HP rumored to be concocting digiframe / slate PC hybrid device

We've heard some rumors that were pretty far out in left field, but this one is far out. In fact, the only reason we're giving it even an ounce of credence is that it's a perfect market opportunity -- we mean, who isn't dreadfully sick of the plain jane digital photo frames that are impossible to distinguish from one another? At any rate, whispers have it that HP is working up a frame that will double as a slate PC of sorts, giving users a full blown web browser, e-mail client, RSS reader and access to other "widgets and lightweight applications." Predictably, the mythical unit will be marketed as a companion internet device, and we're told that it may even boast an Intel Atom CPU alongside a 10-inch panel and a WiFi radio. We'll find out if you'll really be burning $400 on this so-called conglomerate before the year's end.

[Erb @ Nov 18th 2008 3:24AM]

Not a bad idea, I just hope the wooden frame is detachable and it has a nice touchscreen!

[BCre8v @ Nov 18th 2008 7:51AM]

Agreed, potentially very good idea, but should include a family calendar function and event notification.

[Str1ker @ Nov 18th 2008 3:14PM]

I disagree, this is a bad idea!

Seriously think of it...it's stupid.

[Anghell @ Nov 18th 2008 3:39AM]

Give me a better frame and I'll buy one

[Uncontrol @ Nov 18th 2008 3:41AM]

this is like the worst idea i've ever heard

[SITEiNK @ Nov 18th 2008 3:42AM]

might be great for a home automation interface.

[centinall @ Nov 18th 2008 4:15AM]

Seriously man, don't you think Engadget, Autoblog, Joystiq, etc has had enough of your spamming? Imagine if everyone did it? It's the last thing Engadget needs in its comments section. Do you think you're somehow special?

[SITEiNK @ Nov 18th 2008 12:52PM]

you obviously think you are for setting me straight.
keep your spam to yourself.

[centinall @ Nov 18th 2008 7:20PM]

What spam? Anyway, thanks for stopping yours.

[ntlam @ Nov 18th 2008 3:49AM]

sound great. Price of 400$ is reasonable. something like eee with touchscreen?

[Adderz @ Nov 18th 2008 4:16AM]

I never got the hype of digital photo frames. They have to be one of the tackiest things available atm. Do people not care about having to plug in ANOTHER ac adapter to power a few photos?

Who buys these things?

[skilletcooked @ Nov 18th 2008 4:25AM]

I think a lot of folk are missing the point. The problem with all-in-one PCs is that people use them as their main, powerhouse desktop when they are really a laptop crammed into a desktop format. This creates a new type of low-power PC designed for information rather than production around the house, sort of like a beefed up slimmer Chumby or like ntlam said, an eee pc bolted to the wall so it is always where you need it!

[jcushing @ Nov 18th 2008 5:10AM]

Actually, I built something like this recently, using an industrial rackmount touchscreen mounted in a simple frame. Very handy, hanging on the kitchen wall (keep in mind there is a hole in my sheetrock and a series of cables that runs down to a PC in the basement), but very handy indeed.

[huh @ Nov 18th 2008 8:54AM]

I just find it hilarious that Engadget never gets it. It's like they're saying "but it's not what we had 10 years ago, what is it, no one needs it!" I'd love a good digital photo frame that can also serve as a family digital chalkboard, calender, handy browser, as well as as a control for music, lighting, heating, alarms, etc. Sure, there are overpriced, proprietary controllers for these kinds of things, but they are proprietary and overpriced. It's time to do the PC thing and commoditize this.

[P0Pe @ Nov 18th 2008 9:21AM]

I'd buy one in a minute. The Audry (3com) had enormous potential, but the subscription service and lack of pervasive broadband killed it. Imagine if this thing got the application support of the iphone or android

[krs360 @ Nov 18th 2008 9:51AM]

Ohhh, now thats a good idea!

Reading the article, I was like "want one", then finished reading the comments and was like "want one, but with iphone or android apps"!

[ryaninc @ Nov 18th 2008 11:06AM]

Wow, way to bring back the Audrey! I had one of those back in the day...

[pete @ Nov 18th 2008 11:52AM]

Nice idea, but isn't it smarter/cheaper to make this a (wireless) Windows Sideshow device?
Then the dev platform is already there, and they don't have to re-invent the wheel, they just have to write widgets for it.

[Erwos @ Nov 18th 2008 11:56AM]

Windows Sideshow is for a different purpose. Unfortunately, the only frame I'm aware of with Sideshow is the Momento 100 - which, unfortunately, is so highly priced that this doesn't look like a terrible deal. If they can get it into $50-$100 frames, they'd have a winner.

I'm actually digging this thing - I've been looking for a PC for upstairs usage, and this could be just the ticket. $400 seems high, though, especially if it's tethered to an AC outlet (eg, no battery).

[eddie @ Nov 20th 2008 3:54PM]

I think this is definitely something that will be prevalent in the market soon. As Darren said, it *is* the perfect market opportunity. HP was on the right track with the Touchsmart PC, but I believe it was too large and too expensive to have in anything other than your office. We at Picwing are developing something very similar to this, running on an x86 family processor, wifi, a 10.4" touchscreen, and Flash as the GUI.