I wanted a sideshow (esque) screen. I like the text LCDs that modders put on cases, but wanted more. Full video seemed pointless and overkill. I wanted just enough to show usefull info, and actualy add something over a second monitor or Text LCD.
Enter, the Wireless widget. A small 128×128 screen, PIC micro, bluetooth communications and a rechargeable Lithium Ion battery. An app runs on the PC and sends the data to the portable widget via bluetooth. My 100meter BT dongle on the PC gets good range. I can carry this dongle around the house and get a good link to the PC all over.
Im planning to do stuff like calander, clock, weather widgets etc. It would be nice to use it as an alarm clock that synced with the PC when it was on to download time updates, calendar entries etc.
The case is a thick cardboard sheet cut into a cube pattern, folder up and duct-taped. It gives a wonderfull look with the shiny black tape and is quite tough. I have dropped it and bounced it around a lot. As long as the LCD itself doesnt hit anything hard like a table corner its ok. Who needs Chumby :p
Video of it operating during testing (prior to finishing the software and case) here.
