[...] be coordinating the project over at TechCrunchIT. Leave a comment there if you want to participate and we’ll be in touch [...]

I’ve always wanted to participate in an open-source, open-hardware project like this. I’ve worked as primarily a software guy for the past few years but recently started dabbling in hardware for my startup. We could possibly even lend some of our employee’s time to the project if it looks like it’s taking off (electrical engineer, possibly mechanical as well).

I’d be interested in this device both as a consumer and a software developer.

[...] those guys over at TechCrunch, they always get me with their April Fools jokes. Now here comes this piece that announces they’re getting into the hardware business! Could it be for real? [...]

not to engage in scope creep but if you add pdf support it could double as the ultimate ebook reader as well. i would be very, very happy to buy something like that.

I’d be interested from both the developer and consumer standpoints.

Hopefully you can pull this off, cause if you do, I am going to get one in every room of my house including all the bathroom’s, my office waiting room, etc. Replace all my magazines and newspapers with these. Good Luck!

This is an interesting idea. Would love to help with the firefox integration side. May be even build a special version of feedly for it. What it the best way to learn more about this project?

It’s like your reading my mind.

I’m in — hardware, software, whatever I can do.

I will get a new community site running shortly and will post all the docs and info that we have so far. If you leave a name here or email me I will shoot you an email once it is up

Awesome idea, Ill help with project specs or testing

[...] TechCrunchIT » Blog Archive » The Techcrunch Web Tablet Project Today at Techcrunch we announced that we are building our own web tablet hardware device. This all stems back from a conversation a few weeks ago when we were discussing the ultimate web browsing/cloud computing client hardware. The iPhone is nice but too small, and most laptops are over-powered for the task. With applications on the web most of us just need a web browser most of the time, so the ideal device would be a light-weight small tablet running nothing more than Firefox on a decent screen and with a WiFi connection. [...]

Hey folks,

love the idea. I’ll do what I can if you’d like– I mainly work in Photoshop/ web design. I can whip up logo ideas, design a site for it, etc.

I’ll copy this over to Nik’s email.

I’m an User Experience and Usability Consultant… I’m in for this project… I really think there is the need of a device like that…

I would be interested in checking out the site and contributing if I have anything to offer.

College student will help with writing the marketing aspect.

Let me know if I can help.

I’m in.

Wow, this sounds like an awesome idea. I’d love to contribute in some way, I have lots of education contacts and some limited coding expertise. Maybe my biggest asset is enthusiasm and time? Contact me if I can help.

Would love to help where I can.

Built a few gadgets in my time… email if you could use a hand.

awesome idea…i’d be interested in helping out on the hardware end

Definitely interested. Sounds likes a fascinating idea. Being a kernel hacker, I would love to help with developing a stripped down version of linux for the TC Tablet.

Great! We are pretty excited about it as well..

Please count me in however I can help. Also, please include me in the email info.

Like the idea … I’d like to help where I can too …

Any thoughts on UI design? Cause I’m in if so..

I didn’t hear anything about funding, but I’d like to give the first $200 towards this, assuming it stays open source.

Design thoughts – maybe get rid of the power button, put that on the back or something. Also, in terms of size, if it can be the size of a text book, then there’s a huge opportunity in the future of using it for ebooks, text books, etc.

Overall, awesome project, give me a chance to put some money towards it. Also, I can provide all the website hosting for it, at least until it becomes outrageous.

Basically: $200 + website hosting is what I’m willing to donate/give/whatever

Wow sounds like a great project. Need an Instructional Designer? Also I’m very good at breaking… erm I mean testing things.

Shameless Plug – Sounds like you need a wiki!

crunchtablet.pbwiki.com for example?

If you make it, I can help you sell it. My company, Chalkface Project Ltd, sells to all 5,000 secondary (“high”) schools in the UK – approx 5,000,000 students, plus est. 1,000,000 in British International Schools. Most of them buy our books and also use our assessment platform http://yacapaca.com

If the price was right we could make a case that every schoolkid should have one of these. I think a lot of people in education would listen if we pitched it as a ‘secondary device’, not replacing desktop computers with their M$ software, but extending their reach. It would be totally in line with our mission to get behind this project.

Finally! I can help promote this in and bring it to Canada. Let me know if you’re interested – I am!

Cheers

Software dev here. I’ll help out.

It would be nice if it used a lightweight package manager for updates. Interface-wise, OLPC’s Sugar interface could be good, they already have a minimal Firefox, maybe modifying that would be best?

I would love to get involved!

I’m in! Get in touch with me ASAP Don’t forget to include BLUETOOTH for both the Skype function AND the ability to use a Bluetooth KEYBOARD if one so desired.

I’m very experienced with Firefox/Mozilla/XUL development, if you still need help on that front.

Uhhh, question: how are you planning to handle text entry?

I’d like to help with software development if possible — this device sounds great.

Still in college but would love to get involved and help out in any way I can

Good timing; entering market research phase for something similar. Please reach out – would be interested in collaborating.

I’d love to help – I am a marketing and advertising type – with basic architecting – tech-wise talents. Count me in. –Chris

Let me know how I can help.

count me in for dev and my company for marketing/distribution …

(name hidden from web crawlers–email me for real info)

Hello,

I would be happy to contribute my companies resources and expertise to the project.

Dan Ushman
Vice President
SingleHop, Inc.

Software experience.

Happy to help.

Nit picking the comments in TC, might i suggest a firefox plugin for access to & status of other applications like skype, instead of showing the taskbar/quicklaunch/systray. If your differentiation is simplicity, I wouldn’t compromise it.

I am interested. do send me an email once the community site is setup.

I would love to help. If you need any help with spec writing, technical writing or instructional information I have a lot of experience.

Very interested, and would love to help out however I can.

[...] be coordinating the project over at TechCrunchIT. Leave a comment there if you want to participate and we’ll be in touch [...]

(oops, posted to the original article) I have founded and sold a CE company, having built and brought to market half a dozen Linux / WinCE products over the years. Designed in California, engineering in Taiwan, production in South China. I may be able to help out, just contact me.

BTW, the screen and battery are going to be your biggest design challenges, not processor selection etc.!

Sounds like an awesome idea! Would love to help!

count me in to help! Great concept.

Entry will be virtual onscreen keyboard (based on the Gnome project). The difference here is that we are using a new dual-touch layer with the LCD and it only has an early linux driver so far. I will post the specs for it.

This wlil definitely remain open source. As for funding, whatever is required we will be pushing out from Techcrunch. The reason why we announced today is because we have the manufacturing/prototype etc. setup now, along with design (which we will also post for feedback etc.)

fully open process though. the dev community is in the works and being setup now, I will email otu accounts to everybody who either coments here or emails me as soon as it is up and the initial details will be there

I vote for instant on…
http://www.splashtop.com/

Also, can I stake a claim to write (free of charge) the jingle that plays when the machine starts up? That would be awesome.

Why not run something like GOS (http://www.thinkgos.com) which runs everything off Firefox pretty much, I love it.

Either way I’m in, let me know what I can do.

This sounds like a success in the making — count me in (software, graphics design experience).

Not that I am against the idea; but what makes this any different than Nokia’s Internet Tablets? Or even Sony’s Mylo COM-2. Or Pandor’s product? Or, Intel’s, which happens to be using Ubuntu Mobile as a base for things? It would seem that this energy would be better utilized pushing into those projects the needed momentum to finish what was already started, rather than starting something new.

Love the concept will help where possible

I’m not making this up – yesterday I was searching in vain for *exactly* this device factor. If I can help, ping me

I’d be happy to help in any way I can. My expertise is in software, most particularly towards UI and Accessibility.

Is TC proposing to do the hardware design and manufacture as well? That seems very…ambitious.

I have wanted the exact device you described for some time. Have you considered using one of the many Web Operating Systems in the concept?

(As an example of what can be done. Maybe in conjunction with Coreboot?)

This sounds very cool. I’m a software guy with a small amount of experience working on UI for MID/UMPC devices. I’d love to be kept in the loop on this.

Love to help as well (can offer services in the strategy/market/launch planning) … look forward to an itemization of skills required.

Possibility for funding if you’re going that route.

The simple design alone got me excited… I’d love to contribute. My background is in marketing and research, along with some biz dev experience.

I don’t know if the specs for this project will meet the minimum required for Ubuntu’s netbook os version but it looks fantastic! If nothing more, it will give you a good base of functions for a custom distro.

http://www.canonical.com/netbooks

I hope you put CDisplay or another .cbr Comics Reader on it, because it will be great to read my comics on a clean, thin and easily portable device.

I posted this on TechCrunch, but I wanted to make sure you guys saw it here too.

I have been asking for this exact device for years. My area of expertise is web programming, so I’d like to take on the “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.”

I can provide the software development as well as the servers needed for this custom home page.

Let me know how to proceed – I am all in for getting this device up and running. If you are planning meetups in person, I am only one to two hours from the bay area, depending on traffic.

Another coder willing to help here.

I work for a small Design and Manufacturing company and would definitely volunteer some time to do market research and the like. If you need a contact with Chinese manufacturers, I might be able to help.

I would think any web application developer wold be interested in seeing this work! I know for my company, a device like this would enable the kind of real mobile access that Tablet PCs were supposed to bring about. Count me in! I hope that I can help, my strength is more in web applications with complex server side processing (I wrote a search engine for life insurance products and underwriting classes), but if there is something I can do to help I would be glad to (which includes standing in line on day one to buy one of these). One question, would the intention be to restrict local executables? I know from an ease of use standpoint a guaranteed list of applications and a closed off root folder makes for a rather stable device, but I would love to plug in a USB gamepad, and play old NES games on an emulator. Of course maybe that’s what a laptop is for anyways.

I too have been waiting for such a device for a very long time. I’m a tablet enthusiast and have an old Acer tablet as well a couple of the old 3com Audreys (hacked of course). I’m also a longtime PHP/AJAX developer and product manager. I’d love to help with this project. Let me know when/how I can jump in.

I am interested in helping with this project.

This is a phenomenal idea! I can offer help in online marketing and design. I know at least 10 people off hand that would be interested in purchasing something like this.

