Crunchpad begins to take shape
There it is folks, the first usable prototype of TechCrunch’s internet tablet project. For those who missed it, Michael Arrington decided he wanted a sizable, affordable browser-only device and and couldn’t find one so he decided to build it. Kudos for the follow through, but we have to wonder if there are reasons such a device doesn’t exist. First off, there will definitely be some major drawbacks brought on by the low-end components required to keep the price down – especially with very small production runs. The display likely won’t hold a candle to those found on laptops or UMPCs, the battery life will likely not be desirable as a result of low-quality cells and even at the new target price of $299, we’re not sure how appealing the device actually is. A Nokia N800, for example, is infinitely more functional and can now be had with an 8GB+ memory card for under $200 – Arrignton’s original target price. While the display on the N800 is much smaller than that of the Crunchpad, it is also a much better quality display from the looks of things.
The bottom line is while plenty of readers continue to support the project, when it comes time to fork up the cash we have to wonder if they will maintain the same level of enthusiasm for a device that offers no real benefits beyond the laptops and other devices they all already own. The Crunchpad will likely be a use-at-home toy for those who do end up with a production model as traveling with a sizable device possessing no functionality outside of web browsing doesn’t make much sense. Even when hacks come out to add various features and introduce functionality beyond browsing, working on a touchscreen-only device? No thanks. What do you guys think – hot or hopeless?
Hit the jump for a video of the prototype in action.
Seems like this is a few years late. Ways to access the internet are spreading like wildfire. That thing seems like it’s in the middle too much. If I am going to carry around something that size, I would just bring my little eeePC LOL.
I love my iPhone, but for web surfing at home on the couch/bed/toilet the 12 inch touchscreen on this baby sounds really appealing. I think I would pick one up for $300.
Depends on battery life, screen quality, responsiveness of touchscreen/multi-touch abilities, weight/size/balance/appearance, wireless range/consistency, ease of hacking/use in the OS, so on.
In a word, execution. If they can do it like Apple would do it, this will sell like hotcakes. Otherwise, it’s destined to be a very small niche product. I think the idea is hot, but there is a lot of competition among devices that would suit this purpose – netbooks, iPhone, so on. If it’s not done nearly perfectly – and marketed well, please learn from Steve – it won’t catch on. I don’t think they can do it at this price point, I mean, look at the Kindle.
I’m more excited by the idea of getting my own cad design whipped up for a hackintosh tablet with wacom digitizer I bet if I sold kits of the parts or an assembled unit with no os people would jump all over it
Posted from BGR Mobile (iPhone).
You’re kidding right? You bash this for being touch only yet you fawn all over the iPhone. Get real BG!
Looks like so 2000 lol
$300 for a web only device?
I’ll pay $300 for an Aspire, Mini, EEE, or other netbook first!
Yes, it’s cool. Yes, it’s handy.
But it only does one thing.
Let’s put it this way…
I’ll sell you a car that does nothing else other than get you from point A to point B. It has no heat, no radio, no gps, gets 10 mpg, goes only 25 mph, and only has a 4 gallon tank. The price – $15,000.
Or you can buy a Chevy Aveo with heat, AC, Radio, CD player, power windows, power locks, abs, gps, 35 mpg, 16 gallon tank, and can go 120 mph, for the same price.
Which would you buy?
I think if it’s going to be that big, it had better be very comfortable to hold. The pic looks too playskool…
Posted from BGR Mobile (iPhone).
It’s not about offering the same functionality. That’s like saying adding sykpe and wireless broadband to laptop has the same functionality of an internet phone, so who needs that. The issue is a different form factor which is more akin to a book/magazine and would be used as such. It can be an emagazine reader and almost have the same experience as holding a mag in your hand, something you can’t really do with a laptop.
@Jeff Pom
A chevy Aveo cannot go 120 mph!
could be something handy to have around the house. I don’t much use for it, with other Internet devices that do more for the same price. might sell well, might not. just have to wait and see.
Posted from BGR Mobile (iPhone).
I’m curious where you’re seeing Nokia N800s for under $200, because I’d jump all over that…
I would think about something like this for $300, this is the future of television. link drops like notafathersday-dot-com on how I met your mother and hornymanatee on conan drive serious traffic from TV to the web and shortly will be in the repertoire of all television producers. For three hundred bucks though it better have a universal remote function too.
Me? I want them as electronic karaoke songbooks I can put on tables — well, perhaps in a *slightly* more rugged package.
And I’m sure there are a billion and six other vertical market apps for them.
I sure hope he ships…
Oh, and HarryI? eBay. All day long.