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Geode-based WebPAD reference platform
[Vendor: National Semiconductor]

Editor: To enable fast development of projects based on Geode, National Semiconductor has developed a ready-to-use design for a Geode-based portable web access device. All information required to manufacture the system, including schematics, bills of materials, enclosure design, and Linux software drivers are available to qualified OEMs at no charge. The following description comes from the WebPAD SP3GX01 Reference Platform website . . .

The Geode WebPAD SP3GX01 system is a portable web access device for home or commercial applications. The system consists of three pieces: the base station, cradle, and tablet.

The primary function of the WebPAD SP3GX01 system is an Internet browser, but other applications such as Citrix (server-based computing) can be easily added, providing remote PC capability. The WebPAD SP3GX01 system is based on the Geode GXLV processor and the Geode CS5530 I/O companion device.

Base Station

The base station provides the connectivity between the tablet and the Internet. The base communicates with the tablet via a wireless connection and the Internet via a
wired source (telephone line, ISDN, etc.). The WebPAD SP3GX01 system has been tested with two types of base stations. The first type is based on the 802.11 protocol. These are currently positioned for commercial applications. A number of companies currently offer these types of base stations. The second type is a base station using a DECT-based protocol. A base station of this type is targeted at the consumer market. Currently, National Semiconductor has a reference design for this type of base. Depending on the base station used, a matching radio needs to be used in the tablet.

Cradle

The cradle is used for drop-in charging and to hold the tablet for use as a more traditional desktop system. The cradle has pass through USB and auxiliary AC power.

Tablet

The 9.5 x 11.75 inch tablet has an interactive 10 inch DSTN screen (800 x 600) and weighs approximately 3 pounds.

The tablet user interface is simple and easy to use. It consists of an interactive touch screen, scroll pad and several user-configurable buttons. Speakers and a microphone are built in. Additionally, several ports have been added to the side of the tablet to allow for connectivity to USB devices (i.e., external keyboard) and other types of devices such as headphones and an external microphone.

The main way to interact with the tablet is through the touch screen. Links and menus are accessed by touching the screen. The touch screen on the tablet works with any type of pointer, from a stylus (included) to a simple touch.

All buttons on the tablet, including the scroll pad, are user-configurable, except the power button. The user can change the definition of the buttons by entering the
system configuration mode. Some of the buttons suggest clearly defined operations, like the scroll pad, but the definitions are changeable.

To allow the user to input text, whether for an e-mail, search criteria, or to enter a URL, a software keypad is available. The keypad works the same as a normal keyboard attached to any computer. The user touches the screen just above the desired key and the letter appears next to the cursor. The software keypad is invoked using the a menu button or keypad icon on the task bar. The default of the upper user-definable button is a toggle for the software keypad.

Internally, the tablet contains a radio card to communicate with the base station. The tablet contains provisions to run either National Semiconductor's DECT-based PADcard radio or a PCMCIA based 802.11 radio. This radio needs to be of the same type used in the base station. The tablet has several hardware and software components.


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Data Monitoring with NightStar LX
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Virtualizing Service Provider Networks with Vyatta
This paper highlights Vyatta's unique ability to virtualize networking functions using Vyatta's secure routing software in service provider environments.

High Availability Messaging Solution Using AXIGEN, Heartbeat and DRBD
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Understanding the Financial Benefits of Open Source
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The modern embedded computer is the jack of all trades appearing in many forms.

Data Management for Real-Time Distributed Systems
This paper provides an overview of the network-centric computing model, data distribution services, and distributed data management. It then describes how the SkyBoard integration and synchronization service, coupled with an implementation of the OMG¿s Data Distribution Service (DDS) standard, can be used to create an efficient data distribution, storage, and retrieval system.

7 Advantages of D2D Backup
For decades, tape has been the backup medium of choice. But, now, disk-to-disk (D2D) backup is gaining in favor. Learn why you should make the move in this whitepaper.

 


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