Topic: Tiny 12V PC - No OS...ideas?

[runonce]

http://www.tigerdirect.com/applications/SearchTools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=5367148&CatId=119

Edit: adding company link
http://www.fit-pc.com/web/

Big neato factor...tiny! Height: 1.05" - Width:4.0" - 12V DC

It would be cool if there was a way to use a cellphone to control the OS - and then be able to use a variety of multichannel USB recording interfaces...or something.

[Fatah Ruark (aka MIKE B)]

That looks pretty cool. I don't know how you would use it for taping, but I'd love to have something like that just to use to surf the web and access my media server. It sure would free up some desk space for me.

You can get very small (7") USB LCD monitors that would work with this. Maybe there is a touch screen USB monitor that could control a recording program.  I can't think of another way to control the OS without a keyboard and/or mouse. I think there are some fold out keyboards that you could use to start a recording.

[runonce]

That looks pretty cool. I don't know how you would use it for taping, but I'd love to have something like that just to use to surf the web and access my media server. It sure would free up some desk space for me.

You can get very small (7") USB LCD monitors that would work with this. Maybe there is a touch screen USB monitor that could control a recording program.  I can't think of another way to control the OS without a keyboard and/or mouse. I think there are some fold out keyboards that you could use to start a recording.

This has a wireless LAN built in...Im sort of mobile/cellphone dumb - but dont some of these newer mobile devices have wifi features that can be used independently of any cell carrier? So - I dont think you need a screen on the computer itself...you'd be looking at your desktop (and controlling applications) though your Droid or Blackberry screen.

[rastasean]

This has a wireless LAN built in...Im sort of mobile/cellphone dumb - but dont some of these newer mobile devices have wifi features that can be used independently of any cell carrier? So - I dont think you need a screen on the computer itself...you'd be looking at your desktop (and controlling applications) though your Droid or Blackberry screen.

yes, they do. like the iphone and most/all blackberries.

since i don't have a cell phone that can do this thing, i think it is pointless. 

[Simp-Dawg]

This has a wireless LAN built in...Im sort of mobile/cellphone dumb - but dont some of these newer mobile devices have wifi features that can be used independently of any cell carrier? So - I dont think you need a screen on the computer itself...you'd be looking at your desktop (and controlling applications) though your Droid or Blackberry screen.

yes, they do. like the iphone and most/all blackberries.

since i don't have a cell phone that can do this thing, i think it is pointless. 

if you had an ipod touch, you could probably just VNC into it and have your screen/mouse/keyboard right there...
however this thing does not come with any hard drive, so add that to the cost.

[runonce]

That looks pretty cool. I don't know how you would use it for taping, but I'd love to have something like that just to use to surf the web and access my media server. It sure would free up some desk space for me.

You can get very small (7") USB LCD monitors that would work with this. Maybe there is a touch screen USB monitor that could control a recording program.  I can't think of another way to control the OS without a keyboard and/or mouse. I think there are some fold out keyboards that you could use to start a recording.

Ok - here are the 7 inch touchscreen monitors.

http://www.mimomonitors.com/

[runonce]

Looks like this will be the next model.

http://www.fit-pc.co.uk/meet-fit-pc-2i.html

[rastasean]

Ok - here are the 7 inch touchscreen monitors.

http://www.mimomonitors.com/

What a RIP off.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16824254044

[runonce]

Ok - here are the 7 inch touchscreen monitors.

http://www.mimomonitors.com/

What a RIP off.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16824254044

 

[runonce]

IMO, One of the drawbacks of laptop taping was...the laptop. For most of our situations - the screens are a bit obtrusive/annoying. They dont lend themselves to being run shut or bagged due to heat issues. And the folded profile can be a bit fumbly, especially in cramped areas. Possible battery issues, etc.

These little boxes might present new opportunity for computer/USB Audio interface-based taping.

If we consider the R44 to be the workable multitrack alternative - thats $1000

Looks like we can get into a tiny PC and touchscreen for less than $500. That leaves $500 to throw toward an USB Audio interface. Im thinking using a USB interface will offer a more flexible frontend and more channels. Not to mention...its also PC!
 
All we really need to do is cue/stop our recording software - So the touchscreen in perfect. Id expect to be able to turn the screen off and stow it once I was rolling, All other control will happen at the USB interface.

Not much different than the standard UA5 > Bitbucket footprint in terms of bagspace. And 12V DC means it should be easily powered.

Craziness?

[illconditioned]

I've got a standalone Linux-based PC for recording.
It boots linux (text mode) and immediately runs a script.
Hit R to record, S to stop.  If you don't stop it goes for 6hrs, if you hit R again, it starts a new file.  It uses a standard usb interface (M-audio duo) to record.  You can also login with ssh to run remotely, or to get files.  All files are timestamped, and accumulate on the hard drive (until I "harvest" them).
If you want a "headless" unit, I would just use a mouse as input, and rewire the buttons to footswitches or whatever.  Use the keyboard LEDs to indicate the machine state -- recording, paused, or idle.
I've had great luck with a text-based linux machine.  It is super reliable, and because it is text only, noone will mess with it.  To the modern gui types It just looks like the machine failed to boot and it spitting out error messages!

 Richard

[boojum]

Who has used PC-DOS?     

[heyitsmejess]

FWIW i run 8 channels 32/44.1 into a netbook with the pretty much the same specs, and have had zero problems.