If you’re feeling let down by the current range of tablets available on the market and think you could create a more functional solution, Liquidware has created a DIY tablet kit for just under $400 that provides you with all the technology you need to create your very own 4.3-inch touch screen tablet device.
Features of the Beagle Tablet Kit
The Beagle Tablet kit, created and supplied by Liquidware, is a portable modular open-source handheld computer. It is completely modular, snapping on or mounting directly to the BeagleBoard C4, resulting in a compact handheld tablet computer. This modularity allows for a high degree of customization and flexibility, making it an excellent choice for tech enthusiasts and DIY hobbyists.
Each kit contains a 4.3-inch OLED touchscreen that mounts directly on a BeagleBoard, a single-board computer from Texas Instruments that comes with a 1 GHz processor. This powerful processor ensures that your tablet can handle a variety of tasks efficiently. Additionally, the kit includes a battery module and a 4 GB pre-formatted SD card. The SD card can have either Android OS or Linux installed on it, providing you with the flexibility to choose the operating system that best suits your needs.
Advantages of Building Your Own Tablet
Building your own tablet offers several advantages over purchasing a pre-made device. Firstly, it allows for complete customization. You can choose the components that best meet your needs, whether you require more storage, a better display, or additional connectivity options. This level of customization is rarely available in commercial tablets.
Secondly, building your own tablet can be a highly educational experience. It provides a hands-on opportunity to learn about hardware and software integration, electronics, and programming. This can be particularly beneficial for students, hobbyists, and anyone interested in technology.
Moreover, the Beagle Tablet kit’s open-source nature means that you can modify and improve the software and hardware as you see fit. This is in stark contrast to many commercial tablets, which often come with locked-down software and limited upgrade options.
The Beagle Tablet Embedded Starter Kit is available to buy directly from Liquidware for $393.61. This price point makes it an affordable option for those looking to delve into the world of DIY electronics without breaking the bank.
Practical Applications and Community Support
The Beagle Tablet kit is not just a toy for hobbyists; it has practical applications in various fields. For instance, it can be used in educational settings to teach students about computer science and engineering. It can also be used in research and development projects where a customizable and portable computing solution is required.
Furthermore, the BeagleBoard community is a robust and active one. There are numerous forums, tutorials, and resources available online to help you get started and troubleshoot any issues you may encounter. This community support can be invaluable, especially for beginners.
Have a look at our article on Android vs iPhone to see which smartphone and mobile platform is best for you.
Via Gizmodo Via Liquidware
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