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On 12/18/2000 at 10:58 AM [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote:
>>> I think that is possible to do a very cheap QL. Indeed
>>> the 68328 Dragonball has everything needed...I heard
>>> that it would costs around one $ in series production.
>
>> That I'd like to see as it's nearly $15 for >1000...
>
>I mean the first generation Dragonball, also the one used
>for the first Palm Pilot. Not the one used currently.
>
So did I. In order to get samples, I actually got a couple of PalmPilots
with smashed screens, cracked voltage converter inductors etc. Motorola
quoted the price above for 1000+. I wasn't even looking at the 68382E,
which is the new model. However, that has been a while ago - now that the
new model is out, it's entirely possible that some overstock dealer can get
the old model quite cheap. But I still think 1$ sounds too cheap - not that
I'd complain. Now if only I could find the MCF5102 at that cost :-)
>
>>> The most expensive components would be a 512x256
>>> with 4 shades of grey LCD screen...
>
>> Seiko/Epson, Optrex, Sharp and a number of other manufacturers of
>> LCD screens offer custom sizes. The LCD itself has no shades of
>> gray, the hardware inside the 68328 handles that using a method
>> called frame rate modulation (FRM). Remember, I did design a
>> LCD controler for the QL :-)
>
>You mean that they have the tooling to manufacture LCD screens
>at any resolution???
>
Probably not any, but certainly within wide limits. Yes, it's not even that
complicated, asuming you are willing to pay for the requisite minimum
number of such displays. There are dealers that use this service to order
replacement LCDs for laptops, as service items.
In fact, the Z88 display is a custom made unit by optrex (512x64 IIRC).
This actually gives me an idea - one could actually do a 68328 based
QL-like computer and fit it into something the size of a Z88 :-)
On the other hand, one can get relatively cheap 640x480 displays (for about
$19 qty one), but then they are not compatible with the 68328 because they
are double scan. AFAIK the 68328 only supports single scan displays. FYI: a
double scan display scans the top and bottom half of the display at the
same time, as if the halves were two separate displays. A single sacn LCD
behaves much like a CRT monitor, on the other hand. Because of this, it may
be entirely possible for the 68328 to be programmed to drive a TV.
>
>> Certainly, if a moderate amount of RAM was added, say 512k, and a
>> 8 or 16M flash ROM. But then, you practically have a Palm Piot ;-)
>
>No it would be very much bigger. But usable not only by children, I agree.
>
Well, the main PCB itself would be very small as there would only be a few
chips. The rest would depend on how big you want the display and keyboard
to be.
Nasta
