Digital newsstand saves paper, quarters

Traditionalists can go on and shed a tear, as it looks like we've found yet another suitable replacement for the tried and true newspaper. Of course, this DIY creation isn't apt to replace the existing iterations anytime soon, but for those not interested in leaving the house to fetch a paper, here's your solution. Crafted from an old newspaper box and utilizing a 17-inch LG Flatron LCD, a few nuts and bolts, a Mac mini, speaker system, and a fair amount of software tweaking, this digital newsstand flips through headlines in addition to cycling through slideshows, playing videos, and streaming audio. Take a closer look via video after the break.

[sinhumane @ Jun 27th 2007 2:01PM]

now.. make the papers downloadable via wifi, bluetooth, or a plain-'ol sd card, and i'll bite.

[Chris @ Jun 27th 2007 2:05PM]

It's a nice step, but it seems to me that it'd only be used by people walking by. That said, I think a TV is much easier to watch than having to crouch down and look at this screen.

I like the idea of not using paper (obviously) but I tried using the Denver Post website and it's just not the same when you want to sit down and have breakfast. I see newspaper companies distributing some sort of screen, (much like satellite companies distribute dishes and receivers) which people can then use to receive the paper every morning. That might be an acceptable crossover

[mthrndr @ Jun 27th 2007 2:06PM]

"but for those not interested in leaving the house to fetch a paper, here's your solution."

Yeah, my solution is opening firefox on my computer and going to [whatever] Times and read.

[Mile @ Jun 27th 2007 2:19PM]

That is so day before yesterday.

[pjw @ Jun 27th 2007 2:07PM]

definitely couldn't be out on the sidewalk in this format.

[Rainier @ Jun 27th 2007 2:15PM]

Great! Now all that's needed is a digital mail box next to it, so that he can drop off his email.

[randy @ Jun 27th 2007 2:22PM]

Probably the best way for the managers at that particular newspaper to avoid wasting paper is to try a smaller font. That headline takes up half of page one. it's utterly ridiculous.

[t-bone @ Jun 27th 2007 3:02PM]

But then you wouldn't be able to read it easily and it would be much harder for the paper to convince you to buy it. Headlines on the front page are as much about advertising as they are information.

[Matt @ Jun 27th 2007 4:08PM]

Actually t-bone, while that may be true, newspaper sales depend very little on how sensational/big the front headline is. The VAST majority of sales comes from subscriptions.

[Kaminix @ Jun 27th 2007 2:57PM]

What about energy demands?

[m @ Jun 27th 2007 3:05PM]

Did it have to be Taylor Hicks on the front page?

[Ellianth @ Jun 27th 2007 3:51PM]

If I saw one of those on the street corner, I think I'd go back late at night and steal it.

[Golfgal @ Jun 27th 2007 5:38PM]

I'd rather have hundreds of newspapers in the palm of my hand that I can take with me like a Blackberry or Smart Phone running PressDisplay.

[Christian @ Jun 27th 2007 6:25PM]

I can see this working if the info were downloadable to an eBook, PDA, even mobile phones and laptops that passes by.

And the comment about the mail box, there is one that actually offers to open your mail and scan it for records for you. Sounds fishy but they do exist. also you'd gain a new P.O. box for it to work. I still won't do it.

[I LOVE THE CAPS LOCK KEY @ Jun 28th 2007 3:10AM]

A touch screen would have been better suited for this purpose, several companies make open frame screens: just the screen, metal hardware, and appropriate electronics; no plastic case.


There should be plenty of room in a newsbox for one of these.
http://www.elotouch.com/Products/CRTs/1788C/default.asp
http://www.elotouch.com/Products/CRTs/1988C/default.asp

Only one lcd, at 12inches it's kind of small.
http://www.elotouch.com/Products/LCDs/1247L/default.asp

[I LOVE THE CAPS LOCK KEY @ Jun 28th 2007 3:15AM]

These were designed from the ground up for applications like the newsstand.

Perfect project monitor: PLANAR LA1910RTC
http://www.planar.com/Products/Embedded_Display_Sol/openframe/LA19.cfm

[Golfgal @ Jun 28th 2007 12:35PM]

I'd rather have hundreds of newspapers in the palm of my hand that I can take with me like a Blackberry or Smart Phone running PressDisplay.