Yesterday, one of my favorite electronic shows, the Consumer Electronics Show, kicked off with much hoopla, including Bill Gates’ final keynote as Microsoft chief. But, for me, it’s the gadgetry that glitters. Here’s my first pick for best gadget. It’s the BUGbase and BUGmodules (collectively called BUG) by BUG Labs.
I’m buggin’ out!
The BUG is a mini computer-cum-Transformer. More than meets the eye! The BUGbase is the foundation and heart of the BUG system.
It’s a “fully programmable and “hackable” Linux computer, equipped with a fast CPU, 128MB RAM, built-in WiFi, rechargeable battery, USB, Ethernet, and a small LCD with button controls”.
Each BUGbase has four connectors that allow users to “transform” their BUG into a camera, a palmtop with LCD screen, a GPS unit or any combination of BUGmodules to create the ultimate SuperBUG.
BUGmodules include:
(1) a digital camera/videocam
(2) a touch-sensitive color LCD screen
(3) a GPS unit
(4) an accelerometer/motion sensor.
And, more BUGmodules–a widescreen color LCD screen, a mini QWERTY keyboard, audio speakers and something called a “Teleporter”–are on the way in Q2 of 2008.
The sexiest thing about the BUG is its “hackability”, its capacity to become so many cool gadgets. The BUG comes loaded with open source software. The Bug Module Interface (BMI) uses Java and OSGi to make creating module applications via BUG SDK simple and intuitive.
The BUG’s “transformability” is only limited by your imagination (and coding ability). I, for one, plan to mine the developers’ site for nifty bits and support (The BUGnet is the BUG community site).
Lest you think the BUG is done giving, I have to tell you about one more cool feature…the BUG Early Adopter Discount (Take that Steve!). Customers who buy within the first 60 days of retail sales will pay about 13%-15% less than those who wait. An additional discount will be offered to customers that purchase the BUGbase and all four BUGmodules (available Jan. 21st).
Here’s the price list. The discounted price is in parentheses.
BUG PRICING
BUGbase $349 ($299)
LCD module $119 ($99)
GPS module $99 ($79)
Camera module $79 ($69)
Motion detector / Accelerometer $59 ($49)
The Bug Labs online store will open for business on Monday, January 21st and begin filling orders on March 17th
A final note about my favorite tech insect. Bug Labs is offering the BUG system to the education market via a program called BUG+EDU. The programs are designed to allow educators to create hands-on innovation labs that offer kids an opportunity to dream and create cool gadgets in the classroom.
It’s a BUG’s life for me!
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