Top 150+ Artificial Intelligence (AI) Companies 2024
"Rasti Computer" Is A Detailed GRiD Compass Tribute Made From Framework Innards
Enlarge / Penk Chen's Rasti Computer, built with 3D printing, Framework laptop internals, and a deep love for the first laptop that went to space. Penk Chen reader comments 4If I had to figure out what to do with the insides of a Framework 13 laptop I had lying around after today, I might not turn it into a strange but compelling "Slabtop" this time.
No, I think that, having seen Penk Chen's remarkable project to fit Framework parts into a kind of modern restyling of the Grid Compass laptop, I would have to wait until Chen posts detailed build instructions for this project... And until I had a 3D printer... And could gather the custom mechanical keyboard parts. Sure, that's a lot harder, but it's hard to put a price on drawing unnecessary attention to yourself while you chonk away on your faux-used future laptop.
The Rasti Computer, which Chen writes is "derived from the German compound word 'Rasterrahmen' (grid + framework)," has at its core the mainboard, battery, and antennae from the highly modular and repairable first-generation Framework laptop. It takes input from the custom keyboard Chen designed for the chassis, with custom PCB and 3D-printed keycaps and case. It sends images to a 10.4-inch QLED 1600×720 display, and it all fits inside a bevy of 3D-printed pieces with some fairly standard hex-head bolts. Oh, and the hinges from a 2012 13-inch MacBook pro, though that's possibly negotiable.
Chen's project derives from, and pays tribute to, the Grid Compass (styled "GRiD" by its maker, GRiD Systems Corp.). The Compass was probably (again, probably) the first clamshell-style laptop made. It saw use by NASA's Space Shuttle program, as well as by military and other entities needing a laptop that was both compact and throw-it-at-a-wall durable. It had 256KB of memory by default (less than half the amount Bill Gates didn't say you should ever need), a 320×240 pixel screen, and an Intel 8086 processor. Some models contained a 1,200bps modem. It cost more than $8,000 in 1982, or almost $25,000 today.
AdvertisementWe have it on good word from some resident vintage computer collectors that the Compass remains a rare and expensive item to get. Rebuilding a Framework mainboard into a modern-day Grid-like doesn't seem particularly cheap, depending on your 3D printer setup, or lack thereof. Nor is it likely to be easy, given a glimpse at how it goes together. But it will give you a unique portable and conversation piece, one that runs programs beyond Grid-OS.
You can read more about the Grid Compass at Cooper Hewitt, the firm where Compass designer Bill Moggridge worked as design director from 2010 until his 2011 passing. If you remember bubble memory, it's a dip back into that genial trauma. Hackaday, where we first saw the Rasti project, wrote up a similarly Compass-inspired laptop, the GRIZ Sextant, with a Raspberry Pi at its core.
The Best Gadgets From CES 2024 To Save Up For
From transparent OLED TVs to foldable OLED monitors, there were loads of innovative applications of this display tech on the show floor at this year's CES expo. Oh, and there were a bunch of clever-sounding AI-powered devices too.
While a lot of these are just concepts or still in the works, several cool products unveiled at the event will be available to buy later this year. Here's everything from CES worth ponying up for in 2024.
1. Talk to your apps, naturally – Rabbit R1Price: $199Availability: Pre-orders open
I've long imagined Iron Man's Jarvis handling my phone's apps to get things done without me lifting a finger. Rabbit claims its R1 handheld AI gadget can do just that – from ordering meals to researching destinations for your next holiday.
The company, which has raised $30 million in funding since last October, claims you can teach the R1 to do whatever you need it to on any mobile app and have it repeat that action with just a voice command. The idea is for the device to reduce the amount of time you spend tapping through steps on your phone screen.
Rabbit is taking pre-orders now, and says it's already sold 40,000 devices. It expects to start shipping the first batch of R1s by April.
How smart is dumb? Find our whether AI in your gadgets is useful or not.
2. Every gamer's dream monitor – Alienware AW3225QF (32-inch)Price: $1,199Availability: January 2024
My search for a 32-inch 4K OLED gaming monitor ends at last with this beast. Alienware's AW3225QF packs a curved QD-LED panel, promising lower lag input with a high 240Hz refresh rate that should make for buttery smooth action. This display also supports HDMI 2.1, which is great for higher frame rates. Too bad a compatible graphics card is still months away.
Its $1,199 price tag will make this the most expensive component in my gaming rig by a mile – but going by the specs, the on-screen eye candy will be worth it.
3. It takes two OSes to tango – Lenovo ThinkBook Plus Gen 5 Hybrid https://www.Youtube.Com/watch?V=ro1TRim2UfkPrice: $1,999Availability: Summer 2024
Lenovo's new "hybrid" laptop has a detachable screen that turns into an Android tablet. Meanwhile, the keyboard base works as a Windows PC when hooked to a monitor. Yank the tablet to tackle touch-friendly apps while Windows gets some serious PC work done – there's no guarantee you can move things between them easily.
Intel's Core 7 Ultra chip powers the Windows keyboard, and a Qualcomm Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 handles the Android tablet side of things. Both come packed in an ultra-thin aluminum chassis leaving me with one concern – battery life.
