July 20th, 2010 by admin

For the last decade, researchers have been trying to come up with a way to give consumers internet access away from the computer. Whether you’re riding the El or stuck waiting for a meeting, any Chicagoan can appreciate the convenience and profitability of such a device. Early attempts included the Audrey, a countertop device with an 8-inch screen and a Geode processor, as well as the I-opener, a device which combined a terminal, keyboard, mouse, and 10-inch LCD display. However, none of these products were efficient enough to warrant their price tags.Today, high-end devices like the iPad and Kindle offer consumers that portable access that these initial products aimed toward. Video game consoles use Internet access for watching movies or playing against people on a network. Even some television makers are experimenting with connectivity. Meanwhile, more companies are trying to get in by offering more specialized products for less. Read the rest of this entry »