begin oe_protect.scr
Roy Schestowitz <newsgroups@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx> espoused:
> __/ [ Mark Kent ] on Friday 28 July 2006 07:54 \__
>
>> begin oe_protect.scr
>> Roy Schestowitz <newsgroups@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx> espoused:
>>> ,----[ Quote ]
>>>| For the first time, you can hit your computer and get a meaningful
>>>| response! Using Linux and the Hard Drive Active Protection System
>>>| (HDAPS) kernel drivers, you can access the embedded accelerometers on
>>>| Lenovo (formerly IBM) ThinkPads, then process the accelerometer data
>>>| to read specific sequences of "knocking" events -- literally rapping on
>>>| the laptop case with your knuckles -- and run commands based on those
>>>| knocks. Double tap to lock the screen, and knock in your secret code
>>>| to unlock. Tap the display lid once to move your mp3 player to the
>>>| next track. The possibilities are endless.
>>> `----
>>>
>>>
> http://www-128.ibm.com/developerworks/linux/library/l-knockage.html?ca=dgr-btw01KnockBasedCommands
>>
>> You need this capability in the tablet-sized devices, really. Laptops
>> are way too big, heavy, noisy, hot, take too long to boot, need too many
>> wires and connections. The day of the laptop is numbered...
>
> Am I right in thinking that this would lead to the same
> problem of tap-to-click touchpads? I mean, tablets and PDA
> are mobile, so they are susceptible to impact. This leads to
> actions being invoked when you don't want them (see Kelsey's
> remark).
>
> The trigger mechanism of keyboards and mouses (mice) sort of
> prevents this. As for PDA's, touchscreens tend to have
> actions disabled unless unfolded or switched on. In fact,
> there is even software to even disable to effect of many
> buttons, which tend to get pressed in one's pocket (not
> deliberately).
>
It's not a huge issue. Mobiles have had the capability to be locked by
a simple key combination for ages. My N770 takes this a step further,
after a definable period of inactivity, it locks it's screen /and/
buttons, and requires a particular sequence to unlock them. It even
tells you the required sequence on the display!
As you say, once in the sleeve or folded down, they're usually fairly
inactive. The 'accelerometer' is about trying to compete with a
PDA/tablet device. I can see that Microsoft would like that - they'd
love to have Windows on the PC, and then a simple version which could do
what you /really/ wanted, like alarms, diary, contacts, all they stuff
they try to lock you into with exchange/outlook.
--
| Mark Kent -- mark at ellandroad dot demon dot co dot uk |
The best way to make a fire with two sticks is to make sure one of them
is a match.
-- Will Rogers
|
|