As someone with an interest in the Linux kernel as well as (ultra-)portables, I’d be interested in helping out on the software front.

This is an excellent idea. I’m a software guy. I spent a lot of time designing GUI’s before Windows came along. I know about UI’s and how they are built. I’m familiar with how to build a custom GUI from the ground up. I’m not as proficient with Linux as I used to be, but I can come up to speed pretty quickly. Count me in.

oh, I can also bring to the table an existing team of engineers bored with their day jobs, but could pretty much build this whole thing…

we’ve been throwing around like this around our office for months (and probably have different incarnations already). we would love to help out as well – please include us on the project!

raffi krikorian
partner
synthesis studios, inc.
http://www.synthesisstudios.com/

I think the device needs a scroll wheel or something that you can reach with your thumb while holding it. It would enable the user to quickly move the page down, without having to release the grip and point/drag on the screen

Oh, and while an RSS reader would be handy (I know, we can use Google Reader), and Email app would be almost necessary. Thunderbird?

Great Idea! Definitely, there is a need for that. I agree that the price got to be low, plug and play, no hassle. Please sign me up and I will be glad to help. Please email me.

I love the idea, something so simple yet so powerful with the help of the web.
If there’s a spare seat for someone to do the HTML, CSS and general ideas / advice, I’d like to join.

I just brought a n800…
crap… time for a new upgrade…

best 2008 idea
Waiting for email

[...] (which I left now ages ago, but miss dearly) are tackling this very problem (see the post at TechcrunchIT, too) – talk about bending the rules of what you expect from a [...]

I would be interested in contributing to this project.

I would like to chip in any way I can.

I play roles of Systems Engineer and DBA, but can do anything.

I have a UI design and usability background, and would be excited to help.

Industrial design interests me but I have no hands-on experience; I’d also be interested in collaborating with and learning from one or more industrial designers on the physical interface.

Count me in

This device is exactly what is needed. The market potential is enormous as it will also bring millions of users NOT using or NOT liking PC/Mac or Computers in general to be connected and use the Internet -> Think about the older generation.
Bluetooth would be important to also connect to a cell phone if WIFI is not available to use the cell phone’s connection. Also, don’t forget the International Market. Start from the beginning to have this device as open as possible when it comes to language selection as a later change will be very hard, costly and time consuming.
Since I move to CA next week, I am able to contribute on hand;-)

double up the battery. it would be a very cool trade off for more weight. heck- triple it!

WANT!

I work for a company that develops custom supply chain management software, so the best I can offer is insight on the sourcing and vendor approval process once the specs have been created. The e address above is personal, but if you think the project might benefit from supplychain insight, I might be able to get the company onboard.

Let me know how I can help. Count me in!

I would make a great tester if you need it.
I’m usually spot on with suggestions and recommendations after products version 1 is released.

Great collaborative project idea … Let me know if I can help!

No skills that would help out, I don’t think, but definitely interested!

I’d love to do some interface testing, if needed.

A simple tablet based on Firefox (a ‘Foxlet?’) — what a dream come true! I’m really excited about this project, and would be thrilled if you’d accept my offer for copywriting and web design/development help.

I have been thinking about this too! Though, I think having a more general OS (than just firefox) with an open SDK would be a big boon to a product like this.

I want in!

Nic,

We have a linux stack for UMPCs and MIDs (your device is a MID in consultant’s words) with several communication oriented applications. I’d be happy to contribute as much as we can.

Best,

Marc

Would love to beta test. Been using iPhone from Day 1 so can provide great feedback on what I like and don’t like with that device.

Just read the article and was wondering we need a Supply Chain Company and Rapid Prototype company for golf products…Who do you use for this? Maybe they could do the same for us.

Any help would be greatly appreciated.

Alongside the flash plugin, it would be really sweet if we could get silverlight plugin support (once its available on linux). This sweet thing could be a perfect terminal for a lot of enterprise apps og home control applications. On work we are using ~700$ tablets for something this device could do, and do in a way better form factor.

I’m a director of product management, I can help with specs, UI, vision/strategy/scope, etc…

I’m up for helping in any way.

Excellent idea! This is something I would have liked to have long time ago… Sign me up – I can help with engineering management or product development. Regarding the specs, I’d suggest to establish some sort of touch-based UI platform (if this doesn’t already exist) that developers can build FF-based widgets on top of (similar to the iPhone OS), to keep all software open source, and indeed to keep the exterior buttons/interfaces to an absolute minimum.

Finally, the market (or at least me) have been wanting this project for some time now. I’m a technologist (cto of a grown up SaaS start up), let me know how I can help…

This is the best thing I’ve seen this year, please add me to the email list

Finally, the market (or at least me) have been wanting this product for some time now. I’m a technologist (cto of a grown up SaaS start up), let me know how I can help…

hey, sign me in I’ll do my best to make it happen! (I’m a Ph.D. student doing research on robots running linux)

I’d love to help concerning this project… so another “count me in” here. Please e-mail me!

Software developer here. Lemme know what I can do and chip in

I’d love to see this thing come to life. I’d be interested in contributing to the software portion of this project. I know a couple of good hardware guys too who I know would be interested.

This is exactly what I’m looking for. Most of what I run is from online apps and USB portable apps, so this tool would be a great fit for me. I am very interested. Keep me in the loop.

We are all over this! We cover a ton of ton tablet technology at GottaBeMobile.com and would love to play a role in this – however we can help.

Connect me to this effort, pls.

I’d buy it

I’d love to help out both as a consumer, software developer and industrial hardware designer.

I would like to help, I will also volunteer to coordinate the development and deployment of user surveys, both for rating functionality and requirements as well as feedback from initial testing. I run the North American operations for SensorPro, which is an on-line survey application and I will contribute our services as part of this project.

I also have been a product manager for AS/400 financial applications so I have a little experience with designing and developing software. I think that the concept is outstanding and look forward to participating.

Please email me! Cheers.

I’d certainly be interested in a device like this. I’d really avoid having to load up all of Gnome for a project like this, why not XFCE or even plain X and just load up Firefox on start. The rest could be handled by some really clever Firefox plugins. Instead of solid state why not CF? While USB would be nice just for keyboard mouse support alone, the driver issues for “just any device” would be a significant challenge. Add an external SD or mini-SD slot, and you’ve got one sleek little media device. Count me in for more-info/help!

Great idea!
I’m In if wanted. 19 years in IT. Run Ops for major company. Can handle the testing coordination or simple communication channels.

- I don’t think it has to be as thin as a MacBook Air, esp if that will affect the price point. Tons of consumers would be all over a low-cost touchscreen that’s roughly the same thickness as the average laptop

- Make the screen 10″ or larger and you’re on your way to building a device that’ll eventually replace the laptop

I have experience in user experience/usability/marketing, and would love to help

I’m in for software. Little to no help on hardware (I’ve fried more than my fair share of IC’s in undergrad because I forgot to ground them properly ).

I am in! I am a software engineer with 11 years of project management and software architecture experience for internet and mobile platforms. Let me know how can I assist on it!!!

Regards,

Tom

As a name Firefox Tablet is just a bit too direct. Would work if Mozilla put some money into the project.
Mu suggestion is “Fablet”. Its FF based, and its a tablet. “Fablet”. Rolls easy off your tongue and easy to remember.
Lars

Oh no!…. not Firefox!!! Opera-mini is a much better choice (there’s already 45 millions cellphone users across the globe). It’s WAY faster than Firefox and consumes much less RAM. Especially is you have only 500MB of RAM, Firefox is a terrible choice.

Do me a favor: opens 15 tabs in Firefox, with at least 5 of them with youtube pages. You will soon see RAM usage of FF climbing close to or above 600MB!!! While Opera will stick around 200MB.

I’m in. I can help with both hardware and software development.

I’ll be tracking this!

Man, I would love one of these things.

Count me in, I’d be more than happy to help with documentation/specification.

I’m based in NYC and would love to be involved. I’ve got a lot of experience in Web development from a product development and project management perspective. I used to write a bit of server-side code. I’ve been dying for a product like this.

I am director of rapid prototyping at Dynacept. Dynacept would love to get involved in both prototyping and production of any plastic components. We could also lend a hand with CAD or engineering services.

A product like this could certainly displace the Eee PC 1000 I just ordered!

Definitely want! Please don’t be vapourware!

Unfortunately unless you want someone with experience in eMarketing/Analytics for global financial services then all I can offer is to test, and of course proof-read any documentation/marketing/etc. But happy to offer whatever I can to the cause.

Whatever.

count me in for “consumer user experience” – ive been asking for this thing forever.

you looking to put the Techcrunch40 company Crowdspirit out of business? Hmm, well things did seem a bit quiet at Crowdspirit lately….

How about calling it the webtab?

I’m a writer and audio engineer and I’d love to use something like this.
If you need any copy writing or cool boot sounds I’m in, and I love the pdf reader idea.
Can’t wait to see what happens.

How about a version with 3G connectivity, or the option to add that on somehow? I’m aware that goes against the simplicity aspect somewhat in terms of the hardware, but it adds to it in terms of having an “always on” web connection rather than “run round trying to find somewhere with a hotspot”.

A great lesson could be thought here.

I agree with those who argue that having a decent battery/power supply solution is going to be a real challenge. One of the things that I hate most about my laptop is looking for power outlet because my battery is running out of gas.

It would be great if some of those companies building folding solar panels could help us to extend the life of the battery. Just a thought.

I will be more than happy to share my experience on sw and hw development and product management.

Can help spec network interfaces, I think its more than Wi-Fi to make it really useful.

Also, I have some relationships with the wireless & hotspot operators.

for $200 – this would be an awesome x-mas gift (to give and get)

so just a browser?! i’m guessing there are some sort of keyboard. sounds pretty cool as a concept but somehow it’s lacking the next step.

Most people don’t just read blogs online, even the basic needs involves some sort of action to allow users to notify their social community with ease.

Then with pro bloggers, they would need some sort of simple image editing software.(i guess photoshop express can do that)

my concern is just that if this tablet is ONLY for reading then that means inorder to make the newly acquired information useful we need to hop on a laptop/desktop?!

