The iPhone, when you think about it, is really more of a handheld computer than a phone. Sure, it can make phone calls, but any phone can do that. What makes the iPhone unique is its web-surfing abilities and legions of add-on programs. It's just in a phone's form factor.
A company called OLO Computer is working on a small laptop that'll cradle your iPhone and allow you to use it with a large screen and full keyboard. You'll simply pop the iPhone into a space where the trackpad usually sits, turning the iPhone into a trackpad. You'll then be able to type out e-mails or text messages using the keyboard, sending them through your phone. It's a clever idea, one that may or may not catch hold depending on how much it costs. We'll see how this one turns out.
OLO Computer, via iTWire
editor@dvice.com
By Vic at 9:09 PM ON 10/13/08
If this is true, this is huge. Maybe apple will buy them
By alexbleks at 6:48 AM ON 10/14/08
I WANT THIS :D
By beej at 9:58 AM ON 10/14/08
They all ready make something similar for WinMo...it's called RedFly
By CoolProducts at 4:07 PM ON 10/15/08
Definitely could be a hit, depending on the costs..
By Mchipser at 5:40 PM ON 10/15/08
This might be worth getting a Iphone now.. Since it will replace me getting a netbook
By Ryan at 5:44 PM ON 10/15/08
that is awesome, i already have a macbook, but i would probably buy that too...
By hudey at 5:46 PM ON 10/15/08
Why not just build the phone functionality into the netbook? Better processor, better graphics... just need to use a bluetooth headset and your phone, netbook, and music player can all be the same device.
By Alan Meade at 6:05 PM ON 10/15/08
This reminds me of plugging my n95 into any screen with an rca input (with the included cable) and using any bluetooth keyboard.
By Van at 6:06 PM ON 10/15/08
I would be happy with just a cable that allowed me to plug a monitor and keyboard into the phone. This is all some folks would need for their surfing and email. Was wondering why no one was working on this.
By alexmipego at 6:24 PM ON 10/15/08
This doesn't make sense since iPhone (500$) + this (at least 100-200$) would be much more expensive than a more powerfull eeePC.
Still, if they make an universal connector that other phones could use, and transformed this into some sort of quiosk to be distributed in airports and train stations, it could be a very successfull hit.
By COOLERPRODUCTS at 6:39 PM ON 10/15/08
Any more than $160 and it'll bomb.
By Anonymous at 6:44 PM ON 10/15/08
@ALEXMIPEGO:
Yes but if you bought an iPhone (and it's $200-300, not $500), and this, you'd have the rough equivalent of an eeePC plus a phone!
By nsdjoe at 6:45 PM ON 10/15/08
@ALEXMIPEGO:
Yes but if you bought an iPhone (and it's $200-300, not $500), and this, you'd have the rough equivalent of an eeePC plus a phone!
By Woot at 7:40 PM ON 10/15/08
www.FilthyRichmond.com
By anonymous at 7:45 PM ON 10/15/08
An iphone isn't $200-$300... you are forgetting the contract, thats more than 400 when you are done paying it. Contracts aren't the only way to use mobile phones, not in european countries.
By RyanBMAi at 8:46 PM ON 10/15/08
Even @ $200 this will be hit. There not going for people who haven't purchased an iPhone yet. And with Apple fans, price obviously doesn't seem to be a factor. Or I wouldnt have a 24inch iMac, Air and MacBook for the misses.
By dannyboy at 10:21 PM ON 10/15/08
This is what Apple should have done for a $599 netbook - have it as an iPhone add-on.
By seth at 10:30 PM ON 10/15/08
they should make it for the android
By ShinyHat at 12:25 AM ON 10/16/08
WANT!
By darthfellator at 3:59 AM ON 10/16/08
what about the ipod touch...since they are essentially the same thing ...the only difference is no phone capabilities (direct 3g/edge) and no gps receiver...if the "Cradle" or "dock" has a port for a gps (usb) and/or a port say a broadband access usb modem or express card.., would be a great solution for people such as myself (ipod touch users/enthusiasts) ...would be an awesome laptop alternative for people that just like to surf the web and get emails...
has the POTENTIAL to become great idea if cost effective and has the right peripheral support/expandability!
By Sachin at 7:23 AM ON 10/16/08
this is really amazing
By armando at 9:31 AM ON 10/16/08
Isn't that the concept behind the Palm Foleo?
By REDBALLOON at 12:39 AM ON 10/17/08
I'd rather be able just to plug my keyboard and a screen into the iphone itself. But I guess this is a great all in one concept. Will have to be cheap though.
By Brisbane web designer at 6:07 AM ON 10/19/08
How awesome is that ! And I was going to buy myself an ASUS Eee PC.
By InfiniteWill at 8:33 PM ON 10/19/08
If you go to the OLO computer link above you find that a) this is only a concept. b) AIM, the company that created the concept is more or less a "Think Tank". They don't build the stuff, they just dream it up. c) Cool as it is, it will likely never see the light of day without Apple's blessing, but it would be seriously cool for those of us who are finger typing challenged.
By GODO at 2:47 AM ON 10/24/08
Pretty sweet. I wonder what the price will be.. hoping around a $100