palm-sized computer

page type::article thing type::computing class

About
A palm-sized computer (PSC) is a fully-functional computer that is approximately the size of a human palm.

PSCs are distinguished from personal digital assistants (PDAs) in that they have most of the features more commonly associated with desktop computers, such as:
 * input/output ports
 * a replaceable nonvolatile storage device with a file system
 * the ability for users to add, remove, and write software using standard development tools
 * a standard operating system (i.e. one that is not tied to specific hardware or a specific manufacturer)

Palm-sized computers generally have limited power requirements so that they can be powered from a single standard battery (typically 6 volts) rather than requiring one that is customized or proprietary.

Manufacturers

 * Raspberry Pi: ARM CPU running GNU Linux, for $25/$35 (in production)
 * A Raspberry Pi Laptop?
 * Rhombus Tech, a UK community interest company
 * Allwinner a10: $15 1.5ghz ARM board (in production)
 * 2012-01-11 Allwinner A10: A GPL-compliant computer for $15