Very experienced product manager/marketing guy – I’ll be more than happy to help as time permits. Unfortunately, I’m heading out camping this week.

This is what I was looking for when I bought my ASUS EEE 900. I wanted a super-portable machine that would do 90% of what a full-featured laptop could do, but be so small, light, and readily accessible that I would have it with me all the time.

EEE is beautiful, and I love it, but there is still room for improvement:

- it takes too long to come out of hibernation – it should come on instantly when you open the case – a simple linux machine like this should go for months between reboots, so it should be optimized around hibernation
- it uses up too much battery in hibernation – should be able to hibernate for days.
- WiFi should come on and try to instantly connect to the last used access point, assuming the same IP address if the lease is still valid. In other words, if you put the machine to sleep, set it down, then pick it up ten minutes later, it should be operating in a few seconds.
- Security should be configurable so, if the tablet is lost, a casual pickpocket couldn’t use it. I’d like to see the screen unlocked by a configurable gesture (“drawn” on the screen with your finger or a stylus) or a codeword spoken in the microphone.
- USB is necessary for plugging in storage (humans are collectors…), also useful for keyboards, pointers, and other things.
- Bluetooth is a nice option for sound, keyboard, and pointer, but not a necessity (for 1.0) as Asus discovered.
- Screen has to be at least 1024×768 – the 800×480 screen of the original EEE was inadequate, and the 1024×600 of the 900 is barely adequate and occasionally causes trouble. 10″ is the right size, I think.
- Integration of web apps using Firefox tabs is the way to go, I think. When you “click” on a mailto: link, a new tab should open in [gmail, yahoo mail, whatever web mail] with a new message to the person referenced. Similarly, when you click on a .doc or .xls file a new tab should open in [google docs, zoho, etc.] with that file open.
- Obviously, I think there should be some method of configuring the beast to use different web services, but the default should be to use gmail and google docs. When you turn it on the first time, it should only ask your gmail login id, with buttons for “get me a gmail account” and “configure for other than gmail (this may get complicated)”

I’m pretty sure there are good 10.1″ commodity LCD touchscreens out there. I believe batteries will be the issue for design, because I think you’ll want 4+ Ah of battery, which is going to make it tough to keep “macbook thin.”

I may be able to check email on my other ultra-portable (treo 650). I’m excited to see how we can bring this to fruition for the lowest possible cost.

-Bill

Count me in. I’ve been meaning to do some kernel hacking.

We at Genesi would love to help out. We’re confident such a design can be done with Freescale components, and have done design work on very similar products all at different stages of development and production.

We have expertise both the software (firmware and OS) and hardware (full design and testing, bringup and drivers) side, along with several developers of both pedigrees we can put to the task, and are willing to help with the supply of development boards, other design components and technical help to further the project.

I’d like to talk to someone off the comments list about this if possible, email is with the comment, we can coordinate further

– Matt Sealey, Developer Relations Manager, Genesi USA Inc.

Also willing to put in some time on this. Software Engineer.

I’d down to help on the linux side. Willing to learn whatever’s needed and contribute code.

I’d buy it, therefore I’d like to work on it!

Put me on the list for
Operating Systems engineering, Information Security stuff, Documentation, and maybe some hardware assistance (less experience there, but I’d love to be involved)

A couple of requests/comments:
1. Open source hardware is good. Everyone will want to hack this, much like the Eee PC and friends are getting hacker additions now. We should encourage this.
2. Interface is everything. If it feels clunky, no one will use it. It has to be smooth, slick, and easy to use.
3. It really does need to be $200. If we push much beyond that, folks will start to wonder if it’s worth it when a netbook can be had for $400 or a laptop for $600.

I see several other designs mentioned in the comments. These all look good. Who will get there first?

[...] said, the Redux Model 1 was one guy’s heroic effort, while this project will largely be crowdsourced.  Still, the hardware business is tough … I have one advice to Mike: talk to [...]

Love the idea: somewhere between One Laptop Per Child and the iPhone. I’d buy it. I’m not a programmer, but have done documentation. If you need editing or copy writing help, let me know.

College student interested to be part of Software Development and Consumer standpoint.

This sounds like a great idea, and I would love to be able to help.

Intern level, but always willing to learn

you guys are for sure on the right track here. Open source hardware and community involved, you can do it! I can opt in for some photoshop stuff. Just posted this from my iPhone, yep kinda small…

Marketing/evangelism – count me in. Start with the concept of an iPhone and work to something larger, not from an Air and smaller. 2-3 day battery life, WiFi, Bluetooth, OpenID for login. Software keyboard that uses touch interface.

Isn’t Apple building something like this? Sure seems like a great fit: Can be used for browsing, pictures and videos, as a remote control for your Apple TV and a remote display (for Apple TV, Macs and – most importantly – the Iphone).

why trying to reinvent the wheel? seriously. http://eyeos.org/en/

count me in!

Having a general OS will make the tablet much more functional. It will be easier to build apps for it, so its uses can be extended beyond just browsing.
A stripped down version of Ubuntu will run easily on 512MB and a low-end processor.
All apps like Opera, Firefox, Skype, etc. can be easily installed because they won’t require any special modifications. iPhone style keyboard should be good enough.
The biggest challenge will be keeping the cost ~ $200.
Sign me up.

this may seem somewhat obvious, but a tablet PC without allegiance to any corporation and is open source from the specs on up would be a good candidate to honourably wear the sterlingly cheesy name:

Tabula Rasa.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tabula_rasa

Great idea. Sans Microsoft and sans Apple.

If I can help in any way, I will

Sys admin

It seems very close to what CherryPal is doing http://www.cherrypal.com/ , only tablet version. might want to talk to them?, or just buy an iPhone?

Is there any chance that GPRS module comes along with that?

I would love do something on software.

See! I told you. “Fablet” is the perfect name.
I just finished reading 151 comments now. This is very interesting stuff and the fast reactions indicate that there is a need for this product.
But why?
We have Nokia N800, Iphone, countless Microsoft based machines etc. etc.
What are we calling out for? And why do we need it so bad?
Is it because we hate typing on the Iphone?, and we thin the N800 is too slow and generally annoying? What about the size? Do we want soething we can put in our pocket? Or something to go in our laptop bag?

And why is Google mentioned constantly? Why not show Google (and Yahoo + MS) that we can do office apps without them sniffing around? There are others out there that can provide us with online office documents. There are alternatives to Gmail, or there should be.

If i would do a project as this, and it should be as opened sourced as possible, i would certanly try to keep Google out of it. If the software and hardware is open sourced then why not look for open source apps? Would it really take that much extra hardware to have an app like Openoffice on it?

I am sure that the world needs this product. I am all turned on about it. Mostly because i can see the possibilities for “the people” to have such a monster at a low price. Much like the OLPC. And i need it because i hate my HP Ipaq in general, my Iphone typing ability, and my laptop i too heavy.

You got me as a customer for the Fablet for sure. Let’s just make sure it does not become “just another tablet”.
Lars

Sounds like a cool project – I’m in…..

I say just call it “The Crunch Tablet” or maybe just “The Crunch”

This is a really interesting idea. I would be happy to do whatever I can to help on the business and marketing side of the process.

[...] Gli utenti che volessero partecipare (per dirne una ci sarebbe da adattare Free BSD o Linux all’hardware) possono lasciare un commento qui. [...]

Count me in. I can help design friendly UI’s and point users in the right direction about using this sort of device to it’s full potential (i.e. WebOS’s). I can help with documentation and I have some contact with Mozilla (the chief evangelist). I have tons of time available. We should start up a site where users can log in to forums and have sort of a social network for these. I am a fairly good PHP programmer (with MySQL) and can help in that area.

I’ll buy one. All I ask is for some decent offline functionality since I rarely have wireless acess. Just something like wordpad, maybe a spreadsheet, maybe a painting program with a pen.

I literally had a dream about this kind of product about 2 months ago, and ever since I’ve been trying my hardest to bring it to life somehow. Then I stumbled upon your post re: the web tablet project, and I’ve decided that my dream must have been some kind of omen. So I am offering you any help WHATSOEVER you may need. I noticed you mentioned a marketing document, and I would be more than happy to at least provide help in marketing the device when it comes time. I am also currently a law student in Calgary, if that helps, with some background in programming.

A pipe dream…. mark my words.. you need people who are in the business…. I have always been fascinated by people who have no clue about anything, from a totally different field who wake up and feel they just had gods greated idea the planet has ever seen…
Do yourself a favor and talk to some product designers at some of the it companies… then you’d burry your little project immediately…

i don’t get it, why do you need MULTI-touch exactly? Multi-touch is used in iPhone and elsewhere to scroll pictures, resize widows etc… but here, since you’ll have the browser always in full-screen, what’s the point? Multi-touch LCD is much more expensive, so what not keeping cost as low as possible? I mean, if it cost 159 dollars instead of $199, that’s always better, right?

I love the idea, I’m in. Both as a software dev, and a consumer. But let’s also think about how get the iphone’s SDK is, dont we want some of that ability in this device? webcam, multi touch tablet, I see a lot of great 3rd party apps / games. beyond firefox and skype.

@173 (NoBS)

We’re in the business and we just pitched in. Pay attention

I’m in for whatever is needed. Marketing/business guy with code cleanup skills.

what you guys are dreaming about needs horsepower… and horsepower costs money… also other fancy things like long battery life, touchsceen, thin design etc. etc. all costs money…..

This device already exists, has passed EMC and is ready for production. Its builder is John Nicholls, of ThinLinx.com, in Brisbane, Australia. If John were provided with the money to take it into production we would see it in 90 days.

I’m offering up Deep Focus’ agency expertise in marketing this puppy (creative, media, PR) in exchange for points off the gross. Seriously.

As a software developer, I am very interested in this project.

Please include bluetooth. Then you can pair it with a keyboard+mouse for “real” input, without having to futz with cables when you want to walk off with it. This makes it easy to use with other devices too (headphones, hands-free devices) without futzing with cables.

hi
thatz an awesome idea how can i be a part of it?

