Dumb terminals: the ultimate portable writing tools?
Over the years, I’ve tried a number of portable tools for writing. From a Psion Series 5 to a Palm PDA with a keyboard to an Alphasmart Dana. None of them were quite right, though. Not as right as my Eee PC or even one of my ThinkPads.
Web Worker Daily is pondering whether or not a portable dumb terminal might be the best way to go portable. You can read more about dumb terminals here.
Over the last couple of years, as wireless Internet has become more common and Web-based applications have matured, I’ve thought about the best set up for a portable terminal. It would definitely take advantage of Web-based application suites like Google Docs.
My preferred way is to add some life to older, lower-powered laptop computer with a lightweight Linux distribution. If you get, say, a ThinkPad T30 or R40 with wireless capability, and also install a nifty little application called Prism you can have a decent mobile workstation. The only other software you’d need on the system is a lightweight Web browser for general Web surfing. This solution would be great for the home user, or in places like an Internet cafe.
Any thoughts? Feel free to leave a comment.
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