New Handheld Design Concept
 

http://www.flickr.com/photos/52549449@N05/4915160604/

Note I intentionally avoided any specific software. This concept involves producing hardware only, to be purchased in single samples or in bulk by a software/service company and resold with modular components (storage, battery, etc) and software added.

A quick explanation on the sketch: when closed, the screen is facing the keyboard and protected from scratches. To open, you fold it like a laptop. Once open, you can slide it up/down over the keyboard like the N810 and N900. I'm aware of the usability flaw of having "bumps" on the left/right edges-- though I don't know a good solution to it as of yet.

Finally, any ideas on how one might convince some company to build it? :P

Re: New Handheld Design Concept
 

don't some laptops allow the screen to be moved like that already? Or only like video cameras, swiveling the screen and then folding back?

Re: New Handheld Design Concept
 

I can't see how that design would be useful for a laptop. They're too big to thumb-type on...

Re: New Handheld Design Concept
 

Hum ... from what i see i think you need to learn some common engineering concept.

Where did you put the screen cable ... for example :) Screen will rotate on a really small axe if you want something thin.

Re: New Handheld Design Concept
 

I believe you're thinking of something like this, which is all hinges.

Whereas the OP's device looks like the screen is on a sliding hinge. Functionally, they would be very similar. However, the slider would be more convenient for people who want to be able to easily switch between keyboard available or not. It might also be more durable (2 connection points instead of 1).

To the OP, you might be able to get something done at Quirky or WePC (actual WePC site down for maintenance at post time).

Re: New Handheld Design Concept
 

Samsung thinks it has a solution.

Re: New Handheld Design Concept
 

The sliding cylinder at the bottom of the screen would have wires inside it. But that's a problem for the engineers who implement it. ;)

Re: New Handheld Design Concept
 

Hum just see something similar on engadget :)

http://www.engadget.com/2010/08/21/e...-inch-display/

Re: New Handheld Design Concept
 

The most expensive product Quirky's ever made was $80. I somehow don't think their methods will work for something $800...

Here's what I would have submitted if it didn't cost $99:

Problem 1: Most people today have to carry around multiple--even many-- devices in their daily life, which can be inconvenient in many ways. For example, some people save time by leaving their camera at home when they go out if they don't plan to use it. (and as a result buy a phone with a second, much-lower-quality camera)
Problem 2: To create new handheld devices, people currently need the resources of a large company.
Problem 3: There has been no truly usable handheld computer on the market since the Sharp Zaurus SL-C3200, which is by now far obsolete.

Solution 1: This computer could replace most, if not all, of these devices and appliances. There will be a single device to unplug and put in your pocket when you go out, no need to coordinate data between multiple devices, etc... If being used with a docking station as a desktop computer, you can easily travel between home and work with all your programs open.
Solution 2: By producing only hardware, with certain expandable components modular, there is a free market for branding and reselling these devices with value-added software and services.
Solution 3: By being primarily a computer, this device fills the void left by the SL-C3200.

Key Features:
- high-end multifunction device
- portable desktop computer
- functional handheld computer with keyboard
- 12 megapixel, 5x optical zoom camera with HD video recording
- any-network cellular phone/modem
- GPS with road navigation
- multi-touch pressure-sensitive touchscreen

Re: New Handheld Design Concept
 

Yeah, I wasn't too optimistic about Quirky, but thought I'd throw it out there if you hadn't already investigated it.

There are a few handheld computers on the market not though. There's the Sharp Netwalker PC-Z1, which is basically a direct successor to the Sharp Zaurus line. There's even some x86 devices, such as the UMid BZ and the Viliv N5.

Re: New Handheld Design Concept
 

long live the HTC Universal!
http://www.mobilegazette.com/images/...-universal.jpg

Re: New Handheld Design Concept
 

Same as i-mate JasJar. Both the same device actually.

http://img.gsmarena.com/vv/pics/imat...-jasjar_00.jpg

http://img.gsmarena.com/vv/pics/imat...-jasjar_01.jpg

I really wanted one of those. Think I was using a Nokia 6600 at the time.

Re: New Handheld Design Concept
 

The PC-Z1 is too big to be a handheld, and x86 is terrible in various ways (ARM wins in size, power consumption, and speed).

HTC Universal's keyboard looks terrible. ;)

Re: New Handheld Design Concept
 

well it is 5 years old now! was great in its day and still has a loyal following on XDA Dev.

Was a great form factor but a little bit too big. full qwerty keyboard with dedicated number keys.

Re: New Handheld Design Concept
 

We must have different definitions of handheld.

http://pocketables.typepad.com/.a/6a...5fcc462970c-pi

Although I do admit the keyboard isn't ideal for thumb typing, mostly due to the key design.

Re: New Handheld Design Concept
 

Perhaps it was, but even for its day, the keyboard looks like a big step backward from the Zaurus SL-C* line which began with the SL-C700 over 7 years ago!Guess so. One basic requirement for a handheld is that it fit in an ordinary pocket. Which means you need to turn that soda-pop can on its side ;)

Re: New Handheld Design Concept
 

IMHO, a device can be made for handheld use without also being pocketable. You're not going to be using the Netwalker on your lap very easily.

I would argue that it is pocketable, but I understand that not everyone has cargo pants or jacket pockets to carry their devices around with them.

Anyway, is always nice to see another device of small proportions, especially if it brings a new, useful form factor to the table, so good luck to ya. :D