I’d love to contribute if it could help make this a reality any sooner. Great goal! I hope you are successful.

The product is cool, but the process behind creating it is revolutionary! The offering up of readers’ resources to complete this project is simply amazing.

Please keep me updated.

Count me in for interface/usability testing and whatever else I can contribute. I’m not a programmer but I do have a technical background.

Me in. Details ?

Looks like I showed up to the party a bit late… I’m definitely interested though.

Like 161 said, the CherryPal model is a good one to use as an example.

Dabble in usability and also a bit of design as well. Would be interested in possibly setting up online apps for the tablet as well. Could we have an open sourced set of online apps for use with the tablet, instead of the proprietary google/Yahoo/Microsoft docs/mail.

Mj

[...] they’re not satisfied just talking about tech – now they want to create it. They have visions to create a very lightweight tablet PC running pretty much as a web [...]

count me in!!!

Great initiative! so many people are excited and willing to help
I don’t think Nokia N800 is even close, and i find the iPhone touch keyboard too tiny for myself… hoping this comes true, will be glad to help anyway i can.

I’m guessing the price target is infeasible.

Nokia N800 almost meets your requirements.

Love the idea. Count me in – my strongest skills are in UI design, but I’m game to help with any part of the project.

@ruthlu

I think bluetooth is too much. The goal is cheap, and simple.

@Nik

I know you have a lot going on with this project, but I have a number of ideas. I would like to get into contact with you, please feel free to email me. I am a software developer, and will do anything I can to help out on this exciting and open project.

Definitely count me in. The Nokia N800 or N810 are essentially the same thing – only much smaller.

I can help with marketing, we’ll call it OLPTC. One laptop per tech cruncher.

hey, i’d like to help out. I can work on the software end of things.

Be sure that every Google Web Apps will work on it, and I’ll convince 300 people to buy some. I’ll buy 2.

Just what you need is another “if it only had this too…” comment, but being able to use it as a phone would also be very nice. But don’t do that at the expense of cost – the rising costs of the ultra-portables is making me lose interest in them quickly.

put me on the mailing list… setup a community up on NING, easy and fast. This would be great… and also would be great for the baby boomers… been trying to find a simple solution for my parents.

[...] be coordinating the project over at TechCrunchIT. Leave a comment there if you want to participate and we’ll be in touch [...]

Hey, I’d really like to join the project and make this thing a blast. I’ve been waiting a long time for such a device to come out and I totally agree that we should take the initiative to build it if noone else is doing it. I can’t wait to have the first generation CrunchTablet in my hands!
I have 10 years of experience in software engineering and good experience in product management and marketing. I’m currently employed by a big Silicon Valley based web company – working from Europe but visiting the Valley regularly – and would love to be a part of this team!

Count me in. This could be a fantastic tool in the classroom.

[...] is how to join in: We’ll be coordinating the project over at TechCrunchIT. Leave a comment there if you want to participate and we’ll be in touch [...]

We have gathered some good experience over the past couple years on the open source hardware front. Would love to share what we’ve learned.

I love the idea of cheap and simple. I think the bigest challenge for the cost would be the LCD screen. What size would be ? 10″,9″, or 8″ ?

I can help to facilite with Chinese hardware manufacturers since I am speaking both language. So count me in please. Thanks.

I am a s/w engineer. Let me know how can contribute to this.

College IT major – count me in where I can help. I’ll start saving for pre-order, too. Any SDHC slots onboard?

You really wouldn’t need to write any special programming or OS for it. I mean… for prototypes anyway. You could easily load any minimal and even nice looking Linux OS on there through a flash drive. Also a lot of motherboards these days come with everything integrated, especially the laptop motherboards.

As for the bluetooth. Imagine holding that massive tablet up to your head… why not be able to connect your little bluetooth earpiece to it and still be able to browse online?

I’m in, I guess I have enough Linux and hardware experience.

I will buy one, i think its a great idea. drop me an email so i can participate. im cool with hardware/ software/ testing/ anything you need. I have been waiting for someone to do this for a long time. i think it would be cool if you could add an MMC expansion slot so you could add more storage. also maybe allow for a full version of linux to be installed that would be cool.

One feature to make it even more useful will be a soft contact charging station. If it were dropped into this, and the charging station allowed the tablet to be viewed at an angle, it could be used with a bluetooth keyboard and mouse giving the user the experience of a standard laptop/desktop when in stationary enviorment. Need to go? just pick it up out of the cradle and run! Look at the desktop charger for the blackberry pearl, then think of it in an A frame shape where the tablet rests in it.

almost part with exception to the housing should, err, will be off the shelf.

I didnt have to read ALL the comments, but some features that would be essential:

Bluetooth- for both HIDs and DUN
Wifi- Duh
USB min 1 – other than the obvious, for USB 3G devices
User Replaceable Battery- lets not follow in the MBA footsteps, at least if the batt can be replaced with min amount of surgery.

If you need someone for some german translation or webapps development contant me.
I would love to help with this project. Realy nice idea!

[...] those guys over at TechCrunch, they always get me with their April Fools jokes. Now here comes this piece that announces they’re getting into the hardware business! Could it be for real? I [...]

4 words:

Nokia N800
Nokia N810

I’m interested, but looks like you allready have more help than you need

I’ll just wait to buy ‘the thing’

p.s. there should be 2 usb ports minimum. For keyboard/mouse (and flash storage) in desktop mode

What an awesome idea!
Would love to help – coding, UI, usability and testing, multilingual and bi-directional support (Hebrew & Arabic), marketing in the middle east, etc.

I am the Hebrew language pack maintainer for phpBB since 2002, so I do have some experience in those areas of expertise.

Drop me an email! I would really love to see this dream coming true – Worldwide

Business Analyst specializing in Usability and end-user testing.

Count me in!

The .pdf reader mentioned way earlier is a *must* include that in a $200 product and you have an instant win button.

Also going to need to back the idea of the power buton being tapped turns off the screen and locks the machine, and held in for over a second actually powering it down.

I’m a web developer (ASP and .net) by trade, but I dabble with Linux, MythTV (Another great use for this tablet!), Asterisk (This one too!), and other open-source systems.

By all means, please put me down for helping out in any way I can for this.

And, incidentally, wouldn’t something like NVidia’s recently-announced Tegra CPU/GPU be perfect for this?

I think this project needs to lean on Apple’s work with the iPhone/iPod Touch. Don’t get fancy. Flash is not a requirement, neither should a high resolution screen.

A 7″ 800×480 screen would produce a very nice sized product. Any smaller and you might as well get an iPhone/iPod Touch. Larger and you might as well get a laptop. Keep the tablet form factor. If there is space, make at least one USB port recessed behind a door so you can keep a memory stick, wireless keyboard/mouse dongle, etc., plugged in at all times and it’s not sticking out of the side of the machine.

Firefox would need to be modified for the following:
- Add the fancy zooming of Mobile Safari
- always run in fullscreen, have tabs work like they do in Mobile Safari

The machine should boot directly into Firefox, everything else should run as an Add on. The reason it needs to be Firefox is Google Gears support. Add-ons or websites can run offline with Gears support. Mozilla Weave could be extended for businesses to configure the tablet remotely or keep it up to date.

Follow the Apple model, don’t add everything every person will need, keep it simple.

If you haven’t used an iPhone or iPod Touch, try it, you’ll be amazed at how useable it is, and that’s at a 480×320 resolution!

I have been waiting for this for… years, probably. I work in QA and am a writer, and would be interested in helping in either of those respects.

I don’t have any useful skills but I can donate.

Let me know whats up.

I’ve also been waiting for too long. Do we have a space to centralize all ideas? Any wiki or Google docs created already?

Very exciting.

This sounds like an amazing idea.

[...] source hardware, this is it. TechCrunch announcing they want to build their own Web tablet device. Just awesome. A couple of years ago, Jeremy Toeman (our marketing guy) and I were sitting around [...]

I’m a Linux neebie, so I might be a very good tester if you guys plan to mass market this. I would love to help out.

*newbie

I’m in for sure.

Would be interested in driver development as well as any other backend bits that need to be taken care of. Add another vote for “Tabula Rasa”, why brand your product off another? Just seems limiting and short sighted.

Would love to assist in any shape necessary. Count me in!

I’d love to contribute in anyway possible. I could commit to doing testing and *documentation* of both the platform and development environment. At some point you are going to want developers to create apps in the same way that web based iPhone apps were built to fit into the form factor of the device. I’d also commit to buying a few of the first run units as well.

Over 20 years ago when I created the graphic touchscreen interface that you see in the worldwide point of sale industry I began creating software for this device, as I foresaw it. I coined and trademarked the name ViewTouch for it. Along the way I created a touchscreen X Window Manager that allows the rapid development of applications for this device. Click my link and you’ll see a 5 year old screenshot on the wireless X terminal we sell. I can help a great deal to make this device useful and to make it very easy to develop apps that exploit it.

I love the idea. I’d love to have such thing around with me all the time

Glad to help on user experience/usability/user testing front. Please keep me in the loop.

+1 for “Tabula Rasa”. What a great name for the concept, a perfect match,

Very nice concept. Mainly a LAMPP developer here, but I’d be glad to help with any coding, testing, etc

Throw in an app like ‘Remote’ with an IR port on it, and you’ve also effectively just killed all those rediculously expensive Universal Remotes.

If Mozilla gets on board, I have to be cheesy and suggest Foxtrot.

oh, I am looking forward for this device, I’m expecting a bunch of useful APIs including SQL (lite version is sufficient). This device should be able to be used for all kind of purposes including researches…

Nearly 45 years programming, mostly for a living, a fair amount of working with hardware designers [one-off minicomputer peripherals, including one of the first digital videotape recorders(used for sorting massive scanned illustration databases back in the 70s)], fair amount of UI chops, assembly languages, etc.

I would absolutely love to help with this. I can help with some Linux programming skills; (and porting some LISP to it, although I have the feeling nobody would care about it ).

I don’t have skill for development, but I’d love to own something like this. Please add me to the list.

