characteristics include ubiquity, efficiency, and trustworthiness. What trends carry forth from web 2.0 and lead to even more efficient transfer and use of information, given the fact that there is just too much information out there.
Do you have an old computer monitor that’s gathering dust someone in the corner of your house? Or do you have plans to buy a new PC for performing only basic computing tasks like writing documents, email, chatting, browsing websites, etc.
Bharti Airtel, the largest mobile operator here, has just launched a new device called Net PC, which as the name suggests, is a low cost computer designed specifically for cloud computing. The device is powered by Windows XP (not Linux as you would expect) and costs INR 5,000 (or $100) in India.
To get started, you just have to plug in the USB modem or the broadband Ethernet cable into the Net PC and you’re ready to go. The device weighs a mere 500 grams and is small enough (11.5cm x 11.5cm x 3.5cm) to fit in one of your trouser pockets.
When you think cloud computing, the first thing that strikes your mind is Google Docs but surprisingly, Airtel’s cloud computer comes pre-loaded with a rental copy of Microsoft Office so you can work on those documents and presentations even while you are not connected to the Internet.
Airtel Net PC is a subscription based device so you also need to pay a monthly rent for using the software in addition to your broadband bill.
To give you an example, the minimum plan costs somewhere around Rs 700 per month where Rs 200 is the software rent while you pay the rest for DSL broadband. This plan will get you 3GB of data transfer (at 256 KB/s), 10 GB of online storage space and a copy of Microsoft Office Standard that also includes Microsoft Outlook for your email needs. You can also transfer data out the Net PC box using any of the available USB ports.
The downside is that you can don’t have the privilege to install new software on the device so can’t use[*] Firefox or Google Chrome for browsing as XP only comes with IE. And I am not too sure if the Net PC is locked to Airtel or will it work with broadband services from other providers like Reliance or BSNL.
Download this PDF to know more about Net PC or you can walk into any of the Airtel or NEXT stores in NCR Region (Gurgaon, Delhi or Noida) for a demo.
[*] Though you can’t install new software, I guess it should still be possible to run software that don’t require installation like the portable Google Browser.
Airtel Net PC is a Low Cost Computer for Working in the Cloud - Published at Digital Inspiration (RSS)
Photo from Eggers Hail Cannons.
Hail cannons look cool and make loud booming noises, even though some people say they don't prevent hail. Maybe we should run an article in MAKE on how to make one for recreational purposes?
From Nacken:
This weekend we went to the Roero wine area and after a loooong lunch we sat with friends outside and looked fearfully at the looming, darker growing clouds.The Mysterious Air Cannons of Roero (solved)When suddenly we heard a loud boom in the distance. Followed by more booms closer by … and within minutes it sounded like we were in the middle of a WW1 battlefield. Listen to the sound (while enjoying the lovely hill side panorama) in the ... video.
Picture this: you walk into this hub hanging outta your high-rise apartment and then it gently glides down to the ground level. Touch ground and it transforms into this ultimate car that looks and feels SEXY! This IS the Peugeot Metromorph and it transports you thru the city with ease. I dunno about your hometown, but where I live, I got to pay premium rent for parking my car in my apartment building. This kinda concept looks at eliminating parking woes. Hit the jump to see how this beauty soars.
There are some specific features that have been attributed to the Metromorph, to make it a viable concept:
Drivetrain- the vehicle is powered by two in wheel motors placed in the back. There are two battery cases on the back as well.
Interior- the seats are held by rotating arms which keep the seat level when the vehicle goes vertical or horizontal. When the vehicle is a balcony the seats are placed on a rolling base which enables them to become lounge chairs thus freeing up the interior of the car to make it a balcony. The interior is also left fairly hollow to accommodate the balcony mode.
Exterior- the car is designed to not look like a car vertically mounted to a building and still look like a vehicle when it's on the road. So the wheels are concealed toward the inside. Rather than go vertically like many scissor doors today Metromorphs' arms rotate closely around the vehicle allowing the doors to freely open in a cramped area like a garage.
A Car Elevator!
Designer: Roman Mistiuk
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