48G Re-creation Project (fantasy)

[lemontea]

(10-31-2019 07:52 PM)EugeneNine Wrote:  You were never "stuck" with Linux anyway. There is always bare metal. But a Pt is still overkill, I'd use a small ARM mcu.

I was thinking of something from Microchip.

I think this device ought to be powered by 3 x AA or 4 x AA, last for years on a set of batteries, and doesn't have to be blazing fast (for that you'd just use a CAS app on your computer or smartphone).

No rechargeable lithium packs. It should stay in the desk drawer to be used many times per day, or once every 3 years, and still works when you pick it up to do a calculation. NiMH won't last 3 years in a drawer. So, only primary batteries. You can put in alkaline AA or Energizer Lithium for even more mileage.

LED or EL backlight e-ink is a bonus, depending on power drain.

No wireless anything except maybe IR (backward compatible so it can communicate with the IR printer, 48/49/50). But no need to bother with RF. Ultimately I envision this to be a solid, durable metal case, sealed for basic dust/water resistance (or at least the keyboard component can be taken out and rinsed in clean water, with the main PCB protected against spills, rain or dust).