What Is This Thing, Anyway?
The Pepper Pad 3 is a Handheld Web Computer made by Pepper Computer and Hanbit America. It is targeted for the less-computer-literate user, but has developed a following among the more computer-savvy, mainly because it hides a Linux system under its covers. This means that not only is it capable of running (free) Open Source programs, but it can run home-spun software as well, and can be "hacked", making it any computer geek's delight.
What It Is Not
There have been a lot of attempts to categorize the Pepper Pad 3. It's probably easier to say what it isn't:
- A PDA: The Pepper Pad is much larger than today's PDAs, and does not come with any personal organizer software - no calendar, no contacts, no task list. It expects that the user will make use of web-based applications (like Google Calendar) for these sorts of things.
- A UMPC: Although its size is more on par with a UMPC (Ultra Mobile PC), the Pepper Pad does not run Windows (it runs Linux instead), and does not have a wealth of software applications available for use. Most of what is supported is already installed on the device, or available on the web (like Google Docs and Spreadsheets). More experienced Linux users can install additional software, but doing so voids the device's warranty.
- A Gaming System: The Pepper Pad 3 does come with a handful of simple games to play. However, it lacks the 3D hardware and key software components that would allow it to be a good platform on which to run today's technologically-demanding games.
Why Am I Writing This Lens
Bridging The Information Gap
I consider myself to be reasonably computer-literate - I have 20+ years of experience as a Software Engineer, and have owned a handful of PCs over the years, plus more than a handful of digital gadgets. However, very little of that has been with non-z/OS or non-Microsoft systems.When researching this device, I found that much of the available information was in Linux-speak and very technical; there wasn't a lot of information and detailed user experiences available in layman's terms. Pepper.com only has a high-level overview of the device. The website does host an online community forum, which is very useful if you know what questions to ask, but not a good way to just get a feel for what this thing can do and whether or not you want to own one. A Pepper Pad wiki is being written, and while it does seem to contain a wealth of useful information, it is definitely geared more towards the techies. The Linux-laced explanations and directions are like a different language to me. And I know at least a few things about computers; I can only imagine what the novice users must think.
So, I decided to try to fill in the blanks a bit. My goal is to share with you my experiences with the Pepper Pad 3 in regular-speak, as I learn to use it, and as I explore ways to make it as useful to me as possible. Another personal goal is for me to write this lens entirely on the Pepper Pad, to help me get used to my new gadget, and to also evaluate its capabilities. Hopefully my efforts will either help you with a buying decision, or, if you already own one, to help you maximize its usefulness.
What I was looking for
My Axim Experiences
I am always on the lookout for the perfect mobile device, one that offers a lot of capability yet isn't too cumbersome to carry. My most recent mobile device has been a Dell Axim X50V PocketPC. I have been pleased with it, for the most part. I like its portability, its VGA screen, and its builtin wifi. I would often take it on trips with me, and found that for the types of tasks I needed it for, it could replace my laptop. I used the Axim to keep an address book and personal calendar, store notes and lists, keep a trip journal for my travels, listen to music, watch movies, backup photos from my digital camera, and get online (via wifi and compact flash modem) to check e-mail and perform basic web browsing tasks.
However, the Axim does have its share of shortcomings. All data input is on its touch screen using a stylus. I find entering any amount of text this way to be very tedious; writing by hand is very inaccurate, and tapping on the on-screen keyboard is way too slow for a skilled touch typist. Online, I struggle with the limited capabilities of Pocket Internet Explorer and the device's short battery life when its wifi is on. And although the Axim's VGA screen is a major step up from previous PDAs, my aging eyes are finally beginning to struggle as I try to view it.
However, the Axim does have its share of shortcomings. All data input is on its touch screen using a stylus. I find entering any amount of text this way to be very tedious; writing by hand is very inaccurate, and tapping on the on-screen keyboard is way too slow for a skilled touch typist. Online, I struggle with the limited capabilities of Pocket Internet Explorer and the device's short battery life when its wifi is on. And although the Axim's VGA screen is a major step up from previous PDAs, my aging eyes are finally beginning to struggle as I try to view it.
Why I Chose the Pepper Pad 3
More of the same, only better (I hope!)
After using the Axim for 2 1/2 years, I decided it was time to begin looking for a replacement. I looked at some new PDAs, some internet pads, and the latest UMPCs (Ultra Mobile PCs), and found them to be either a step backwards, not a big enough step up, or way too expensive for what they offered.
