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I'm building an iTablet PDF Reader

Started by brettmb, July 12, 2009, 02:37:33 PM

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brettmb

July 12, 2009, 02:37:33 PM
I've been posting about this on my blog. My goal is to create a tablet computer that I can use to read PDFs and browse the web. I have completed the initial work on it to create a functioning yet unfinished unit.



It's based on an old Apple iBook G3 that I found on ebay. It's only got the minimum of required memory and a 10GB hard drive, but these things are always upgradable. I need to install a working DVD drive in order to perform a fresh, minimalist OS X install. I originally just copied the system from my old PowerMac G4 Tower via the Firewire port just to get it tested with Adobe Reader and Camino. It requires an external keyboard and mouse, since I disconnected the built-in keyboard and trackpad. I can also either get an internal Airport card or use one of my two USB Wi-Fi adapters to connect to my network for internet access and file sharing. I also ordered a cheap pen mouse. I'm not sure if this will work by writing on the screen or not -- it's likely that it will not be aligned properly, but it should suffice once I fashion a clear plastic covering to avoid direct contact with the LCD.

The next step is the clean OS X install and finalizing the software used. While the video chip does not support hardware rotation of the screen, Adobe Reader can rotate its pages, so that is not a problem. The built-in virtual keyboard also eliminates the need for an actual keyboard, since use of it will be quite rare.



Finally, I'll consider RAM and hard drive upgrades before I fashion something to enclose the whole unit properly. I also need to reposition the two speakers and power button. Once I get it looking like a whole unit, it will function just like a regular Mac. It's actually much lighter than it was before, but the battery may change that (it's not currently attached).
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