berninbush
08-19-2009, 19:47
I’ve been kicking around an idea for a while for the “ultimate hiker technology device”—something that combines all the features people in the wilderness might need, with specifications suitable for extended outdoor travel. This could be useful not only for hikers, but other outdoor athletes, sailors, etc. I think all these features exist in one device or another, but I’ve never seen them all combined.
Size: about the size of an iPhone
Power source: AA battery/ batteries. This gives maximum flexibility—the batteries can be replaced at resupply, or (if you get the rechargeable kind) charged within the device or in an external charger (including solar chargers or kinetic chargers).
Communications: Connects to the manufacturer’s proprietary network via satellite, cell tower, or WiFi, but ONLY when a button is pushed to activate the connection. (Obviously the manufacturer would need agreements with existing data networks.) Battery life is greatly extended by only seeking or generating signal in short bursts. The device does not have voice communication capabilities; it relies entirely on text message. This reduces the power requirements and allows the user to communicate with the outside world without annoying other people in the area. When the device is connected via satellite signal, it sends and receives messages in plain text using simple binary code, similar to what the SPOT Tracker does with its “OK” and “emergency” signals. The manufacturer provides a dedicated emergency contact number that locates the nearest rescue services in event of an emergency, and provides GPS coordinates as well as any message typed by the user.
GPS: provides and stores location as waypoints when communication button is activated.
Data storage: Maps, journals, photos, music, ebooks, and movies are stored on two removable SD cards. It is recommended that maps, music, ebooks, and movies be placed on one card, while journals and photos are placed on the other, so that the second card can be removed and mailed home if desired. The device has two SD slots so that both cards can be used simultaneously. Media can also be uploaded from or downloaded to the device when it is in a WiFi hot spot, or when it is connected to a computer by USB cable.
Data entry: The touch screen displays a keyboard to allow the user to send quick text messages on the go. For lengthier journal entries, an optional folding bluetooth keyboard may be carried.
Entertainment media: Stores and plays MP3s and movies. Contains AM/FM radio. Also stores ebooks for reading on the screen. All audio output is through headphones to avoid annoying others in the area and to save power.
Camera: Camera features of a quality point-and-shoot. High resolution, flash, zoom, red eye reduction, video, etc. Photos are time-stamped and also stamped with GPS coordinates if the communication button is activated when the picture is taken.
Other specifications: rugged, shockproof, waterproof, but still lightweight. Power cord is mini-USB where it connects to the device, and splits at the other end to USB or AC power so the unit can be plugged in to a computer or the wall.
What do you guys think? If this existed, would you buy it?
Size: about the size of an iPhone
Power source: AA battery/ batteries. This gives maximum flexibility—the batteries can be replaced at resupply, or (if you get the rechargeable kind) charged within the device or in an external charger (including solar chargers or kinetic chargers).
Communications: Connects to the manufacturer’s proprietary network via satellite, cell tower, or WiFi, but ONLY when a button is pushed to activate the connection. (Obviously the manufacturer would need agreements with existing data networks.) Battery life is greatly extended by only seeking or generating signal in short bursts. The device does not have voice communication capabilities; it relies entirely on text message. This reduces the power requirements and allows the user to communicate with the outside world without annoying other people in the area. When the device is connected via satellite signal, it sends and receives messages in plain text using simple binary code, similar to what the SPOT Tracker does with its “OK” and “emergency” signals. The manufacturer provides a dedicated emergency contact number that locates the nearest rescue services in event of an emergency, and provides GPS coordinates as well as any message typed by the user.
GPS: provides and stores location as waypoints when communication button is activated.
Data storage: Maps, journals, photos, music, ebooks, and movies are stored on two removable SD cards. It is recommended that maps, music, ebooks, and movies be placed on one card, while journals and photos are placed on the other, so that the second card can be removed and mailed home if desired. The device has two SD slots so that both cards can be used simultaneously. Media can also be uploaded from or downloaded to the device when it is in a WiFi hot spot, or when it is connected to a computer by USB cable.
Data entry: The touch screen displays a keyboard to allow the user to send quick text messages on the go. For lengthier journal entries, an optional folding bluetooth keyboard may be carried.
Entertainment media: Stores and plays MP3s and movies. Contains AM/FM radio. Also stores ebooks for reading on the screen. All audio output is through headphones to avoid annoying others in the area and to save power.
Camera: Camera features of a quality point-and-shoot. High resolution, flash, zoom, red eye reduction, video, etc. Photos are time-stamped and also stamped with GPS coordinates if the communication button is activated when the picture is taken.
Other specifications: rugged, shockproof, waterproof, but still lightweight. Power cord is mini-USB where it connects to the device, and splits at the other end to USB or AC power so the unit can be plugged in to a computer or the wall.
What do you guys think? If this existed, would you buy it?