Time to hack tablets?

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Torsten Wagner

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Jun 22, 2012, 6:00:51 AM6/22/12
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Hey,

just recently I came across all this ultra cheap tablets. Until know
there where kind of locked and crippled but now more and more model
come with a USB host function. They start as low a $75.

E.g.
http://www.ebay.com/itm/New-Android-4-0-7-Capacitive-TouchScreen-Wi-Fi-1-2GHz-Gsensor-ePad-Tablet-A13-/280905566538?pt=US_Tablet_Accessories&hash=item416746c94a#ht_4566wt_954

We do not have to talk about the fact that they are the low end of
tablets on the market and they lack in many aspects. However, if you
want to have a display which runs a little Android app to fetch data
or send data out via USB or wifi, this will perfectly fit. Just attach
an Arduino and write a GUI-app for your project.

* Interactive door signs
* DSLR Camera controller (that was the reason I was looking at them)
* Home automation
* Fridge check and shopping list
* Surveillance camera stuff
* Car PC stuff
* PC/Server controller (not only nicely visualize CPU/RAM load and
TEMP but login via ssh for quick maintainance)
* rather generic a display and control unit for any type of project.
Like a reprap controller, Geiger counters, ueber-complex BBQ
controller, etc.
* Coffee machine automation madness
* interactive THS Borrow/Return station via webcam and QR codes...

Some of them might even keep a nice little secret inside if opened
once (like UART connectors, SPI, I2C, extendable RAM/ROM).
If you compare this e.g. to the $40 for a Arduino colour-LCD shield, I
would say, this might become more and more a really interesting
option.

Hip Hip Hurray.... for all those cheap junk consumer products....

Maybe sourcing and group-ordering a cheap tablet with high hackability
;) Sure after the move... after the move....

Totti

fakufaku

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Jun 22, 2012, 6:06:03 AM6/22/12
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Okay, that might be a little off-topic, but anyhow...

Due to recent arrest of Aum figitives, I was reading about it and came accross the fact that Aum was and still is largely "funded by a successful computer business" (wikipedia).

That brought me to think that it might be an idea to design an actual product, like a tablet, or handheld device, that could be sold and fund the hackerspace.

I think there might be a market in Japan for alternative, hackable devices for nerds. What do you think ?

MRE

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Jun 22, 2012, 6:38:05 AM6/22/12
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If they have bluetooth, that would be perfect.
Adding a bluetooth module to an arduino is about 10 dollars.
It becomes a bluetooth remote control, with great graphics.

Akiba

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Jun 22, 2012, 6:38:40 AM6/22/12
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Are you saying we should become a cult? I like that.

 

Akiba

FreakLabs Open Source Wireless

Web: http://www.freaklabs.org

Shop:http://www.freaklabsstore.com

Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/freaklabs

 


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MRE

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Jun 22, 2012, 6:41:08 AM6/22/12
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Always...

I think selling the Chumbys will be a prototype for how we as a GROUP
can manage a web shop.
We have always tried to push for it, but there is a LOT of physical
responsibility running a web shop.
(Buying/building items, packaging, shipping, and general web site
work, like checking daily for new orders and processing those orders).

I think many will agree that Hackerspace branded tools and gear should
up up near the top of the list of products.
First we need to work out the "how," "when." and "who."

Torsten Wagner

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Jun 22, 2012, 7:28:28 AM6/22/12
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Yeah don't start to sell junk and give it strange freaking names...
that makes no sens!!!

Totti
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fakufaku

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Jun 22, 2012, 7:35:23 AM6/22/12
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I think many would already consider us a cult. Except, we wear no togas, and we have no leader, and we don't kill people.

I am aware that it's not something that can be pulled off by tomorrow, but...
I think it would have multiple effects:

1) Get people working (together) on a (potentially awesome) project
2) Make some nice publicity
3) Eventually bring some revenue in

I think the first point is actually the most important.

Chris Shannon

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Jun 22, 2012, 8:06:54 AM6/22/12
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This is great thinking.


c


Jud Taylor

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Jun 22, 2012, 8:28:28 AM6/22/12
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I wear togas...

Usmar A Padow

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Jun 22, 2012, 11:51:05 AM6/22/12
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I think we should brainwash Aum members into funding the hackerspace :) after all they should be gullible


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Usmar A Padow

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Jun 22, 2012, 11:52:20 AM6/22/12
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A cult that brainwashes other cults :)


MRE

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Jun 22, 2012, 1:05:54 PM6/22/12
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As long as we remember to enforce the distinction between brainwashing
and washing brains.

Chris Shannon

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Jun 22, 2012, 6:11:00 PM6/22/12
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now you tell me. sheesh



On Sat, Jun 23, 2012 at 2:05 AM, MRE <epre...@gmail.com> wrote:
As long as we remember to enforce the distinction between brainwashing
and washing brains.

Akiba

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Jun 22, 2012, 10:15:25 PM6/22/12
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4) Take over the world

 

Akiba

FreakLabs Open Source Wireless

Web: http://www.freaklabs.org

Shop:http://www.freaklabsstore.com

Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/freaklabs

 

Akiba

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Jun 22, 2012, 10:17:25 PM6/22/12
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Recursive loop! Recursive loop! *clapping hands* Recursive loop! Recursive loop!

 

Akiba

FreakLabs Open Source Wireless

Web: http://www.freaklabs.org

Shop:http://www.freaklabsstore.com

Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/freaklabs

 

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