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Ruputer / onHand PC

Ruputer aka onHand PC is/was available 2004/08 for $110 (formely sold at $279 list price in 1998) at thinkgeek.com.

I thought to get one of those gadgets (not yet ordered) - it seems in 1998/1999 it was quite a hype in Japan, and also swapped a bit to the USA and Europe. Right now the activities arround onHand PC/Ruputer have a bit soothed.

1. Technical Specifications
2. Software
3. Development
4. Ideas
5. Order

• CPU: MN10200 16 bit, 3.6 MHz (see MN102L00 Manual (PDF), or Panasonic: MN10200 Microcontroller)
• OS: W-PS-DOS version 1.16
• Memory: 2 MB Flash RAM - does not lose data if batteries become drained
• Display: 102x64 dot matrix STN liquid crystal display with EL backlight
• Controls: 8-direction Joystick, four function buttons
• Interface: RS232 Serial Com Port to PC at 38,400 bps or Infrared to PC at 9,600 bps; Cross onHand to onHand communication at 38,400 bps
• Power Supply: 2 CR2025 coin-type lithium ion batteries (non rechargeable)
• Battery Life: Approximately 3 months (assuming 1 hour of full power use per day)
• Water Resistance: Water resistant but do not submerge
• Weight: 2.5 ounces (52 gramms)
• Dimensions: 2" x 2" x 5/8" thick (5.1 cm x 5.1 cm x 1.6 cm)

The Ruputer (released in Japan arround 1998) is the predecessor of onHand PC (released in USA arround 1999), and the newer onHand PC has improved GUI, faster CPU, upgraded applications.

Ruputer / onHandPC 2. Software

There seems a lot of programs available to make it almost a PDA, even games.

PConHand: Software Software library

or just google with "ruputer software" or "onhand pc software".

Ruputer / onHandPC 3. Development

onHandPC comes with a SDK, and additionally there is a gcc support for MN10200 which enables to write plain C-programs for onHand PC.

Ruputer: Development on BeOS/NetBSD How to develop on Ruputer	Make Cross Compiler for Ruputer (Japanese) Useful guidance	onhandpc mailing-list at yahoo.com Not so busy mailing-list
Fumi: Aurex (Ruputer Emulator) As of 2004/8 his Aurex2 also works under X11, but I couldn't compile it (Makefile problems)

Ruputer / onHandPC 4. Ideas

Ruputer/onHandPC with Docking Station

Wish Features:

1. Use IrDA to do TCP/IP; problem: only 3 feet range (aprx. 1 meter); solution: replacing IrDA with a stronger one - use then as remote control for IrDA based electronics (VCR, TV, etc)
2. Use RS-232 to Ethernet (e.g. Xport Ethernet RJ45 to RS232 or WiPort, but could get somehow clumpsy):

Usage:

1. Fancy Bicycle Computer (speed, distance etc)
2. Wearable Computer; using it with devices like GPS worked into clothing

To consider: by default the watch is off unless you press a button (can be changed) - in order to use 24/7 other or more batteries or different electric source required.

Ruputer / onHandPC 5. Order

Ruputer.com (Dead Link) As of 2004/08 a dead-link

PConHand.com Store & Community site

ThinkGeek.com Gadgets

                                                                                                                                   

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