Who can I contract to build a custom, extremely simple laptop...

I understand this probably isn't the usual question in these forums, but I'm kind of at a loss of who I need to be talking to and after reading through some of the threads it would seem as though people here have a good idea on a lot of similar issues. The easiest way I guess to explain this is just explain what I need and see if anyone can at least point me in the right direction.

I need an extremely simple computing device, one that does not use a normal keyboard but rather only has 8-10 input buttons each with a specific function (think of things like directional arrow buttons). It needs to be able to perform extremely basic operations like displaying text, pictures, and maybe low quality video. The screen would need to be decent sized, bigger than one of the "mini" laptops but not much bigger. It also needs a network card. The key to this device is that it needs to be pretty cheap to produce, as I need to produce a lot of them. I am thinking something along the lines of 12,000 or so for an initial order and then thousands at a time after that. So it's kind of an invention in that it doesn't exactly exist today, but I am certain the technology exists because it is more or less a really dumbed down laptop.

I know this is all really vague, but I can't really go into specifics for obvious reasons. I'm just wondering if anyone can point me in the right direction. Thanks for any help you can offer me, and I'm sorry if this is too off topic to be in this forum.

 

All I can say is that it will be cheaper to buy a low-specced laptop instead of building your own custom laptop. And not to think about all the work you need to do to get it all fit. But, as you're planing to build thousands of them, i suggest you contact intel or amd to buy all of the components needed as that will probably cut the cost alot.

 

I must agree

 

May I suggest having a look at the Dell Mini 12 or the HP 2533 thin client. Both have the larger 12.1" 1280x800 screens. Processor and harddrive specs vary between them, the 2533 really being quite a "dumbed down" notebook.

You would require either a custom keyboard, or a remote control device (think of a TV remote) mapped out to interact with your software with the specific functions you require.

 

This sounds pretty top secret. May I suggest a Dr. Emmett "Doc" Brown.

 

Now let's say I wanted to "downgrade" a ton of features on the Dell to cut costs such as: keyboard (replace with 10 or so buttons), less RAM, slower cpu, much smaller HD (flash only), lower quality screen (would this cut costs?), no webcam, no bluetooth, weaker motherboard, and a much 'dumber' OS.

Basically this thing needs to be able to select a pdf file from a list and display it. Also this isn't a single laptop for my own personal use, I'll be ordering in pretty large quantities. Would I be best off approaching a company like Dell to try and get these things 'made to order' or going to some other company that operates in China or somewhere?

Thanks for the help so far, this is good stuff.

 

Dont bother with dell. You need engineers my friend.

Your best best is an engineering consulting firm which specializes in electronic solutions. Where are you located?

 

This will cost you way too much, for whatever you're trying to do. You're far better off contacting Dell and contracting to purchase bulk orders of Mini 9's and developing a custom software interface instead of Windows.

 

either that, or contact an OEM like HTC, TechFaith, flextronics or Psion, they specialise in embedded systems. your cost per unit is going to be extremely high if you are only going to produce 12,000. you just dont have enough volume to be able to afford custom made platforms.

other than that, if you went to university, or are still in university, they do help out with these things. contact the university you graduated from, and they may be able to put you in touch with their engineering department.

 

You may be better off using a touch screen LCD together with a highly customised PDA capable of driving an external XGA interface which would sit in a pocket on the LCD. Doesn't sound like you need much of an OS. Don't know if it's possible.. check out the brighthand forums.

I know there are touchscreen kits for ASUS 1000H netbooks out there.

 

i have a feeling he is looking for a super low price point, which i dont think is going to happen... i wonder what the function of this machine is supposed to be.. it needs to display pictures, text, maybe low quality video... all of this can be accomplished on a smartphone and more... and it needs a large screen?.. strange.. sounds like rather than 'inventing' this machine you need to create a useful application, as you are probably not going to be much cheaper than a netbook anyway...

 

Wouldn't a digital picture frame just about cover all of this. They are alraedy available that display pictures, text and low quality video, only uses a couple of buttons, cheap, only thing would be getting it to display pdf files. I am smelling maybe a virtual text book or something of the like, but maybe I am way off!

 

I can't get this mental image out of my head:

 

Maybe a mediagate would do what he wants?

http://www.testfreaks.com/blog/revi...layer-seagate-barracuda-500gb-ide-hard-drive/

There are even wifi versions available. A custom firmware could perhaps automate the use more. Would require an external LCD though.

 

Would this device take the place of textbooks?

 

I have no idea, it was purely speculation on my part, but I think a digital textbook which also connects to the internet and could stream classes and was a lot cheaper than a laptop could find it's place in the market.

 

Out of curiosity, wouldnt the OLPC work for what you need, I think it has all of the features you would need

K-TRON