I want to build something similar to the smartq 5/7 line of products. (http://www.mobileread.com/forums/showthread.php?t=48934)
My ultimate goal is a fairly compact device, with a 4.2 - 6 inch screen, wifi, and linux compatible hardware. I don't need HD video playback, but it needs to be able to handle Fennec, Ted (My word processor of choice) and a few other assorted programs. I plan to use this board as my introduction to programing and assembling ARM based devices, and as a precursor to a larger project.
I'd like to keep the final cost of hardware (excluding case fabrication) bellow $250.
From what I can tell, my only real options are the Gumstix products, and the Beagle Board. As best I can tell, the Beagle Board is not designed to power a portable device (no option for battery power or integrated LCD screen.)
The Gumstix looks promising, but the cheapest configuration for a wifi enabled device with an LCD is $303. (and without a little more research, I'm not sure that the COM included in that set-up would meet my requirements.)
Are there any alternatives to the Gumstix platform? Is there a way to put together a Gumstix package with LCD and WiFi for less than $250? A touch screen isn't a requirement, provided I can find some kind of cellphone style keyboard and trackball that is compatible.
I don't honestly expect there to be 'one answer' to this question, but I'm unsure where to go for more information (apparently my Google-fu is weak.)
Thanks for your time,
Andrew
My ultimate goal is a fairly compact device, with a 4.2 - 6 inch screen, wifi, and linux compatible hardware. I don't need HD video playback, but it needs to be able to handle Fennec, Ted (My word processor of choice) and a few other assorted programs. I plan to use this board as my introduction to programing and assembling ARM based devices, and as a precursor to a larger project.
I'd like to keep the final cost of hardware (excluding case fabrication) bellow $250.
From what I can tell, my only real options are the Gumstix products, and the Beagle Board. As best I can tell, the Beagle Board is not designed to power a portable device (no option for battery power or integrated LCD screen.)
The Gumstix looks promising, but the cheapest configuration for a wifi enabled device with an LCD is $303. (and without a little more research, I'm not sure that the COM included in that set-up would meet my requirements.)
Are there any alternatives to the Gumstix platform? Is there a way to put together a Gumstix package with LCD and WiFi for less than $250? A touch screen isn't a requirement, provided I can find some kind of cellphone style keyboard and trackball that is compatible.
I don't honestly expect there to be 'one answer' to this question, but I'm unsure where to go for more information (apparently my Google-fu is weak.)
Thanks for your time,
Andrew