Joe Ganley [http://ganley.org/]

Writing code since 1979

I have been a professional software engineer for over 10 years. I have written many kinds of software, but my particular strengths are interactive graphics applications, compilers and interpreters, and algorithms.

I also enjoy writing, woodworking, and home improvement. Also this.

Resumé

Email Me

Tuesday, July 31, 2001

I just saw the Royal Excelsior PDA at Costco for $25. Its functionality is a bit limited: six-line display, 384KB memory, no way to put your own apps on it (AFAIK), allegedly clunky UI, but it does provide fundamental PDA functionality (datebook, address book, to do list, memo pad, calculator, and a few others), it syncs with a PC, and the price is certainly right. The form factor is really nice -- just a little smaller than a Palm, which I've always thought were just a little bit too big. It's probably too limited for most people (though at that price, it might be fun to try to hack it), but I have to think there's still a lot of room for manufacturers to play in the space between this, at $25, and the Palm, starting around $100. I, for one, would be happy to give up a little of the Palm's functionality to make it a little smaller and cheaper. (Update 9/18/01: If you aren't Costco-compatible, they now have this at Amazon.com, albeit more expensively.)

| permalink

Comments: Post a Comment

Features

TRS-80 BASIC interpreter
Lisp interpreter in JavaScript
Analysis of The Game of Chips
Man-Bag Buying Guide

Writing

Inseparable Weblog
Turf War
Memorial Day
Weblog Archives
(more...)

Home Improvement

Custom Home Ideas
Woodworking
Installing Wainscoting

Miscellany

Amazon.com Wish List
B&B Reviews

Old Stuff

Steiner Trees
D.C.-area Software Companies

The Long Now Foundation

Man-Bag Buying Guide