HP retro calculator

The Hewlett-Packard calculators of the 70's and 80's still have a reputation unsurpassed to this day. The legendary HP-55, introduced in 1974, was the first affordable scientific, programmable(!) pocket calculator in the world. The HP-12c is arguably the most succesful calculator in history. Introduced in 1981, it is still in production today. And offcourse the HP-48 series can not be left unmentioned. It is the mile-stone for engineering calculators.

But that was all history. At some point HP lost it completely, and started making horribly designed models like the HP-33. I can not imagine anyone wanting to be seen with that in public. Public outcries like these to bring back the legendary models long went unheard by Hewlett-Packard. Untill recently that is. Because now the retro designed HP-35 is available directly from HP, and for only $59.99.

A history of the Amiga

As a kid a had a Commodore 64 (I still have one). I spend many long nights behind the flickering tv-screen hacking the machine in any way possible.

Then one day, my then best friend got a brand new Amiga 500 for his birthday. It was the ultimate computer of the time. It supported real multitasking when most other computer could not even run more than one application at a time. It had custom chips for audio and video acceleration, a heafty 32 bit 68000 CPU, and 1MB RAM. Oh, how I wanted one!



But, it was not to be. I eventually bought an IBM compatible when I had the money, and the Amiga slowly faded from memory.

Now the guys at Ars Technica are writing an excellent article about the history of the Amiga. This brings back a lot of memories..., and makes very good reading!

Part 1: Genesis
Part 2: The birth of Amiga
Part 3: The first prototype

Asus eee pc starts shipping in september

According to this article, the eee pc should be shipped in bulk from early september. American prices range from $199 to $369, European prices will probable be in the same range, except the $ will be a €.

A Linux server the size of a book

A complete Linux server in the palm of your hand? Have a look at the decTOP: It houses a 10GB, 3,5" disk, 128MB RAM and an AMD Geode processor running at 366MHz. All parts are easily upgradable. The RAM is a 200-pin SO-DIMM module, and can be upgraded to 512MB max. The harddrive is 3,5", which means an upgrade won't cost a fortune. Also in the box are USB 1.1, VGA (1600x1200), audio in and out and 9 V92 modem. Ethernet is supported via USB. And best of all: it is currently shipping for only $99,- !!!

Oh yeah, it also runs Windows CE 5.0, for those interested. Now, I'm mostly a Windows guy myself, but CE isn't really my taste. I haven't been able to find anyone who managed to fit any other Windows version on the device.

So, check this manual for installing Ubuntu, and have loads of fun.

P.S.: I am in no way related (business wise or other) to the guys behind decTOP.

Asus eee pc

At the Computex Taipei 2007 Asus presented their Eee PC701, which seem to combine the best properties of notebooks and PDA in one.

It's x86 based, runs a customized Linux (and is rumoured to run Windows XP as well).

Watch this flic I found on youtube

Some geeks have allready started a eee hacker site, that's real enthusiasm!

With the alledged introduction price of $199,- I would devinitly buy one!

Update: the European introduction prices are now set at €239,- for the 2GB version and €399 for the 4GB. Unfortunatly the introduction prices haven't been maintained, but it still look like a good deal to me.