Does this exist?

[rtcary]

I would love to have a simple, portable device running Knoppix that would just be used for email.

Yes, I could use my Toshiba notebook, but I would like something lighter, cheaper and smaller. I bought one of those "email" units for a friend (all he wanted was email) who has a hard time figuring out how to plau anything into the electrical socket ! But that is too simple....

If you can, email me at [email protected]

Todd

[Henk Poley]

I have been searching for such a thing too, a simple and secure browser/email environment for my mother. Still not found the right hardware/software configuration.

The best option I've come up with, was to buy a cheap EPIA box, put knoppix on it and strip it down. I'm currently downloading a current knoppix version (want to try the new knoppix-installer). I'll log what I removed.

To have it portable I would buy a Siemens Simpad, this is a TabletPC slate with Pocket Windows CE 3.0 or 4.x, 64MB ROM, 64MB RAM. I found one secondhand for 300EUR (dutch). Buy a WiFi PCMCIA card and a PCI WiFi card on it and run VNC over an SSH tunnel. Such a setup will only be portable within your home.

But yes, I know this is a far too technical solution, but cheap 'laptops' (I mean screen, storage and processing unit, in one packet) seem to be a sine-qua-non.

btw, there is also a linux distro for the Simpad, and you seem to be able to run Opera on it. Though Opera won't licence that to you, so it would be illegal. It also has Konqueror (not sure) and Dillo (fast, but doesn't know many html codes) as browser.

[rtcary]

Some years ago I saw a laptop that had a keyboard that was hinged. When swung up, all of the components were accessible - at least the ones that may need to be replaced. And as I recall, the price was quite affordable. But that is probably why I do not see a similar laptop today...no money in it.

However, if you should come across something like that, let me know.

Todd

[email protected]

[macguyvok]

Well, although it's not out just yet, it will be soon. It's called "Tiqit", and the thing is a laptop squessed into something slightly thicker than a StarTrek Padd. Here's the website, check it out:

http://www.tiqit.com/

Accourding to them XP Pro runs, and so does Linux. it has full key board, although quite small... 640x480 screen... and it's touch....