I have been contemplating a project exactly like this one for months; very glad to have found so many folks with the same netbook vision as me. I would be happy to contribute in whatever capacity I can.

Very interested. This would be a dream product to me and besides I’ve always wanted to be involved with and try my hand on developing/marketing an actual product…

I am in, I am very interested to have this product as a consumer and technologist.

It sounds like you should talk to the guys at http://www.openpandora.org/ and see about making the same device in a different form factor.

On the other hand something x86 compatible it worth considering if you have a big list of “must have”s. Flash and Video codecs typically perform best on x86 because that gets most of the development focus. To get a good combination of speed and power usage it costs though.

Limiting the system to “use codec X because we made that work well” means something like an ARM based system is much more practical.

Possibly worth talking to PixelQI also. http://www.pixelqi.com/

A larger-flattened pandora with a PixelQI display pretty much describes what you are after.

This is the kinda thing I have always wanted.
I would love to take part.

This would be awesome. My skills probably wouldn’t be suited to developing this, but I’d love to help with testing, e.g. the OS stack.

I would buy one right now, so let me know if there’s anything I can do to help the project along .

I’m absolutely interested in working on this. I’m a software guy and I’d be happy to work on anything- from the smallest bug hunt to the os/firefox/etc. I’d also LOVE to get one from any “limited” run for dev purposes- if it’s a “hardware beta” etc, that’d be totally fine. I’d probably be willing to put in for 1000-1250 for a “beta” quality one just to hack on. Can’t wait for the wiki/community!

Super excited to help! We will be keeping a close eye on this on our blog and be writing about it as much as possible. Please let me know how to help!

count me in. I used Motion Computer and Panasonic from the time they came out, and used them in a public safety setting. Happy, but certainly could be beter.

Sounds like an interesting project… If there’s any need for a designer, I’ll be here.

I am a software engineer involved in design of applications in the area of digital signage and pervasive computing. I have experience with porting a skimmed down version of Firefox into an embedded linux box

I have been looking for something similar forever. I’ve even got a few ideas that I think could be helpful and I would love to contribute to this project any way I can.

Email me. I already have this done, hardware and software, ready for a final round of manufacturability engineering, review, and tooling for production in Shenzhen. Seriously: a browser based desktop running on Xulrunner, on a stripped Debian build, with a browser app mapped to the core Linux system functions (printing, networking, etc.). I’ll disclose more privately, directly. If you’re serious we can button this up and be in production in 5-months.

I’m in let me know how i can help and add me to the mailing list.

Maybe it can be an OLPC alternative that’s not tied down by all the administration? I’ve got a bunch of experience in China, Africa, and LA with the World Bank, USAID, and other tech companies. Would love to help with marketing/sales/outreach, particularly abroad.

I go provide input with my design skills both conceptual, GUI or any artistic elements and have experience in manufacturing along with manufacturing contacts overseas.

+1 for Tabula Rasa as the name, that’s awesome. From the comments here and at TC all I can say is that the complete lack of understanding about how consumer devices are built can be seen as a good thing. Sometimes ignorance is bliss. Go read about how much effort the OLPC project took to get to it’s current price point, but don’t read too much, just go do it.

Or wait a few months for the new color Kindle or giant iPod touch.

Count me in!

I have limited coding experience, just starting to learn more. But I can help with marketing, PR, BD, whatever you need.

Me too!

Hate to be party pooper…similar to Palm Foleo (whatever, now even can’t remember the name – with touch screen and no real keyboard). Practical point of view, if somebody is (if I am) spending $200 or similar amount they might ask little more the “surflet”.

This would be a great concept, and I’d love to help!

You might want to look at http://www.openmoko.com/

They seem to be trying the same thing, but with an Open Source phone.

I would see if you can’t work with them on this project as I have watched them for a while to make their phone.

I would love to help out in anyway possible i think this is an amazing idea.

Tanner has it right, there is no need to run GNOME if all the user will ever see is Firefox. Use a lightweight DE.

I’d love to help out with whatever coding / configuration / testing needed. But I’d also want to echo the comments about the Nokia tablets. I have an old 770, which was nice, but it just doesn’t have a large enough screen to be useful. A larger screen that is still somewhat light and easy to hold is definitely what is needed.

You’d probably also want to have some sort of non-browser programs available, but this isn’t too much of an issue. I envision using a device like this in a research lab setting… so that could be fun.

if you collaborate with diffrent magazines you might be able to subsidize the price even more. i would love reading full magazines on that thing. i mean FULL magazines, not the limited version you get on the internet.

btw your gonna have to change the browser alot to make big, easy to use, buttons and overall better compatibilaty with touch screens.

this is something i think i would really buy. hopefully it comes true

[...] Arrington Plan, echoed by Nik Cubrilovic at TechCrunchIT, is to first create a marketing document to outline what the TechCrunch Tablet will do, then a [...]

You need to get Firefox 3 for Linux with Kiosk mode installed on the Linux, and have it autostart, as well as an on-screen keyboard autostarted and a touch screen mouse driver.

Sounds like a great product.

I don’t know about open-source project, at least from a programming end.
But, I’m a student at The Ohio State University, and I’m currently beginning research with internet devices and social mobility. OLPC, Blogs, Wikipedia, event presidential campaigns.

I think this would be a nice product to test out and view how the low end cost would invite others to this world of knowledge.

Let me know if you’re interested, I would love to help out.

I am an industrial designer and UI designer. I would like to help out with this project. I have worked on projects like this before.

[...] プロジェクトのコーディネートをTechCrunchIT上で行っている。プロジェクトへの参加希望者はそこにコメントを残して欲しい。こちらからすぐに連絡させて頂く。 [...]

well….I’m a high school student so I don’t know how far that’ll go in this project, but I would definitely like to help out making this.

been thinking about this idea as well. very interesting. more interested in the financial/business side or potential funding. feel free to contact me. could be big time.

I’m a software engineer and would be interested in helping out in anyway I can.

I am a designer and would love to work on marketing material, interface design, and a website to promote the product once it is ready.

Please add me to the contact list for updates!

Chad

[...] be coordinating the project over at TechCrunchIT. Leave a comment there if you want to participate and we’ll be in touch [...]

I would love to help — looking forward to you getting more info up so I can figure out what to dig my teeth into

I’ve been trying to develop a portable augmentative communication device (a subset of assistive technology – in this case for people with severe speech delays or impairments) for my autistic son who primarily communicates through pointing at pictures. An inexpensive, browser-only tablet is exactly what I’m looking for with respect to the hardware, as aug comm devices currently on the market are way, way too expensive for the average family to afford. I’m almost positive I know how to develop a browser-based system for the functionality I need; I just can’t come up with affordable and portable hardware to put it on. This would be totally perfect. I can take on testing such an idea with some children with speech disabilities if you want. Wow. This made my day.

CrunchTablet {seesmic_video:{“url_thumbnail”:{“value”:”http://t.seesmic.com/thumbnail/sUCtY0KoGd_th1.jpg”}”title”:{“value”:”CrunchTablet ”}”videoUri”:{“value”:”http://www.seesmic.com/video/Uv1tde2fBk”}}}

I’m a graphic/multimedia designer who would love to help with this project. I can bring my ideas for logos, web and graphic design to hopefully bring this project all the way. I’ve worked on hundreds of logos and company styling designs and i’ve worked on dozens of web page designs. Please contact me about any help I can possibly do the further this project along; and please add me to any contact list about ways to help. I love the idea!!

Andrew

KISS: Reading the 200+ replies, I can see a lot of scope creep. My suggestions are :
1. Have a look at JrSX from http://www.norhtec.com (USD85 computer) underlying processing hardware might cost less than USD40. It’s also x86 compatible.
2. Build a first release prototype for developers, doesn’t need battery, to be as thin, etc. But available fast to seed for development.
3. The multi-touch is probably the biggest challenge so need to be very flexible.
4. USB ports end up with stuff sticking out all over (eg UMPC), perhaps create a trapdoor bay on the bottom with a swivelling USB socket. Cavity should be big enough for most dongles, USB keys.
5. Power switch should be on the back, so tablet can be held in any orientation.
6. Someone suggested a cradle, charging dock – I guess that would be like a picture frame holder.
7. Build this to boot & run off USB FLASH stick. That way it’s easy to change OS and 8G sticks are getting to be very cheap. 16G … 32G ? User’s choice.
8. Wireless sucks power big time. I think that BlueTooth should be sufficient. Just plug a BT to WiFi gateway in somewhere in the room and it all works. As someone pointed out BT is nice for HID (keyboard, mouse, phone-link)

9. KISS, just do the basics and let developers release all the extras. I’m guessing, current Linux kernel, FireFox v3, PDF. Think Kiosk stuff without X11 would be cool.

10. Hibernate should use no power. There’s a Linux mod that allows the RAM to be saved to swap partition and then restart by copying it back from RAM. If it’s corrupt then system boots from USB/FLASH.

I want in! The only thing I can think of is to use a customized mini-itx board that spreads out the parts well running on atom.

I am a Product designer. I would be willing to help. You can see my portfolio here http://www.coroflot.com/lunakov Feel free to drop me a line. I can create concepts, data, mockups and working prototypes.

Best regards

[...] those guys over at TechCrunch, they always get me with their April Fools jokes. Now here comes this piece that announces they’re getting into the hardware business! Could it be for real? I [...]

User Experience designer, would love to contribute!

This is really cool. I’d love to join the marketing effort for Spanish language markets.

Anyway, just a little suggestion. This would make a killer document reader and a decent casual gaming platform. What about having a simple repo system (like APT or YUM or something like that) to install stuff (like the hundreds of open source games and document readers out there). That’d be way cool.

Oh, and what about an SD card slot instead of (or in addition to) the internal flash HD? 4 gigs is a bit too little.

Not much of a programmer, but I would love to help work on the User Interface and User Experience. We’ll need some sort of Dashboard won’t we?

Great idea!

I’m super excitied about this, and would love to contribute please add me to the mailing list.

