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Pockit: A tiny, powerful, modular computer [video]

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Re: Pockit: A tiny, powerful, modular computer [video]

#13

Post by afarviral »

So cool. Anyone criticizing the real utility of one of these (e.g. calling it a toy) is not thinking long term. Over time a single unit could be repurposed for any number of distinct and serious usecases (home automation being the most natural fit, but many others), and this and its software are important steps toward a more robust and useful devices and less waste. Minitirized, waterproofed, secure and many more modules and "apps", standardized and mass produced. This is huge. Keep going!

Re: Pockit: A tiny, powerful, modular computer [video]

#17

Post by vanderZwan »

Venkatesh10 wrote: post #3

Looks good. But how will it perform over the years to come?

Arguably it would be better than current solutions because you can upgrade the modules that need upgrading while keeping the stuff that works, instead of throwing out everything and starting over.

Re: Pockit: A tiny, powerful, modular computer [video]

#18

Post by squarefoot »

Very beautiful, seems the ideal toy to teach kids how to play with technology in creative ways. It could be completed by kits with real pcbs and parts to turn the modular device into an useable functioning board. All software and firmware should also be 100% open. Schools should seriously consider adopting it, although I fear the amount of engineering and design will probably keep the price very high.

Re: Pockit: A tiny, powerful, modular computer [video]

#20

Post by vidarh »

ajsnigrutin wrote: post #5
th0ma5 wrote: post #4

The hardware is very cool. The start of the integration with the dashboard is neat, but I'm not entirely sure how useful it would be other than making a video like this. Perhaps something like OSC or something could help keep it modular from a software standpoint and not so toy seeming. I also think a lot of software has whole knows what layers expecting hardware to not just suddenly disappear. Appear is maybe less a…

Yep, looks great as a toy, but seems not-that-ok for any serious use, because for static setups, all the alternatives are a lot cheaper, because they don't have to be modular (eg. touchscreen display for controlling home automation). But I like the concept for areas such as schools etc., because it makes it possible to try a bunch of different things very fast.

The alternatives may be cheaper if you can find one that does what you want. But in terms of the ability to quickly throw something together where existing stuff doesn't quite do what you want or is locked down, it looks amazing.

In terms of "serious use" I think that depends on what you mean by "serious". E.g. my hone automation setup is not static, because I keep finding new little things I want to tweak, and often the ready-made solution lack options I'd like to have unless I'm willing to spend time tracking down very specific modules. My time is valuable to me - I'd happily pay extra for a modular system where I know if something is lacking a button for something I want I can literally just plug one in instead of having to search all over for a different model of something.

Of course this will not replace mass market "close enough" solutions.

But I think there are still more than enough people who want to tinker but don't want to have to whip out a soldering iron.

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