Alternative Access Devices?
Two devices, the Pepper Pad and Nokia 770, have spawned renewed interest in internet access devices that aren’t PCs or computers as we know them. I had a chance to meet with the Pepper folks and get some hands-on time with a Pepper Pad and I’ve started to imagine some of the ways I’d like to use such a device in libraries.
The appeal for me is the price, simplicity, and the gap between the fewer than 100 million people with home internet access and the more than 180 million people with cell phones in the US (I explore that more in my personal blog).
It seems internet access is the primary need for computers in libraries, but do we need the entire computer if all we need to do is browse the web? Veicon is a vendor that’s been pushing thin client solutions for libraries, and I’m aware of a number of libraries that have done their own thin client installs.
I guess I’m curious if those are working for the libraries that have them now and if a handheld device like the Pepper Pad or Nokia 770 would fit well in your library. Comments?
Update: I meant to link this previously, but Jenny Levine, TheShiftedLibrarian, is asking for opinions about PDAs or tablet PCs for wireless reference. I’d expand the question to include the devices we’re talking about here, but please comment.
Update: I’ve got a Pepper Pad unit on loan to explore possible uses in our library. I’ve already written up my first impressions and will discuss it further in time.
Technorati Tags: access, computer, computers in libraries, computing, gap, handheld device, information age, information system, internet, internet access, internet connected, libraries, library, library technology, nokia, pepper, portable computing, simplicity, thin client, thin client solutions, web, web applications
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3 Responses to “Alternative Access Devices?”
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August 4th, 2005 at 12:46 pm
All I want is a color, full featured web browser in my pocket. No compromise, just like a normal desktop browser. For that reason, I’m salivating over the Nokia 770. With it’s Linux underpinnings, add a ssh client, and I’m pretty set.
August 4th, 2005 at 4:01 pm
I think thin clients have a place as it can reduce some of the public hardware and also give a bit more control. For personal use I’d have to inch towards the Nokia. The Pepper pad is nice but with the size of it and the price tag I’m not sure if I would trust myself moving it around while using. Another concern with WiFi devices for personal use is that around here there isn’t much. Part of the town has some WiFi, a few coffee shops and then our Library. I almost wish everything had gone to Wifi instead of Cellular. I could live with a skype phone.
That being said PDA’s, tablets, and the like just never clicked with me. I’m just too forgetful and hate carrying more than my wallet and keys. The only thing I do take with me regularly is my iPod (which does have my contacts, calendar, etc.). I’ve been looking at the Treo, Blackberry, etc and might head in that direction in the future.
August 9th, 2005 at 4:08 pm
I updated the text above to include a link to a similar discussion at Jenny Levine’s TheShiftedLibrarian site.