Louis Lee here! Graphic Designer and a Professional 3D modeler, I have a clear understanding of the “less is more” concept, which is what the design of the product should utilize but without the cost of neglecting key features. I can design the product for you (including the Blueprint) in 2D (Every pixel counts) and then convert the 2D version into a 3D version.. to get a better look at it.

Shoot me an email if you are interested, I work fast, efficient, able to take critiques, with a crap load of creativity to back me up.

Cheers!

Nik,

I’m dead serious about helping and contributing. Please add me to a mailing list or anything of the sorts.

jason@publictivity.com

The best minds in the universe at
Corporate Headquarters Incorporated
are ready and standing by to get started
on this project, which could easily be the
ULTIMATE device since the iPhone.

I have also been wanting a device like this for a long time now. Please add me to the mailing list. I am also willing to beta test the device if needed.

Count me in – marketing is my specialty, tech fun is my hobby. The ability to dock it for use on a bigger screen might be nice…

I’m in happily. Where do you plan on setting up the community site? Disclaimer: I work for Wetpaint, but it would work great for organizing a place where all these folks could help out. Helluvan idea.

Anything I can do to help, contact me. I support this project 100%. Rock on TCIT.

I am in, I have investment bank experience

I love the idea

I can’t help but feel like this is a waste of much needed human capacity. I love the idea, and I think this is a great way to do it. But there seem to be some much more pressing issues in our society that this kind of mind-power should be aimed at. Energy reform? Agricultural reform?

I would buy this in a heartbeat. It’s exactly what I’ve wanted for a long time. Would it be multi-touch?

I am in!

[...] $200 and outlines his plan here.  Anyone who is interested in participating should head over to TechCrunchIT.  Here’s a what he has [...]

Anything I can do to help, sign me up. It’s a dream come true. I’m a video editor/ programmer, would love to be involved. If we concentrate on simple yet elegant UI, we could truly bring cloud computing into the mainstream.

I hereby dub thee “The Crunchlet”

Think about hardware, mfg, fulfillment, and depot (yes, these will break). Some of the big ODMs like Foxconn, Flextronics, etc. will do manufacturing, boxing, inventorying, fulfillment and depot for about 20% of the overall cost of mfg. So if you can bring in the bill-of-materials at about $170, then add in their 20% for fullment, logistics and back-end support you get to an all-in cost of $200 including warranty!

i’ll help with the hardware / PCB design…

i’ve actually wanted to built a optimized linux system around an AVR32 A7000 series proc for awhile, would be an interesting option as it has mainstream kernel support and the proc runs around $12 in volume and have built in LCD controller and touch screen interface…

-x

Yes been trying to figure out how to do this myself hope it works ill definitely buy one. Wish i could help but i don’t know what i could do.

What about gumstix? The bare basics cost about 120 USD, but they offer volume pricing (no info on the site about that). Bulk SD cards would probably cost 6-8 USD per unit. What about a wiimote for an input device? With software from
http://www.cs.cmu.edu/~johnny/projects/wii/, multitouch is feasible. The other options thus far seem to be the cubit (http://nortd.com/touchkit/), webcams (http://www.instructables.com/id/Interactive-Multitouch-Display/) and kits, pretty much all of which kill the budget. Batteries could eat a lot of money unless it would be solar-power assisted. Ideally, E-Ink could sell e-paper for super cheap, but that’s still a few years out, even if guarantees could be given by school districts, textbook publishers, etc. for monumental orders with subsidies. Right now, their demo kits run around 3000 USD. Ouch. The company that makes the screen for the OLPC is Chi Lin (http://www.chilinia.com/index.html). That’s what is says at http://taiwanreview.nat.gov.tw/ct.asp?CtNode=119&xitem=30736, at any rate. Somebody with creds like Linus Torvalds would have to be on board to get them or another manufacturer to build displays at a similar cost. But these are just ideas. Such is the beauty of open source. What a terrific thing you’ve begun!

I love the idea, but you guys are going to get crushed with patent litigation. Unfortunately, you’ll have to pay patent royalties for issued patents on wi-fi, multi-touch, user experience, hardware, etc. are going to blow your budget and price points. A lot of companies (like Apple, and others) have supposedly been working on a similar product for years, perfecting it, making sure the multi-touch, battery power, heat dissipation, wi-fi range, etc. are all in order before it goes to market.

I’m not sure if you guys can fully appreciate the magnitude of this project. It’s not something that can be accomplished with a wiki page.

Hey,

Count me in! I can do all web developmnent and any other stuff

Cheers

If it has a multi-touch screen, you may want to look UI concepts being done for Fennec.

By the way, shoot me an email please!

Oh! boy. I would love to have something like this. Please include me in the mailing list and I would be happy to contribute in any way.

I just graduated from USC’s Entrepreneurship school (where I was awarded Top Undergraduate Business Plan). I’m also strong on design, and with Flash/Actionscript.

Count me in.

This will be such a KILLER product… Love to see it have PDF support, as this would be my answer and reason for NOT getting the Amazon Kindle.

Interested — I’m a Linux guy and might be able to help on the software side.

Brilliant project! Keep me posted, would love to help in any way. Any plans for a user facing webcam?

Count me in as well. I’d especially be interested in working on the software side, but I’ll help however it’s needed.

[...] The Techcrunch Web Tablet Project Published July 21, 2008 Uncategorized The Techcrunch Web Tablet Project [...]

Count me in too. Software developer. Hopefully can be of some assistance.

Add me to the list

I am not sure why but I believe my comment was taken down. I would love to participate in this – I have significant experience in vendor management, strategic planning and sales management. Please let me know by email if you would be interested.

Ravi

I’m a designer… I’m not too skilled in photoshop, and probably won’t be much use, but I am a major gadget, web, and interface geek, so this is right up my alley of interests.

Make sure to throw in an accelerometer.

Count me in. It would be very similiar to the N800/N810 I agree, but if you lose the Maemo type code it could easily be a way easier to code and create for device. Somebody should see what a Google Android type OS could do for this.

Must have Bluetooth, Skype, Firefox, and a solid built-in media player to make it. Don’t get cheap by leaving out bluetooth, it is definitly needed for tranferring files, headsets, etc…

Looking forward to this project, I’d buy a CrunchPad.

As a dedicated tablet user already, I would love to get in on helping with this in a number of ways:
1) I want to help “break it” – I am so looking forward to the chance to help test the thing as a user and as an expert.
2) I want to help evangelize it – this piece of hardware would fit so well in so many places that you can’t even imagine it.

That said – there are three big issues with this that I hope you can solve:
1) The heat. Most tablets out there got hot quickly, stay hot too long, and burn out components because of the heat.
2) Durability – this thing is going to need to be hardened. If I am going to take it with me all the places it needs to go, it needs to be able to handle temperature extremes, dropping, resist scratches, and just plain not be able to be broken.
3) Battery life – 6 to 8 hours minimum plus quicdk charge.

I also hope that you are going to have built in wireless (duh) and some kind of built-in connection to a celluar system. This thing needs to be easy to connect for non-technical persons.

Finally – think about the size of things on the screen. With the aging of the world, more and more people need larger text in order to read it. If the screen resolution is so high that the text cannot be enlarged, the system won’t go.

Just my two cents. Hoping you see enough here to be interested enough to contact me!

This would be an academics dream, and a great University-wide requirements for students provided:
1) Support ebooks/.pdf/.txt/.rtf (so I can carry around journal articles, syllabi, lecture notes etc.)
2) Email support
3) Standard video/audio for online courses
4) OpenOffice support (or at least play .ppt’s) so it can be a portable lecture/paper giving machine.
I’m pretty sure I know a university that would be interested in 13,000 of these (assuming they are done right).

Definitely interested.

Count me in. I am interested in the Software as well as the Hardware part.
I earn my living as a Software developer.

I am interested being a hardware tester

would love to help out as well. Let us know when we have a community site going or a mailing list at least.

I can help out w/ the ME hardware.

love it – very keen to be involved

I would be interested in testing software and hardware

I will love to help on this project. I have been an IT Project Manager for a few years, I can help with Quality, Testing and UI design.

Great Idea! I really hope it becomes reality.

JM

CrunchPad <- that name rocks..

I will love to help on this project. I have been an IT Project Manager for a few years, I can help with Quality, Testing and UI design.

Great Idea! I really hope it becomes reality.

(this is the correct posting, the other one had the wrong email)

JM

Talk about disruptive! I *love* it! We would be able to give it some free promotion. My name links to our contact form. Cheers!

I agree with everything said in 316.

If this ever gets off the ground, I would be one of the first to buy one.

I’d love to help in any way I can.

Wow what a response. This page is starting to get too big. I will make sure we hit everybody back asap – we are taking this all in. Closing the thread here for now and forking it into next post.

COMMENTS CLOSED HERE. PLEASE CONTINUE AT NEXT POST

[...] TechCrunchIT » Blog Archive » The Techcrunch Web Tablet Project Today at Techcrunch we announced that we are building our own web tablet hardware device. (tags: tablet) This was written by Andrew Grossman. Posted on Monday, July 21, 2008, at 11:31 pm. Filed under Uncategorized. Bookmark the permalink. Follow comments here with the RSS feed. Post a comment or leave a trackback. [...]

[...] How about try designing your own? That’s exactly what Michael Arrington and the folks over at TechCrunchIt have in [...]

[...] Read the full story from here. [...]

[...] am not sure what are the differences, but maybe after readign the post about TechCrunch web tablet project I think these people should sit in a table with Nokia to see how they could improve Maemo [...]

[...] I went and took a look at the story: The Techcrunch Web Tablet project. Which seems to look like [...]

[...] project where just plain folks compete with the establishment? There are few details but lots of zealotry in the comments from potential team members. I suspect there will be no $200 tablet computer any time soon. I still wouldn’t bet against [...]

[...] you wanted to create a 3D dummy of a new type of Web tablet. You just upload the design from some CAD software onto the site. Shapeways checks whether the [...]

[...] | TechCrunch. Enlace | TechCrunchIT. ¿Recomendarías este post? Más noticias sobre: Portátiles Tags: [...]

