This one's been around the block for a bit, but it's just now managed to sneak up on us. The VidaBox vPad comes from the same firm offering up those swank
CableCARD-equipped HTPCs, and this home controller shares that very same pizazz. The 10.4-inch tablet rocks a 1,024 x 768 resolution panel, integrated 802.11b WiFi, a built-in speaker and a rechargeable Li-ion good for around 2.5 hours. As expected, this unit enables owners to control multi-room audio, climate zones, security cameras, garage doors and WiFi-enabled toasters, we presume. 'Course, you'll need Mirage software for VidaBox control or your own home automation hardware to really take advantage of the vPad, and unfortunately, we've no pricing / release details to share just yet.
[Thanks,
JoeyChina]
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
Shane @ Dec 29th 2007 12:22PM
I'm curious...How is this different from the AMX/Crestron systems that are already available? Yes, those systems are huge $$$$$ and require custom installation and programming but they are capable of almost any control task.
ScOObyDoo @ Dec 29th 2007 12:33PM
Just another Tatung TX 2000 webpad with a shiny interface...
http://www.tatungwebpad.com/htm/product_all.htm
Derek @ Dec 29th 2007 12:41PM
This UI screams of the 90's
paragraph @ Dec 29th 2007 12:47PM
What ever happened to the clapper? $19.99 beats out anything with a touch screen for remotely turning off lamps ;).
Seriosuly though, unless this thing costs less than the Harmony i managed to pick up for $55 when CompUSA went out of business i'm not impressed, regardless of how much stuff it can turn on/off.
Shane @ Dec 29th 2007 4:05PM
I'll second the Harmony remote comments...These are by far the best universal remotes I have ever used in terms of price/features/performance/ease of use. My only complaint is that you MUST use the internet based programming application. Logitech does not offer a standalone programming utility for Harmony although I suppose one could be cobbled together by clever reverse engineering (if it has not been done already). To Logitech's credit, they have dramatically enhanced the web based programming interface since the remote was first introduced.
OneLove @ Dec 29th 2007 4:20PM
got to go get some vpads for the wife.
Shane @ Dec 29th 2007 4:25PM
Wouldn't those be mPads? Just make sure you get the right ones...
Ed @ Dec 29th 2007 4:58PM
that looks ugly
Dave @ Dec 30th 2007 12:07AM
My guess is that this would have to be very reasonably priced to make any dent in the established market for home control tablets. 1024x768 is nice, and would allow for some very fine custom GUIs. Glad to learn it at least had 802.11 *g*.
I read the on-line description briefly, but was surprised to find no mention of browser support (if only to provide limited support for RSS, email and the like).
VI @ Dec 31st 2007 2:03PM
While watching Snoop Dogg - Fatherhood on E! I saw that he had one. I was wondering what it was, was it a tablet or remote, I see its both.
JoeyChina @ Dec 31st 2007 2:42PM
I called the company in Long Island Ny. Its retailing for about $2400 to $2700.
Happy New Year Engadget And Readers
Joey China
Jack @ Dec 31st 2007 3:18PM
This is:
1 part Mirage (www.autonomichome.com)
1 part MControl (www.embeddedautomation.com)
1 part Casatunes (www.casatools.com)
Add a touchscreen and mix.
Or you could just by the components individually and add your own touchscreen