palm-sized computer
Revision as of 16:08, 16 January 2012 by Woozle (talk | contribs) (Created page with "<hide> page type::article thing type::computing class category:computing category:computer hardware </hide> ==About== A palm-sized computer (PSC) is a fully-f...")
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)
- Rhombus Tech, a UK community interest company
- Allwinner a10: $15 1.5ghz ARM board (in production)