[...] vous vous sentez de taille à participer et parler suffisamment bien anglais, ça se passe chez TechcrunchIT le temps qu’ils ouvrent un site dédié à ce projet. Partager : Ces icônes sont des liens [...]

[...] nazwy) wygląda śwetnie. Co będzie dalej? Zobaczymy, całą koordynacją projektu ma zająć się TechCrunchIt. To co, pomożemy? « poprzedni [...]

[...] those guys over at TechCrunch, they always get me with their April Fools jokes. Now here comes this piece that announces they’re getting into the hardware business! Could it be for real? I [...]

[...] is how to join in: We???ll be coordinating the project over at TechCrunchIT. Leave a comment there if you want to participate and we???ll be in touch [...]

[...] be the first open source hardware – people who are willing to participate can leave a comment on TechCrunchIT – almost 1000 users did so already. And then? What’s the [...]

[...] acaba de sacar un dispositivo como el que él querría para leer blogs y comentar en ellos, y que tiene el coolness factor, los recursos y, sobre todo, la llegada en términos de marketing suficient…. El concepto lo tenéis a la izquierda: un tablet muy fino, de tamaño aproximado de media página, [...]

[...] Please build it for us . I will pay the top nerd $200. [...]

[...] Se vi interesiĝas pri tiu projekto, nepre vizitu The Techcrunch Web Tablet Project. [...]

[...] El Tablet de TechCrunch Archivado en: crowdsourcing, gadgets — sfogel @ 9:48 am Para los que no leen TechCrunch: La gente de ese sitio acaba de lanzar una iniciativa para construir un tablet PC minimo por $200. La idea es que los propios usuarios sean quienes especifiquen el hardware y adapten el software (Firefox mas un par de cosas). Ya hay mas de 500 voluntarios. Si alguien quiere participar tiene que postear un comentario aca. [...]

[...] Zur Projektkoordination [...]

[...] $200. Wait a second, did I say $200? Oh right, that’s what was originally said and then changed to $300 later on. So already the price dispute is becoming [...]

[...] TechCrunchIT » Blog Archive » The Techcrunch Web Tablet Project (tags: blogging Hardware innovation internet laptop opensource productivity techcrunch technology web tablet) [...]

[...] is being asked to join in designed, specifying and generally shaping the $200 Tablet; you can get involved here.  There’s already a little scepticism about whether a blog team can really coordinate such [...]

[...] TechCrunchIT, another site in Michael Arrington’s network, have two posts for discussions, the first which is now closed, and a new one to keep the discussion going [...]

[...] run the iPhone software at least as an option. The tablet might run it as its only option. Mike and Nik will have what they want except it won’t cost [...]

[...] the concept is not very new and in words of one of a comments in TechcrunchIT its like reinventing the wheels. The famous $100 Laptop is in existence and the tablet PC with such [...]

[...] TechCrunch announced they are building their own $200 web tablet, and asked for help doing it. The planned stack so far is to run BSD or Linux, with the Gnome [...]

[...] Crunch is looking for folks to help out creating and producing an open source web tablet. The idea is to create a light weight interface much like the iPhone with WiFi that simply runs [...]

[...] might be something coming by October. Who knows. At some point we have to say “Deliver or Step Aside.” I’m leaning towards the [...]

[...] Techcrunch IT have just announced they are developing an internet tablet: Today at Techcrunch we announced that we are building our own web tablet hardware device. This all stems back from a conversation a few weeks ago when we were discussing the ultimate web browsing/cloud computing client hardware. The iPhone is nice but too small, and most laptops are over-powered for the task. With applications on the web most of us just need a web browser most of the time, so the ideal device would be a light-weight small tablet running nothing more than Firefox on a decent screen and with a WiFi connection. [...]

[...] …per seguire le evoluzioni del progetto The Techcrunch Web Tablet Project. [...]

[...] you wanted to create a 3D dummy of a new type of Web tablet. You just upload the design from some CAD software onto the site. Shapeways checks whether the [...]

[...] The Techcrunch Web Tablet Project | Vía: [...]

[...] time some thing like this has happened i cant wait to see what comes of this so run on over to The Techcrunch Web Tablet Project, and get in on the action! Filed under: Games, Music, News, Online Media, Photos, Programs, [...]

[...] you wanted to create a 3D dummy of a new type of Web tablet. You just upload the design from some CAD software onto the site. Shapeways checks whether the [...]

[...] TechCrunchIT » Blog Archive » The Techcrunch Web Tablet Project O techcrunch vai fazer um tablet, genial, e eu compraria ontem. User generated hardware. [...]

[...] & Nik will have what they want but it won’t cost [...]

[...] Techcrunch has begun a project to create sort of a thin, touchscreen, tablet for surfing the web and other basic tasks. The tablet should run all open-source software and cost less than $300. Certainly these are ambitious goals, but it sure would be cool. Eventually, Techchrunch plans to ship the device. [...]

[...] & Nik will have what they want but it won’t cost $200. [...]

[...] those guys over at TechCrunch, they always get me with their April Fools jokes. Now here comes this piece that announces they’re getting into the hardware business! Could it be for real? I don’t [...]

[...] they’ve received an overwhelming response on their blog from people who want to help (here, here, and here).  Hopefully they will accomplish their [...]

[...] Projekti vaikuttaa mielenkiintoiselta, koska Googlella on jo paljon softaa, jotka toimivat verkon yli. Aiheesta lisää tuolta ja tuolta. [...]

[...] Ve mas de este proyecto en TechCrunchIT. [...]

[...] le 21 de ce mois, les commentaires s enchainent sous le post “The Techcrunch Web Tablet Project“. Dans le post, l’équipe annonce son projet de réaliser une tablet pc tactile dont la [...]

[...] зазывает заинтересованный народ поучаствовать в проекте создания интернет-планшета с поддержкой Linux+Gnome+Firefox и больше ничего (все остальное [...]

[...] hedeflenen sistem için kullanıcı tavsiyeleri de değerlendirilecek.ayrıntılı bilgi için şuraya göz [...]

[...] a look at the 1,500 or so comments on this topic over on TechCrunch/TechCrunchIT so far and you’ll see a reason why crowdsourcing [...]

[...] niemniej, do zobaczenia. Naskrobcie trochę ciekawych newsów jak mnie nie będzie, pomóżcie TechCrunchowi w Web Tablecie , doprowadźcie do wydania komputerów Apple w cenach normalnych składaków PC i w ogóle zróbcie [...]

[...] Solicitan la ayuda de cualquiera que les pueda acercar ideas y para eso pueden dejar un comentario en TechCrunch IT. [...]

[...] The very smart people over at Techcrunch came up with the idea this week to create an open source tablet PC with a meager amount of processing power and storage space. You can find more information from Techcrunch themselves over here. [...]

[...] Οι πρώτες κινήσεις απ’ότι φαίνεται έχουν ήδη γίνει με την επικοινωνία ήδη με πιθανό κατασκευαστή και την οργάνωση όλων των απαραίτητων για να τρέξει το project! Τις επόμενες ώρες θα ανέβει και το σχετικό site που θα υποστηρίξει την όλη προσπάθεια. Το θετικό με το όλο σχέδιο είναι ότι θα διατεθεί όλο το feedback με Open Source άδεια πάλι πίσω στην κοινότητα δίνοντας έτσι έναυσμα για την εξέλιξη της όλης ιδέας που πιστεύω πως θα τα πάει θαυμάσια και θα φέρει μια ακόμα Web επανάσταση! [...]

[...] The Techcrunch Web Tablet Project [...]

[...] & Nik will have what they want but it won’t cost [...]

[...] der ersten Seite ist ein Aufruf zur Teilname und auf der 2. Seite fängt die Diskussion an. (und geht hier [...]

[...] & Nik will have what they want but it won’t cost [...]

[...] mehr nicht. Ein Gerät auf Open-Source-Basis: Arrington hat dazu aufgerufen, an der Entwicklung mitzuwirken. Das Bild zeigt eine Studie von der Techcrunch-Seite, wie das Gerät aussehen [...]

[...] Techcrunch announced they’re going to build a web tablet device & part II – Today at Techcrunch we announced that we are building our own web tablet hardware device. This all stems back from a conversation a few weeks ago when we were discussing the ultimate web browsing/cloud computing client hardware. The iPhone is nice but too small, and most laptops are over-powered for the task. With applications on the web most of us just need a web browser most of the time, so the ideal device would be a light-weight small tablet running nothing more than Firefox on a decent screen and with a WiFi connection. [...]

[...] be coordinating the project over at TechCrunchIT. Leave a comment there if you want to participate and we’ll be in touch [...]

[...] It’s the TechCrunch webtab project. [...]

[...] The Techcrunch Web Tablet Project [...]

[...] Arrington of the TechCrunch Network also has a project under way to create a tablet for low income families. Unlike OLPC and the $10 indian laptop, the [...]

[...] coolest part about this whole project is Arrington asked his community to build it. He will organize the project but asked for anyone who could participate in any way to [...]

[...] you check out the huge amount of comments on the blog post, i think there’s a fair chance this project will actually [...]

[...] time. We even covered it here.   Arrington moved the Net Tablet conversation over to TechcrunchIT where it shortly had over 1100 additional comments.  The level of commentary alone [...]

[...] Но вот кажется мне, что “уменьшенный ноутбук” – это плохой форм-фактор. Я бы завтра купил гаджет, который был бы увеличенной копией таблетки N810, с полноценным линуксом и экраном примерно как у лбука. Вот примерно такое. [...]

[...] wait another 10-15 years for on-demand custom designed gadget printing to appear. Or maybe if the Techcrunch gadget takes off, enough people like me will get together and crowd-source it into [...]

[...]  que usted quiera crear un maniquí en 3D sobre un nuevo tipo de Tabla en Red sólo tiene que subir el diseño desde algunos software CAD (Diseño Asistido por Computadora por [...]

[...] Incluso Michael Arrington de TechCrunch tuvo la idea de pelear y construír él mismo un dispositivo hecho a la medida de sus deseos y sugerencias de sus lectores: un tablet muy fino, de tamaño aproximado de medio folio, corriendo un O.S. BSD o Linux, con escritorio Gnome + OnScreen Keyboard, Firefox con Gears y Flash, VLC o MPlayer con sus codecs abiertos e indicadores de nivel de batería y WiFi. [...]

