. May get you interference.

[Brandt]

I was not sure if you had or where going to get the dual band one.
Note 433.92MHz is a commonly used frequency like the Paralax Basic Stamp senders and receivers. May get you interference.

Not at this point, I own a w800usb, and don't have any of the sensors that would need the other freq.

[Brandt]

I ended up snagging a Nokia n800 off ebay.

Here is a cool picture of what is possible:

http://www.smarthome.com/12811/interfaceGO-Nokia-Touch-Screen-Software-for-INSTEON-NK8/p.aspx