🚀 go-pugleaf

[From a posting in the group "comp.sys.laptops" on Usenet]

Info obtained in 4-June-90 Electronic Engineering Times:
 - - - -

        Tokyo --   The Sony Corp. has developed an integrated portable elec-
        tronic "book reader" that weds a 3-inch CD-ROM drive and 256 x 200
        pixel LCD display. The so-called DD-1 Data DiscMan adheres to the
        electronic book specs outlined by the Electronic Book Community in-
        dustry association, founded five months ago. Using rotating 3-inch
        CD-ROM media, the system delivers 200 Mbytes of data on CD platters
        that cost under $2 each to replicate in volume.

	   The initial DD-1 system delivers five dictionaries to the user, 
	using retrieval software contained on a slip-in IC decoder.

	   The $379 unit has a three-hour rechargeable battery lifetime. It 
	is equipped with a video output jack allowing the electronic book 
	to be displayed on an outboard TV screen or video display. The DD-1 
	can also be used to enjoy 3-inch CD audio platters in stereo.

 - - - -
Not bad, eh? Imagine the uses for this thing! Reference materials, 
manuals -- you name it, and highly portable too. 

The software interface better be pretty simple and straight forward, 
maybe "hypercardish" to increase its usability. It should also have some 
sort of <wince!> *standard* computer interface so it's REALLY usable. But 
hey, sounds like a great start to me.  Of course some sort of "heads-up"
virtual display (like those funky "data-glasses" --  still in R+D) would 
be GREAT! This is about as close as we'll get to "wetware" (see alt.cyber*) 
in the near future.  If anyone knows more about this or other neato similar 
devices - please follow up.

Scott Wood