4. Can a laptop with two OLED screens change the game? – ASUS ZenBook Duo (2024)Price: $1,499Availability: January-March 2024
ASUS' inventive new laptop cleverly hides a second OLED display that you can whip out to expand your screen real estate whenever you need it. That means you can present slides at a conference table, set up a dual-screen workstation, or make more room for your photo and video editing tools.
That's thanks to a flexible design that lets you use the dual 14-inch OLED displays vertically or horizontally, along with a detachable keyboard. And while it costs a pretty penny, it's a fair bit cheaper than last year's model.
5. Gaming phones with sophisticated styling – ASUS ROG Phone 8 SeriesPrice: Starting $1,099Availability: February 2024
ASUS' latest gamer-focused ROG phones got a more subtle redesign than previous iterations in the lineup. There's a mini LED matrix embedded in the matte black rear panel on the ROG Phone 8 Pro that looks pretty grown up in this segment.
You'll get top-of-the-line internals built around the latest Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chip to run the latest games without breaking a sweat, along with a bright adaptive 165Hz AMOLED display. The top-end models also get an attachable external cooler, and the entire line gets shoulder triggers to boot. This one's shaping up to be quite the treat for gamers on the go.
6. A portable OLED monitor to carry everywhere – ASUS ZenScreen FoldPrice: $1,999Availability: First half, 2024
Not to be outdone by other brands making foldable smartphones, ASUS just dropped a foldable OLED monitor.
The compact ZenScreen Fold's center crease seems to disappear when its 17.3-inch screen opens, and the built-in stand lets you set it up at a range of angles. This looks like a smart way to expand your laptop setup for work or watching movies on the go.
7. The return of physical keyboards for phones? – Clicks for iPhonePrice: $139Availability: February 2024
It's not cheap, but can you really put a price on reviving the joy of typing on a physical phone keyboard? Developed by a couple of YouTubers and an experienced hardware team, the Clicks keyboard brings tactile typing to iPhones with what looks like a thoughtfully built case.
8. Another contender enters the portable PC gaming arena – MSI Claw A1MPrice: $699Availability: Second half, 2024
The battle for the portable gaming handheld console begins as the $699 MSI Claw A1M will lock horns with ASUS' ROG Ally. This handheld supports different external GPUs to play the latest games – that's great since Ally' limits you to use only XG Mobile GPU system.
This model doesn't really bring anything new to the table design-wise, so it's down to the specs. I can't wait to see how the Claw's Intel Core Ultra chipset fares against the AMD Ryzen Z1 series processor in the ROG Ally later this year.
9. Affordable Mixed Reality glasses for the rest of us cyberpunks – Xreal Air 2 UltraPrice: $699Availability: March 2024
The all-titanium Air 2 Ultra is a trendy pair of AR glasses that link with your phone, console, or computer to power up and bring you a whole new array of apps. The 6DoF 3D sensors on these smart glasses map your surroundings and enable you to interact with digital objects like they were real, such as animated avatars.
While they're likely not going to compete directly with standalone Apple's Vision Pro, they certainly are lighter in weight – and on the pocket.
10. Go beyond traditional health wearables – Withings BeamOPrice: $250Availability: June 2024
Withings is calling its latest gadget a 'multiscope.' There's a digital stethoscope to check your heart and lung health, a blood oxygen sensor, a mini ECG for detecting anomalies in how your heart functions, and a contactless thermometer – all designed to make at-home checkups easier.
If the FDA gives BeamO the nod, it'll land later this year for $250.
11. When you can't have too many touchscreens – JBL Live 3 EarbudsPrice: $200Availability: Summer 2024
It may not be for everyone, but JBL isn't totally nuts for putting a touchscreen on its earbuds cases. While previous models let you control audio playback, EQ, and other settings without taking out your phone, the new Live 3 earbuds come with a color display this time around.
You'll also get to choose between three styles of buds depending on what's most comfortable for you, and they all support High-Res audio with LDAC wirelessly. I'm still waiting to hear how these sound before dropping cash on them, though.
12. Face ID for your front door – Lockly VisagePrice: $350Availability: Summer 2024
I guess face recognition on door locks was inevitable – but I've got to admit, it does sound like something we'll see a lot more of in the near future.
For $350, the Visage lock will recognize up to 100 facial scan profiles, so you won't be locked out when you come home wasted and grimacing oddly. And of course, you can always use backups like its fingerprint scanner or home key on your iPhone in case it's confused.
AI everywhere: it's one of the tech trends we anticipate and dread in 2024.
13. An intelligent DOP for your iPhone – Belkin Auto-Tracking Stand ProPrice: $129Availability: February 2024
I can finally stop bribing my nephew to film my incredible dance moves. Belkin's new Stand Pro automatically tracks your face and body as you move, and rotates and tilts your iPhone to follow your every step. It's also a MagSafe-friendly wireless charger and works for video calls to boot.
Image credit: Rabbit
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Samir Makwana is an seasoned independent content strategist and editor. Besides writing features and tutorials, he has reviewed a variety of hardware products ranging from audio products to computers.
Gadgets That Will Make Every Student More Free
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Illuminated desk: Xiaomi presents the FOLDING DESK LAMP J1, a smart, rechargeable, and foldable desk lamp that illuminates your study area. This minimalist lamp has a clean and polished design, winning awards for its aesthetics. With a high-capacity lithium battery, it can provide up to 40 hours of operation and offers five levels of light intensity. Price: 109 shekels. Available
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