Patent Pending
Like 10 years ago, I still think that writing about the stuff you did on trips is boring. the difference is that this time around, there is no one here to make me write about it, and since I’ve been coming up with some random thoughts (like this one), I can fulfil my desire to write without having to talk details. I do realize that, compared with the stories of my crazy adventures around India, these random thoughts may not be as exciting for the rest of you all, but for me (right now) I’ve still got everything fresh in my mind and don’t really feel like I need to write it down. I know it won’t stay fresh in my head for long (especially as there is always something new to come in and take its place) so I will try to write things, but given my past history with writing about the past, I can’t make any promises… If you really want to hear about the “went-there, saw this” then let me know and I’ll try a little harder to get motivated to write about it.
I know I keep harping about this, but having to go to an Internet cafe to write on someone else’s computer, on their schedule – and pay for it – just doesn’t allow for manuy opportunities to write the kinds of entries I want to write. I’ve decided that what I need is a “digital typewriter”, and being the engineer I am, have started designing it in my head. It would be small and portable, basically a keyboard that folds in half (to save on space and protect the keys), with a small monochrome screen that tucks into the middle. The software would be really simple, just a barebones 1980′s texteditor would do (could even just run a simple UNIX based terminal system) because all it would be used for would be is basic text entry. There wouldn’t need to be a hard-drive, just a little flash memory to save the tiny text files on which could be removed to double as a USB memory key and thus transfer your writing to any other computer. With only these features it wouldn’t need much power, so a small rechargable battery could power it 20-40 hrs. It’s small, light, tough, cheap and extremly useful so you have all the benefits of digital writing in a travel-friendly package. It’s perfect for online journals/emails, write them on the device on your own time in the location of yur choice, and then simply paste the text into websites/emails in an Internet cafe when you get a chance – that’s what I was doing in Mussoorie, but I was using my laptop which I didn’t bring tripping for fear it would break/be stolen (my digital typewriter would be cheap enough that if it was stolen, it wouldn’t be a big deal). I tried a quick Google search to see if such a device exists already, but didn’t find anything. If you do know of something, let me know (I want one!), otherwise I’ll do a detailed design, patent it and make millions (just kidding, though I think there certainly would be a market for this kind of thing if you were interested…).
If I had one of these things, then I’d spend my late hotel nights and long train rides writing about what I’ve done, rather than just re-reading my Lonely Planet (my only book) or idily gazing out the window. Oh well…
So now it’s light outside, and so I’m heading off to explore around Jaipur. I arrived at 5:15am by train from Jaisalmer, and after a little wandering around an Indian city in early morning – interesting for awhile – I stumbled on this internet shop that was open and figured it was a good way to pass the time while waiting for things here to open up and start happening – average opening time here seems to be a relaxed 9:30am so mornings are slow for me, there isn’t much to do.
Hope you’re all doing well and enjoying the winter/Christmas spirit (seems so strange to me being here in India, it just doesn’t feel like Christmas, and even playing good old “Gothic Voices” while falling asleep on the train last night didn’t put me in the mood!).
Pink City, here I come!
This is the online home of one Shane Warner, my place to attempt to tell some of my stories, as well as just spout off whatever comes to mind.
I must have caught your thought waves today Shane as you thought about techie stuff, because something weird came over me and I did a techie thing that only you have done before in our family!…..
I’ll keep you in suspense…
And yeah, Gothic voices on a train in Rajasthan probably doesn’t evoke the same images as Gothic Voices in a room heated by the woodstove with snow swirling all around you outdoors. That is what you are missing.
And us? We are missing you. Great to talk to you the other day. How was your camel trek? Did you feel the earthquake that was in the mountains in Pakistan? We’ll write more later.
M
As someone who has also shared your problem, I think you idea is wonderfull. Though I would add two features. One would easily allow me to download my email, and write future messages. The other would allow the device to download books, news stories… The one thing I’ve always found when spending significant time abraod is that I always run out books, you just have more time to read though your limited by how much you can carry.
Good luck with your travels and keep writing. It gives me some quality distraction between exams.
Cheers,
Mark
Mark, sounds like you’re getting pretty close to a Blackberry-esque “convergent-device” with a real keyboard, and while I agree they’d be nice features, I’m guessing that kind of stuff might make the thing a little bigger and pricer. Also, the book feature would mean you’d need a bigger battery to be able to run it long enough, that’s why we don’t have mainstream “electronic paper” yet, the current screens require constant power to display, but for a book you’re looking at static pages and so potentially you can make big power savings with some new technology (I’ll leave that to others…)
Exams, ha! That’s just a really strange thought now. It’s amazing how different life can become in such a short time.
While there’s no collapsible keyboard, maybe a portable Word Processor – like the Alphasmart is what you’re looking for – seems like they go for under $100, and they have long battery life and a small screen. Usually, its an adaptive technology used in the classroom for students with special needs. Yes, I was actually listening in one of my education classes!
Have fun!
Although I have yet to use them, all my friends who have blackberries seem to hate them, though are quick to show them off. There is one common complaint. While it was once considered rude to call you employee at 2 o’clock in the morning, a discrete email is not.
No, this device is much simpler. Though possibly a little more complicated software wise than the device you described.
I envision the same basic system design (monotone scene and keyboard probably about the size of a calculator though thicker), but the software a little more complex. The email software would be a bare bones version of outlook programs write and read messages on trains, busses and hostel floors. The device would still connect though USB and probably use a web based email server that would store old messages and text files and upload and send the new ones so that the device need not be burden by anything larger than a couple of megabyte flash drive.
Ideally, that way one can eliminate the time and expense on internet cafes. Just plug in the device, have the new messages ready to be sent uploaded, and have your new mail downloaded. Read mail would be stored on the server unless you marked it to be saved on the flash drive permanently.
That way, one can spend their time (and money) in internet cafes doing what’s really important. Like reading and making comments your friends’ blogs.
The book option was more of a whim. Reading from digital text on portable devices has never really taken off. I just know what it’s like to be sitting on a train re reading the lord of the rings trilogy because that was all you could find in English at the local bookshop.
Merry Christmas Shane and I look forward to reading about more stories.
Cheers,
Mark
That Alphasmart thing is kinda cool, and while it is similar to what I’m thinking of here, it’s not quite right. Call me perfectionist, but it’s got to fold (otherwise it’s too big to travel with), and I like my USB key idea better than their cable solution (check out the 3000 version). At $139US it’s in the ballpark of my price range, but I was hoping for a little less even (and I can’t see why you couldn’t do it). So looks like I still have a shot at doing this myself, but it’s not completely without competition.
As for your comments Mark, I’ll agree – Blackberries appear to be status symbols, but I’ve heard from a number of people who hate them too. The whole direct email thing is cool, it just would be a little more complicated to make it work (either through a computer meaning endless driver issues, or over a cell connection which involves a whole new ball game). If it’s not too hard though, it would all be cool to have.
As for the book idea, I am just starting the travelers train of used books, and judging from the selection I’ve seen so far, I’ll be venturing out into new literay territory very soon. Here in India, the problem isn’t getting English books, it’s getting good English books you’ve heard of but haven’t read. We’ll see where I end up, just finished Angels & Demons and will look for something new tomorrow.