A small PC called the FlipStart has had
many tech guru's buzzing since its display at the recent Demo
2004 conference. Looking like a large organiser it actually
hides away a full pc running Windows XP at 1 GHz with a 30 gig
hard drive, It gives the user of a laptop the portability of a
palm type device and being a full version of window XP you can
run any software your standard desktop can run.
Measuring just 148mm x 101mm x 26mm the tiny pc's features
include a 5.6” display with a resolution of 1024 x 600, 256MB
DRAM, an Integrated 1.3MP digital camera, USB 2.0 port and
WiFi compatibility.
Optional features also available include a docking station so
you can use it just like a desktop and a nifty device
FlipStart call a Low-Power Interactive Display (LID™ ) module.
The LID module is a small screen that is incorporated into the
top of the device that gives uses a quick shortcut to low res
applications like calculator and calendar making the unit a
true organiser as well as a PC.
With a USB 2.0 port the device is opened up to whole range of
accessories, although FlipStart plan to sell accessories like
external CD / DVD drives, the user is not locked in to buying
the original accessories with the USB 2.0 port inbuilt. many
people may opt for a full size keyboard or USB mouse to
complement the FlipStart's inbuilt keypad.
FlipStart is expected to go on sale later this year, it is
manufactured by Vulcan inc, not to be confused with the
Australian whitegoods manufacturer of the same name. Vulcan
inc was formed by Microsoft co-founder Paul Allan in 1986,
their investments range from companies like DreamWorks SKG to
the Seattle Seahawks NFL and Portland Trail Blazers NBA clubs.
In Bill Gates' home power points aren't visible,
where stainless steal beams are used the bolts all face the same way
and one existing tree was moved 6 inches as it was not in the right
place.
