Smallest possibility with HOST USB?

M

Masejoer

Gawd
Joined
Mar 11, 2001
Messages
698
I'm not too sure what to look for but I need the smallest possible system that can give me access to serial port devices, even if it must use a USB to serial adapter. As far as I can see, PDA's are a no go and tablets aren't all that small. The device is to be used in-car for reprogramming engine and transmission parameters on the fly and be cable of this communication through an application that must work on the operating system (Windows-based, 9x and up compatibility).

So what are my choices if any, other than an overly large laptop?
 
Sounds like you need a UMPC. An OQO or a Sony UX would be the best bet. Though from personal experience OQO's have reliability issues. You might also be able to get something like the Nokia n810 MID to do what you want.
 
UMPC would work well for you but Samsung would be my recommendation. The other option are slates made by Motion or MobileDemand. MobileDemand are rugged and seem nice if you do not want to be super careful with it.
 
The Nokia N770 handheld can do USB host mode with an easy hack and it also works with PL2303-based USB to serial converters. This page has info: http://www.hcilab.org/projects/nokia770/nokia770.htm edit: this page has a no solder method: http://tabletblog.com/2006/01/no-solder-usb-host-method.html

The N770 is available for around $130 new on ebay including shipping, much cheaper and smaller than an UMPC. It has a 800x480 4.1" LCD touch screen. I really like mine. https://www.nokiausa.com/A4410230

edit2: I think some of the older Palm m100/m105 units can be connected to serial devices directly. Those are dirt cheap too.
 
I think he said it has to be windows based due to the application he's using.
 
Oops, missed that part since I didn't read the first post. :p

An UMPC is probably the smallest option. I've seen industrial handhelds based on SiS55x system on a chip designs which can run Windows, but those are probably more expensive than many UMPCs.
 
Wow, I didn't even know such a thing existed - a whole new computer type that isn't a laptop with a fold-around LCD. I'm going to look into these further.
 
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