Then I spotted a reference to the Pepper Pad on engadget.com, and started researching its capabilities. It was difficult to find a lot of user experience-type information, but what I read I liked. Multimedia support, a bigger screen, a capable web browser, longer wifi battery life, and an intriguing split keyboard design all caught my attention. At a retail price of $699, it still was a bit pricey, but a computer sale at Amazon.com plus a handful of Amazon reward certificates brought the price down to something I was more willing to pay.
I have to admit I wasn't too excited about the limited software applications that the Pepper Pad supported, the lack of Personal Information Management software (like an address book and calendar), and the fact that installing anything not approved by Pepper Computer would void its warranty. But there seemed to be some additional free Linux applications available that might enhance the usefulness of the device. And if I did decide to install these programs, I might even learn more about Linux along the way.
Then I spotted a reference to the Pepper Pad on engadget.com, and started researching its capabilities. It was difficult to find a lot of user experience-type information, but what I read I liked. Multimedia support, a bigger screen, a capable web browser, longer wifi battery life, and an intriguing split keyboard design all caught my attention. At a retail price of $699, it still was a bit pricey, but a computer sale at Amazon.com plus a handful of Amazon reward certificates brought the price down to something I was more willing to pay.
I have to admit I wasn't too excited about the limited software applications that the Pepper Pad supported, the lack of Personal Information Management software (like an address book and calendar), and the fact that installing anything not approved by Pepper Computer would void its warranty. But there seemed to be some additional free Linux applications available that might enhance the usefulness of the device. And if I did decide to install these programs, I might even learn more about Linux along the way.
The Pepper Pad 3 on Amazon
The Pepper Pad 3 comes in 3 colors: black, white, and pink. I chose the white version because it happened to be a little less expensive at the time.
Pepper Pad 3 Handheld Web Computer (Black)
Amazon Price: $645.00 (as of 10/06/2008)
Pepper Pad 3 - Web Player / White
Amazon Price: $645.00 (as of 10/06/2008)
Pepper Pad 3 - Web Player / Pink
Amazon Price: (as of 10/06/2008)
First Impressions
I have had my Pepper Pad 3 for over a month now, and I'm ready to give my initial reaction to my new gadget. The short version: I'm luvin' it! I use it almost every evening at home to catch up on news and e-mail, all from the comfort of my couch or bed. There are very few times where I have to boot up my home computer because of something I couldn't do from the Pad.
Here are my thoughts, in no particular order, on various general aspects of the device:
Here are my thoughts, in no particular order, on various general aspects of the device:
- Size: At about 11" by 6" and just over 2 pounds, the Pepper Pad 3 is much larger than my Axim, but it's also smaller and lighter than my laptop. So far, I haven't found its size to be a problem. I usually have a backpack or bag with me anyway, and the Pad (inside the included neoprene sleeve) slides easily into that. I have taken it with me on train rides to NYC, and I have found that I can easily use it as it sits comfortably in my lap. The "tablet" form factor works much better when travelling in a cramped space than a laptop with its larger footprint and fold-out screen does.
- Screen: I am enjoying the Pad's 7" LCD touch screen. The screen is plenty bright and colorful, and its 800x480 resolution WVGA (wide VGA) format is great for viewing pictures and watching movies. And web pages are displayed so much better on the wide screen - I find I'm doing much less scrolling around than I do on the Axim. I also like the touch screen interface very much - it is a much more natural pointing device than a mouse. It does seem to be a little quirky at times. I've found that when I am marking text, if I linger too long in one place, my selection goes a little bit haywire, and I have to start over again.
- Keyboard: I wasn't so sure about the keyboard when I first saw it, but I have quickly gotten to like it. It's a thumb keyboard that has been split in two, with the halves sitting on either side of the screen. Although it's certainly not like touch typing, I find it faster than tapping on an on-screen keyboard, and much more accurate than any handwriting recognition ever was. Key presses provide good tactile feedback. The keys themselves are backlit, a blessing when trying to type in the dark. There are additional keys to control screen brightness and multimedia functions. A scroll wheel and directional pad mounted below each half of the keyboard greatly help when navigating around the screen with just your thumbs. Just one minor complaint (and this is probably more of a software issue): when holding down a key and the "repeat" function kicks in, the system refreshes the screen a bit slowly, and the number of buffered characters builds up unpredictably. This is especially annoying when using the backspace key, as I always wind up deleting much more text than I intended.
Sources of Useful Information on the Pepper Pad 3
Below are some links that you may find useful when seeking information or help on this device.
- Pepper Computer's Product Page
- This is Pepper Computer's "web brochure" on the Pepper Pad 3. It lists the hardware and software specifications, the applications, and included accessories.
- