New Ruggedized Android Tablet with GPS/FRS/Radio and a solar charger. Meet Earl.

[Tinker]

Saw this on Uncrate today. http://www.meetearl.com/#features

Android 4.1
E-Ink
Infrared touch screen
Ruggedized
GPS
FRS/GRMS/MURS


I'm in for 1.

 

[RangeBrover]

Definitely a cool idea but it doesn't seem like it'll catch on.

 

[vdeal]

Interesting idea but still limited to 32°F. Maybe they need to build in a warmer. :sombrero:

 

[shov3lbum]

I like the idea, looks like it could really take off if the funding increases. They're at $85K of $200K right now, with only month to go I hope they make it! I like the idea of a shortwave radio being included in a tablet, heck, I think including a fm/am radio and two way radio in a tablet is nonetheless something pretty cool in and of itself!

Hope others can get on board for an affordable rugged tablet that can even charge itself.

 

[haven]

Earl gps navi tablet $249

The Earl GPS map and navigation device was recently announced.
http://www.meetearl.com/

Specifications from the web site

6 inch 1024x768 grayscale e-ink LCD
… flexible, sunlight readable
infrared touchscreen works with gloves on

videos of the Earl tablet in development
http://www.meetearl.com/updates/

7.2 x 4.75 x 0.6 inches
10.8 oz

case is water, dust and shock proof
Rated ok for 30 minutes in 3 meters of water

1 GHz dual core Cortex-A9 processor
… processor is Freescale i.MX 6
Android 4.1 OS
1 GB RAM, 16 GB
micro SD slot for memory expansion

WiFi and Bluetooth for connection to Internet

3000 mAh battery provides 20 hour runtime
onboard solar panel recharges battery in 5 hours

GPS and GLONASS receiver

FRS, GMRS and MURS radio transceiver
AM/FM/SW/LW radio with timer recording feature
… these frequencies are used in North America
… European and Australia/New Zealand versions coming

1000 mW waterproof speaker

comes pre-loaded with 1:100,000 resolution topo base maps
… covers Canada, USA and Mexico

add 1:24,000 resolution base maps on micro SD card for $50

free maps from EveryTrail.com http://www.everytrail.com/

As an Android tablet, the Earl should be able to use maps from other sources
... supports ePub, Mobi and PDF e-reader formats, GPX and KML map overlays

pre-order at $249 (30% off retail)
delivery expected to start in August
no questions, fast replacement warranty

 

[Tinker]

26 days to go, 49% funded, 392 backers. I think they will actually make it!

 

[shov3lbum]

25 days to go, 56% funded, 450 backers. Only about $100k to go! (or 437 more backers)

 

[robgendreau]

Umm, why? This unit seems to duplicate many things we probably already have. And I suspect like all mash-ups probably does many things in a mediocre way rather than one or two things well. Any modern phone will do most of what it does, except for the non-cell radio (external antenna?) and weather sensors. But it's also kinda big. On the other hand, it's cheaper than the Garmin Rino, which does many of the same things.

 

[CaliMobber]

I was just reading about it. I really like the idea considering that price range it seems very capable and I like the android openness. The non color screen has me a little worried but who knows it may be sufficient.

 

[haven]

"Any modern phone will do most of what it does..."

Except being waterproof, having a 6 inch sunlight visible screen, having a touchscreen that works with gloves (infrared vs capacitive touch), including a GMRS/FRS radio and 1 watt speaker, having a 20 hour runtime, and including a solar cell for recharges.

Is this a mashup of existing technologies? Sure.

 

[shov3lbum]

Earl is now past it's goal and is fully funded! Can expect to see units shipping out in August! Pre-order by June 9 if you want the good price!

105% funded; 843 backers; $262k of $250k goal; 16 days left to get 30% discounted buy.

http://www.meetearl.com/

 

[NetDep]

I am a believer and (pre)ordered mine two weeks ago!! I am very excited about this -- and yes, your phone might be able to do much of that but only when you have cell coverage. This is part of a multi-part solution for me -- SatPhone, SPOT, GPS in the truck, Garmin 62S handdheld, paper maps & compass.....and there is a cool factor to the www.meetearl.com.....

 

[pugslyyy]

I am a believer and (pre)ordered mine two weeks ago!! I am very excited about this -- and yes, your phone might be able to do much of that but only when you have cell coverage. This is part of a multi-part solution for me -- SatPhone, SPOT, GPS in the truck, Garmin 62S handdheld, paper maps & compass.....and there is a cool factor to the www.meetearl.com.....

I plonked down for one too...

 

[1leglance]

well I have been following ol' earl and just dropped some coin on one
looking forward to giving it a workout and very happy to see that OziExplorer has an Android version so I can use all my trusty maps I already have.

 

[wgyouree]

Very cool! I was thinking of getting a good trail GPS like the Garmin Montana, but at $500 that's a little pricey. This is only $250 and maybe I can get Android apps that handle all the GPS trail map functions of a Montana plus a lot more (I really like that it's also an e-reader with e-Ink and I can relax and enjoy some books while camped out on the trail). What do you guys think, could this be a valid replacement for a good trail GPS like a Montana or Oregon?