[...] Muy interesante no? sobre todo porque tienen ideado que solo cueste 300 dolares o menos. Un proyecto completamente abierto en donde cualquiera puede dar ideas, comentarios y sobre todo aportar realmente en la creacion de este aparato. Mas info aca [...]

[...] project for designing, building and marketing a lowcost Web tablet computer from the guys of the Techcrunch [...]

[...] 這個專案在TechCrunchIT，如果你有想要參與的話可以留言，會有人跟你接洽。 [...]

[...] y comercialización de un dispositivo que no encuentra en el mercado y que, sin embargo, cree que una buena parte de usuarios avanzados de Internet estarían deseando tenerlo. Un tablet muy fino, de tamaño aproximado de media página, corriendo un sistema [...]

[...] sûr, les ebook existent, mais il sont pour la plupart en noir et blanc et ne lisent pas les pdf. Techcrunch a lancé un projet pour réaliser un tablet PC avec des caractéristiques proches de ce que je souhaite, mais il [...]

[...] this out: TechCrunch is working on an open source, open hardware, inexpensive internet tablet primarily [...]

[...] received thousands of comments and emails from people who want this device right now. We’ve had tremendous [...]

[...] received thousands of comments and emails from people who want this device right now. We’ve had tremendous [...]

[...] received thousands of comments and emails from people who want this device right now. We’ve had tremendous [...]

[...] received thousands of comments and emails from people who want this device right now. We’ve had tremendous [...]

[...] TechCrunchオリジナルの低価格タッチスクリーンPCについて、その後の進捗状況をお知らせする。昨年7月、私は最小限の機能を備え、起動と同時にブラウザが立ち上がるタッチスクリーン・ベースの低価格コンピュータの製造を提案する記事を書いた。これがその最初の記事だ。このタブレットPCをわれわれは部内でCrunchPadと読んでいる。私が考えたアイディアというのは、できるだけ安く（当初は200ドルと考えたが、どうも現実的には299ドルあたりに落ち着きそうだ）新しいタイプのデバイスを広くユーザーの手に届けるというものだ。テレビを見ながら楽に膝の上に置いて、関連情報をWikipediaやIMDBで調べられるようなサイズでなければならない。また、HuluやJoostでテレビ番組や映画を見るために、Flash動画がスムーズに再生できる必要がある。その他、MySpaceMusicで音楽が聴けること、両親とビデオチャットができるよう、TokBoxが利用できること、 もちろんメールのチェックができること。スペックとしてはそんなところだ。このデバイスで主に使われる人気サービスはFacebook、MySpace、YouTube、Hulu、Wikipedia、Google Docs、Gmailなどになるだろう。このデバイスはリソースを無用に大食いする機能はスキップし、純粋にアプリケーションを作動させる機能だけに集中する。つまりブラウザさえ動けばよい。ハードウェアは可能な限りローエンドの製品を利用しつつ、インターネットのブラウジングはデスクトップ・マシンなみに快適に実行できなければいけない。われわれは作動はするものの、たいへん簡単なプロトタイプ Aを8月に完成させた。なかなかブートさせるのが大変だったが、ひとたびブートすれば、最底辺のハードウェアのみを利用しているにもかかわらず、タッチスクリーンもちゃんと作動するウェブ利用のためのタブレットPCとして機能した。ウェブ・サーフィンのテストをしてみた結果、私はこのPCのちゃんと機能するバージョンがどうしても欲しくなった。8月から非常に多くのことが起きた。まず、われわれはチームリーダ－を得た。Louis Monierだ。Louisは以前、AltaVistaのファウンダー兼CTOで（彼は最初のインターネット検索エンジンの開発者として知られている）、eBay（アドバンスト・テクノロジー・グループの責任者）、Google、Cuilなどにも在籍していた。Louisは昨年秋にCuilを離れたが、それ以後、余暇のプロジェクトとして、外部チームを率いてタブレットPCのプロトタイムづくりを手伝ってくれている。Louisはすっかりこのプロジェクトが気に入っている。彼のような人物の協力を得られたのはわれわれにとって実に幸運だった。そしてついに、われわれはCrunchPadのプロトタイプBを完成したので、ここで皆さんにご紹介したい。私は写真と実際に作動しているところのビデオを下に掲載した。CrunchPad プロトタイプBこのデバイスは12インチで横:縦比率が4:3のタッチスクリーンを備えている。（私の考えではこれがウェブ向けにいちばん快適なサイズだ）。CPUはViaNanoで、われわれのテストでは、ほぼIntel Atomと同水準のパフォーマンスだった。メインメモリは1 GBのRAM（われわれの目的には十分すぎるほどの容量）、4GBのflashドライブにOSとブラウザとキャッシュを置く。解像度は1024×768で、ほとんどウェブサイトがスクロールせず全画面で見られる。このデバイスにはwifi、加速度計（縦に置けばより広くウェブページを見ることができる）、カメラ、4セルのバッテリーが備わる。コーデックのライセンス料、筐体の製造価格の見積もりなど諸費用も考慮した原価総額は200ドル強になった。プロトタイプBの原価は実はもっと安かったのだが、スクリーンが少々安物過ぎたので、われわれはもっと高品質（で高価格）の液晶モニタを使うことにした。DynaceptのDavid Yarnell、Greg Lalierがデザイン、製造した筐体は12.5インチ″ x 9.7インチ″ x 1.3″インチ。設計製造の初期段階であることを考慮して、発熱その他の問題を考慮して安全度を見込み、筐体の厚みは最終的に必要な厚みの2倍としてある。このデバイスの重量は3ポンド。これだけ重くなったのは、外部電源なしでどれくらい駆動できるかテストするために予備バッテリーを登載したせいもある。それでも例の10″ eeePCより2オンス軽い。次にソフトだが、現在われわれはフルバージョンのUbuntu LinuxとカスタムメイドのWebkitベースのブラウザをインストールしている。開発にいちばん手間がかかったのは各種ドライバとビデオでご覧になれるが、バーチャル・キーボードだった。ソフトの開発はシンガポールに本拠を置くFusion Garage。同社は現在もLouisと協力しながら各種機能やUIの改良のために働いている。さらに写真。動作の様子（ビデオ）。 さて、これから？われわれは「できるかぎり安く、使いやすいウェブサーフィン用タブレットPCの作動するプロトタイプ」を作るという目標をいちおう達成した。ハードウェアはほぼ固まったし、ソフトウェア開発も成功した。しかもここまでたどり着くために、われわれはほんの少しか金を使っていない。われわれのところにはこのデバイスをすぐにも手に入れたいという読者から何千というコメントやメールが寄せられた。このプロトタイプを作り上げるにあたってはTechCrunchコミュニティーの絶大な協力があった。またViaは全力でこのプロジェクトを支援してくれた。またこのプロジェクトは投資家からの関心もさまざまに呼び起こしている。さて、ここでわれわれは重大な岐路に立つことになった。このプロジェクトをこのまま実際の製品の生産にまで進めるべきか否か？　実際の製造はプロトタイプの開発とは比較にならないほど大きなプロジェクトになる。そうなればブログとは別にLouisを責任者とする新会社を立ち上げねばならないだろう。われわれはまだ決定を下していない。[原文へ]（翻訳：Namekawa, U） ShowListings(“arc3″); ShowListings(“arc2″); AddClipsUrl = ‘http://jp.techcrunch.com/archives/20090119techcrunch-tablet-update-prototype-b/’; AddClipsTitle = ‘TechCrunchオリジナルのタブレットPCのプロトタイプB、ついに完成’; AddClipsId = ’2CBE02C952CFE’; AddClipsBcolor=’#78BE44′; AddClipsNcolor=’#D1E9C0′; AddClipsTcolor=’#666666′; AddClipsType=’1′; AddClipsVerticalAlign=’middle’; 前の投稿へ トラックバック [...]

[...] Fusion Garage (for the software), and Louis Monier is now the team lead. They’ve recieved thousands of comments about the project and it seems to be steamrolling ahead. I’ll be interested to [...]

[...] received thousands of comments and emails from people who want this device right now. We’ve had tremendous support [...]

[...] The Techcrunch Web Tablet Project [...]

[...] (which I left now ages ago, but miss dearly) are tackling this very problem (see the post at TechcrunchIT, too) – talk about bending the rules of what you expect from a [...]

[...] – makes me want to put my money on more versatile devices, such as TechCrunch’s proposed tablet computer, which would be ideal for enjoying any kind of digital content online: (Image courtesy [...]

[...] trackback Lo segnala TechEBlog il nuovo ”definitivo” internet tablet ultramobile già ”intravisto” nei mesi scorsi ideato dal famoso sito TechCrunch Designed to be a one-stop, Linux-powered internet [...]

[...] Enlace | TechCrunchIT. [...]

[...] طرح مايكل أرينجتون فكرة لمنتج يشتغلون عليه عبارة عن حاسب لوحي (شاشة تعمل باللمس) لتصفح الإنترنت. الفكرة هنا أن من [...]

[...] O Kindle – Ipod – Netbook do Techcrunh. [...]

[...] people eager to be part of the next iPhone type hype.  The project was supposed to be coordinated over at TechCrunch IT, however no such cordination seems to exist. It is not knowf the team read through all the comments [...]

[...] people eager to be part of the next iPhone type hype.  The project was supposed to be coordinated over at TechCrunch IT, however no such cordination seems to exist. It is not knowf the team read through all the comments [...]

[...] UMPC, YouTube trackback Un video unboxing del CrunchPad internet tablet ultramobile già ”intravisto” nei mesi scorsi ….ideato dal famoso sito [...]

[...] Enrique Dans me entero que el creador del famoso blog TechCrunch, Michael Arrington, tiene pensado incursionar en el mundo del hardware para solucionar un problema propio muy específico: La comodidad a la hora de leer y comentar [...]

[...] The Techcrunch Web Tablet Project [...]