And somebody likely did both of these ten years before I got that project. Good example of why it’s not worth getting all worked up about a design. Usually someone has already done something pretty similar.
I also did a split IC board version just like the Eurotech one. The one I’m showing was a Next Generation (NG) concept for when electronics will be on flexible forms (which btw, looks to be a reality pretty soon based on something I read last week).
Any other good examples out there? Seems like every PDA I see reminds me of some concept from the 80’s. Where’s the truly new stuff?
I like the wrist computer. could be a great inventory control device with more functionality than currently offered.
I’m sorry, I must add my first reaction Do not take any offense These thoughts just flashed into my head.
When I clicked on the link my first reaction was that it was a combination computer and parole violation device.
Next I saw Martha Stewart standing in front of the judge making lists and copying recipes. Tick tacking away with a stylus and half listening to the judge give her another three months of home detention.
Pardon my late friday afternoon sillieness, but sometimes when seeing a picture thoughts flash and need to be spit out.
Sure, that new computer’s a rehash… but perhaps there’s just as much (or more) credit to be given to the person whose innovation actually get a concrete product like that to the marketplace…
…didn’t Penny from the Inspector Gadget cartoons have something like this circa 1982? It’s really not that original an idea… strapping things to your wrist. Dick Tracy was doing it long before that. The thing that makes me go huh about these products is that the implementation is so crap. You really can get the same effect in a non-proprietary fashion by strapping a palm pilot to your wrist. There was a Japanese black and white wrist TV from the 80’s, or the Data Bank watches (still have mine), wrist cell phones, etc. Or what about that Fossil (?) watch that ran a teeny PalmOS display? The state of technology is definitely a limit; so many of these products seem to jump the gun as far as actual capability goes.
Ergonomically, there are much better places to put a data entry device than on your wrist; issues of stability (ever try to put a keyboard on one knee?) versus resolution of data input, size, and battery life to name a few. The gee whiz factor is there, though. If you are looking for unobtrusive, truly mobile computing, attaching your devices to your self or clothes is a step in the right direction, but sticking stuff near your hands impedes your dexterity… plus, it exposes the unit to a lot of banging around. The sheer location of the device and “wrist-size” constraint may introduce more problems than it solves.
What about a wrist computer that has a kinetic power source, like some digital watches? Or one that makes power from a thermal junction between your wrist and the amibent air? Tritium powered? What about EMG sensors for the muscles in your forearms so you can “virtual type” on any surface? They’re kind of silly examples, but despite as many as I can churn out, I can’t really seem to break out of a metaphor for some other computing device that probably does the job better anyhow.
This idea is certainly cool and challenging enough to get another generation of designers to try their hand at it, though I suspect that the format not really finding a niche yet has something to with that as well.
That’s actually what the version I did was. Idea was replace typical handheld scanners still used today. This was a targeted application.
Good observation. It does have that quality. No offense at all (the one I show was done 11 years ago and designed in one day - no sketches, just layout on the board). Rip it up.
afaik, that’s not in the marketplace. Just a concept.
In the project I did, it improved dexterity by freeing up a hand. Also, 11 years ago, handheld, wireless scanners were big and heavy. We called them “bricks on sticks”. Given the use environment, “banging around” was built into the design constraints. Drop test concerns were a priority. So this was a solution for its time and a specific use. Which is partly why this new concept seems odd to me. Looks way too big and clunky. Plus, your comments apply to it since it doesn’t appear to be focused at a niche activity with a specific use. It will be a heavy weight on the arm.
The one I did was largely based on the components they were using: the same scan engine, batteries, board area, screen, etc. It was a next generation; not a pie-in-the-sky. There was one exception: a “formed” or flexible PC board. otoh, breaking up the PCB into smaller, connected sections (there were already two) could have solved the problem without any advances in PC board technology. It would have cost more, but it was possible with existing tech. So this was a practical design concept showing the company what was already possible.
So why is this new concept basically looking like it has two PCBs?
hippatodahoppa wrote:
They’re kind of silly examples, but despite as many as I can churn out, I can’t really seem to break out of a metaphor for some other computing device that probably does the job better anyhow.
csven wrote:
I don’t follow.
What I meant (I think!) was that it seems difficult, given the constraints of size of a wrist-top design, to create a device with general-purpose aspirations that isn’t hamstrung by issues of usability, whether this is from user interface inadequacy (thumb pad typing vs full sized keyboard), lack of meaningful computing power, or battery life (practically all laptops). It seems like a good product can maybe hit two out of three of these requirements.
I agree with you as to the need for task-specificity. There has to be a clearly defined range of applicability. Its better to promise less to begin with than to end up with a frustratingly inadequate piece of hardware. You don’t ask a Speedmaster to store your phone numbers for you, and you don’t take a DataBank watch in to the vacuum of outer space.
Perhaps a “wrist adaptable” format might be a better approach in some situations? Such as having a hand held device that can slip in to a wristband? When is having a wrist mounted device fully exploiting the wrist-mounted-ness of its situation versus being just a shoehorned solution, or worse yet, a novelty?
Totally agree. I could see a wristmount device (like a watch) that was smaller and very task specific, but not a general purpose computer.
Personally, if it were me, I’d want a mobile PC that used VR/AR goggles instead of a wrist-mounted screen. Future wishes would be gesture recognition or “mental typewriter” input, and the skin as part of the network (Microsoft’s patent) … provided I’m not vulnerable to “Black ICE”.
It should be said thatUPS drivers have been carrying around really durable tablets for years. A total Brick!!!
My last UPS driver had the thumb strength of a Viking – and probably the arthritis along with it. Not a qwerty board either. The buttons were impossible to press. But it definitely was durable. he used it at least five years before a slightly different Brick version was shoved in his hands.
If anything, Delivery Drivers would be able to use a wrist computer and carry something at the same time. That still is an ergonomic feature that can’t be overlooked.
Huge note, the best use for a wrist computer might just be quick time data gathering.
It would be cool, if the wrist thing worked like a key. Like, for your car or house. Opening your doors and ignition. Also, a USB so you can transfer files to it, or MP3’s. Basically, any electronic lock you have.
I wouldn’t want a wrist computer, i would constantly be knocking it on things and unless everyone had one you would look pretty weird.
Anyway if you wear it on your left wrist you cant use that hand as you have to keep the arm still and the other hand is operating the stylus. so its a two handed operation you may as well use a tablet or PDA which could be more powerful and have a larger screen.
Still i like the design and its given me some good ideas for a travel guide project i’m going right now
I wouldn’t want a wrist computer, i would constantly be knocking it on things and unless everyone had one you would look pretty weird.
Anyway if you wear it on your left wrist you cant use that hand as you have to keep the arm still and the other hand is operating the stylus. so its a two handed operation you may as well use a tablet or PDA which could be more powerful and have a larger screen.
Still i like the design and its given me some good ideas for a travel guide project i’m going right now
I think the whole wrist computer idea is a bad. Why would you want a computer that’s chained to your wrist and be visible to everyone wherever you go? I think it’s a hindrance more than a convenience. What’s wrong with a computer that you take out from your pocket/purse/belt when you need it and put it back when you don’t (like a smartphone)? The only benefit that a wrist computer has over a smartphone is perhaps in situations where reaching for your pocket is difficult or dangerous - such as when you’re riding on a bike.
Okay, you can perhaps argue that you can make a wrist computer so thin or small that it no longer becomes a hindrance. But I would question its comfort, usability, and the social acceptance of such product.
But then I just noticed that the original post was way back in 2006. That’s a long time in the tech industry. They didn’t even have iPhones back then. It’s amazing how much have changed.
