I very much feel that part of the key to Linux gaining mainstream adoption is to have various interesting, innovative pieces of hardware that ship with Linux. Apart from some non-computer devices, such as the Chumby, all we have really seen are UMPCs. (OK, I know someone is going to correct me, so let me just say that is all I know of.) The problem is, it takes a lot of work to come up with a really innovative new form of computer, or even an innovative modification of an existing form. Techchrunch’s new project gave me an idea, though.

Techcrunch has begun a project to create sort of a thin, touchscreen, tablet for surfing the web and other basic tasks. The tablet should run all open-source software and cost less than $300. Certainly these are ambitious goals, but it sure would be cool. Eventually, Techchrunch plans to ship the device.

The idea this gave me is that perhaps the best way to get some really cool new computer or computer-like devices based on Linux in stores is for fans/enthusiasts doing DIY-type projects to invite any manufacturers to copy them. This way, a major manufacturer might see a really cool idea, pick it up and start selling it. Basically, let the community develop the hardware and software how they like it and then work with manufacturers who are intersted to get the device to a mass-market. (Just to be clear, this is not exactly what TechCrunch is doing, it is just inspired by what TechCrunch is doing.) Obviously this would depend on some really good ideas coming out of the community, but I have no doubt that that happens all the time. Go look at Brainstorm.

This entry was posted on Tuesday, July 22nd, 2008 at 9:08 pm and is filed under Community, Future of Linux, Hardware. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can skip to the end and leave a response. Pinging is currently not allowed.