Engineering:Napkin PC
The Napkin PC is a concept for a next-generation computer entered into the 2009 Next-Gen PC Design Competition by Avery Holleman. The concept won first prize, the Chairman's Award.[1] The award was personally presented to Holleman by Microsoft founder Bill Gates. Holleman received $20,000 in prize money for the accolade.
There is currently no plan to build the device; it remains a concept. The technology is based on current technologies, like e-paper and radio frequency.[2]
Design
A "napkin" holder functions as a base-station for the technology. The base-station is filled with e-paper "napkins", as well as a place for some coloured pens. The user can simply pick up a pen and interact with the napkin using the pen. The napkin and pen communicate using short-range RF technology, while both connect with the base-station using long-range RF waves.[2][3][4]
Holleman has also stated that the napkins can easily be shared. The napkins are also modular.[2][3][5] The pen wirelessly powers the napkin when it comes into close range.[2]
Production
Images of the concept released by Holleman show the device running a variant of Windows.[6]
Holleman hopes that the Napkin PC will encourage creative groups to collaborate better because of the conference abilities of the concept.[1][2]
The device will require very little power. It will rely on not a battery, but a single-layer flexible circuit board for inductive power.[2][5] Holleman also hopes that the device will help cut down on paper waste and reduce the need for printers in modern society.[2]
References
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 "Napkin PC Concept by Avery Holleman Has Won Microsoft Next-Gen PC Design Competition". http://www.tuvie.com/napkin-pc-concept-by-avery-holleman-has-won-microsoft-next-gen-pc-design-competition/. Retrieved 2014-11-12.
- ↑ 2.0 2.1 2.2 2.3 2.4 2.5 2.6 Zyga, Lisa (2008-01-05). "Napkin PC Enables High-Tech Doodling". Science X. http://phys.org/news118766237.html. Retrieved 2014-11-12.
- ↑ 3.0 3.1 Fallon, Sean (2008-01-04). "Napkin PC Concept Utilizes Multi-Touch E-Paper Display and RF Technology". Gawker Media. https://gizmodo.com/340835/napkin-pc-concept-utilizes-multi-touch-e-paper-display-and-rf-technology. Retrieved 2014-11-12.
- ↑ Ling, Brian (2008-01-26). "Finally a PC that Every Designer has Dreamed About!". http://www.designsojourn.com/finally-a-pc-that-every-designer-has-dreamed-about/. Retrieved 2014-11-12.
- ↑ 5.0 5.1 B., Sierra (2008-04-08). "Napkin PC Concept". http://www.techpin.com/napkin-pc-concept/. Retrieved 2014-11-12.
- ↑ "High Tech Napkins". 2008-01-04. http://www.yankodesign.com/2008/01/04/high-tech-napkins/. Retrieved 2014-11-12.
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