The design philosophy behind the Xtend Next Generation Information Appliance

When talking about the design of the Xtend, it's important to start with the philosophy that has driven it.

The Xtend is not intended to be used as a general computing device. If you need to write a long letter, work on a complex spreadsheet, etc., then use the tool most suited for it, a desktop or a laptop PC.

However, if you want to perform primarily read-only activities (web browsing, reading and answering email, reading electronic documents, displaying digital artwork) from any one of several locations that are no doubt more comfortable that in front of your PC, then the Xtend is perfect.

You're probably saying "I can do that all with a laptop!" The problem is that most keyboard-based laptops are really bad at actually sitting in your lap while you're on the couch, in a hammock, on the deck, or in bed.

There are laptops that have been developed and are being developed with a tablet-like form factor, the problem is they are simply laptops (typically with a price tag even greater than a similar keyboard-based laptop) that just have had the keyboard removed. So you are paying for much, much more than what you typically need for the functionality that the Xtend provides.

Unlike other previous attempts in the information appliance market, we feel that the Xtend product stands on its own merits, and that there is a profitable market in selling it. Previous attempts sold their units below cost, in a hope of generating revenue by forcing the user to sign-up and use a specific (and typically overpriced, and inferior) internet service provider, or through a "captive portal"-based advertising scheme.

Because the Xtend is a computer peripheral that extends your existing computing and communication infrastructure, you are free to use your existing ISP. Share files and application with your desktop, or print documents with the printer connected to your desktop over the wireless network the Xtend creates.

A good way to describe the Xtend is to state both what it is, and perhaps more importantly, what it's not.

What the Xtend is not:

The Xtend is not an overly priced, yet functionally limited laptop
We didn't feel that removing the keyboard and raising the price of a laptop was the correct way to go about designing an information appliance for the home user. Things like price, weight, and heat are too high, and things like battery life, ease of use, and user satisfaction are too low.

The Xtend is not an under-powered, inconveniently designed PDA
PDA's are great for carrying around in your pocket, purse, or briefcase to keep schedules, phone numbers, or even play games on. Unfortunately even units that cost almost as much as the Xtend have screens too small to display web pages well, and typically still require additional hardware to work wirelessly.

The Xtend is not a limited, specific-use, e-mail or web terminal.
Unlike other attempts at information appliance design, the Xtend is not limited by being only useful for browsing the internet or reading email. The user is also not require to sign up and use a specific internet service provider. Keep your existing dial-up ISP or broadband provider and let the Xtend blend right in.

What the Xtend is:

The Xtend is A personal computer peripheral
As opposed to a stand-alone computing device, it's an addition to the computer technology that is most likely already in the target user's home. The Xtend is intended to literally extend the reach of this technology, and improve the user experience of things like:
- Surfing the web
- Reading and replying to e-mail
- Accessing information on the PC

By allowing the user to perform these types of tasks in a more comfortable surrounding.

The computing power of the Xtend is optimized for its intended uses, thus providing for reduced power consumption, weight, size, and cost. The target user doesn't need a $2000 portable computer with a 2 GHz processor and 256 MB of memory to do the things the way the Xtend allows them to be done.

The Xtend is an appropriate form factor
It was important to design a form factor that was small enough to be comfortable and light, but allowed a good display size and resolution. As the computing power is matched to the intended uses, battery size is reduced, along with weight, heat generation, etc.

A size and weight close to an average book was the most logical choice. After all, when was the last time you curled up on the couch with a good laptop?

The Xtend is an ultra-powerful learning universal remote control
The Xtend was created to fill a remarkable void in today's home internet computing and entertainment electronics market. As the use of the Xtend will no doubt bring it into the rooms that typically have at least the family TV, and more typically the home entertainment center, it just made sense to have the Xtend act as the ultimate control device. The Xtend replaces that jumbled pile of remotes you probably have, in addition to all the other powerful computing and communication functions, at a price that is on par with some of the more powerful universal remote control ONLY devices!

The Xtend is Wireless
It was vital that the design incorporate high-speed wireless networking technology to allow the user to freely go to any environment they wish to use the Xtend.

• Read the morning news from a website on the patio
• Read and answer e-mail at the kitchen table over lunch
• Look up a recipe at an on-line cooking site while in the kitchen
• Look up on-line television program listings in the entertainment room, and then use the universal remote control abilities to control the home theater system

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