Author: Alastair Scott
Date: 10:00:33 03/16/03
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On March 16, 2003 at 09:04:10, John Wentworth2 wrote: >Since we have winboard that can run multiple engines on a PC. What about a >Winboard like interface contained in a dedicated chess computer that you play >anywhere? If the unit had a USB that could connect to a PC to download new >engines or updates, then it could be quite flexible. > >Wouldn't that also make the programs stronger since they wouldn't have to >compete for system resources running on Windows PCs? > >Just a thought, I think it would neat if there was such a thing. The problem is that you're essentially describing a PalmOS-based machine or Pocket PC ;) There have been attempts over the years to produce "intermediate-size" PCs (between PDA and laptop size); they have all failed in the end although some machines, such as the Toshiba Libretto, were very cleverly done. The Handheld PC (running Windows CE, with keyboard) has also been a failure and has almost vanished with the Pocket PC (running Windows CE, with touchscreen and stylus) taking over; I remember when the two were equally strongly marketed. I think the problem with such machines is that they fall between two stools; the 'cheap, but you know you aren't getting much' of PalmOS machines in particular and the 'expensive, but becoming closer to desktop performance' of laptops. A prediction of mine is precisely the opposite of yours; that, within 5 years, there will be _no_ dedicated chess machines at all. The market is too small, laptops and PDAs are getting cheaper, and mobile phones running Java (etc) will be there too ... Alastair
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