Darn Linux Wall Wart

[Geek-9pm]

Here is a photo:

Yeah, it is an ARM with Linux embedded.

The trend to shrink the already miniaturized continues with the DreamPlug — a PC that is crammed inside of a plug that's even smaller than the tiny four-inch Xi3.
Globalscale Technologies claims their DreamPlug PC can save up to 96% on energy costs alone thanks to its five watts of power draw.
For $150, what do you get? A 1.2GHz Marvell Sheeva ARM processor, 512MB of DDR-2-800MHz RAM, 1GB of microSD storage for system files, two gigabit ethernet ports, two USB 2.0 ports, an eSATA 2.0 port, SD card slot, Wi-Fi b/g, Bluetooth and a headphone jack.
You might be satisfied with those specs, but just one thing: where is the GPU? The DreamPlug doesn't have one. Globalscale Technologies suggests the best use of the DreamPlug is for cloud computing, high end audio systems, home automation, network storage/monitoring and security/surveillance. So it looks like, unless your computing needs fall under a similar category, the DreamPlug is really just a dream PC.
http://dvice.com/archives/2011/02/tiny-dreamplug.php

I think it needs a night light so you will not trip over it in the dark in a crowded room.

[michaewlewis]

will it play Crysis?

[BisquitMaker]

http://www.geek.com/articles/gadgets/displaylink-release-three-new-usb-graphics-processors-and-linux-source-20090521/

Two years old. A good usb to usb data cable and a worthwhile hub would allow one to run Linux with a graphical interface.

One could place a such a setup in a small box for a project. Buy a portable monitor.

You could use use the plug for a server and a tablet as a client.

[Geek-9pm]

Hey, that is cool! I want one right now!

[BisquitMaker]

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[Geek-9pm]

This space left intentionally blank.

[patio]

Bored ? ?

[BisquitMaker]

No.
It is best to keep silent when you believe the answer was sarcastic.

[patio]

Really ? ?

[BisquitMaker]

I won't stop you from exercising your natural right to display your stupidity.

[reddevilggg]

I won't stop you from exercising your natural right to display your stupidity.

Here we go again, some people never learn ................or grow up !!

[patio]

He must think i'm B.C....

[Geek-9pm]

The pint of this thread was a bout dubious devices,
not bored people.

Here is yet another dubious Linux related gadget.

TI, Texas Instruments, has a new chip called OMAP 4 and it has been certified for HD video use. The recent announcement says the thing will work on Linux-based Android devices.

According to PC Mag, and many other sources, the surprise is that Netflix is going to get involved. Here is the quote:

    July 5, 2011 02:36pm EST
Netflix and Texas Instruments said Tuesday that Netflix has granted TI's OMAP 4 platform Netflix HD certification, meaning that OMAP 4-based phones will ship with the capability to stream high-definition Netflix movies.

Those phones should include the LG Thrill 4G, and LG Optimus 3D; the upcoming Droid 3 supposedly includes an OMAP 4 chip, although that has yet to be confirmed. (The original Motorola Droid included an OMAP 3 chip, meaning that Motorola and TI have already forged a relationship.)

Officially, TI would say only that "devices with the OMAP 4 processor-driven Netflix application pre-installed will be launched in the near future." The OMAP 4 platform supports up to Android 2.3 "Gingerbread" today.
more.. .http://www.pcmag.com/article2/0,2817,2388090,00.asp

Sigh, my android tablet is 1.7, too late to expect an update to HD.
How do you watch HD on a tiny screen 
And what is a "Gingerbread" ?

[BC_Programmer]

The pint of this thread was a bout dubious devices,

How is a device "dubious"? Unreliable? In what way? Some very early Wall-wart machines were known to have heat dissipation problems, but those issues have since been worked out. If you mean of dubious value, well, you might not think they are useful, but clearly some people do, otherwise there would be no market for them.

[Geek-9pm]

How is a device "dubious"? Unreliable? In what way? Some very early Wall-wart machines were known to have heat dissipation problems, but those issues have since been worked out. If you mean of dubious value, well, you might not think they are useful, but clearly some people do, otherwise there would be no market for them.

Yes, dubious value is more correct. I do not doubt that it works. I doubt is value.

Another example:

dubious: Definition, Synonyms from Answers.com
 IN BRIEF: Causing or feeling doubt or uncertainty; questionable in value, quality or origin. Jim was feeling dubious about his ability to pass the science exam.
www.answers.com/topic/dubious

Information form answers.com may be in doubt.

But what about a Android that can do HD from Netflix because it has a new TI chip?  Please explain to me the great or small value and why a number of rags are making it a headline. Slow news day?

Are you waiting for a cell phone with the OMAP 4 processor? Anybody?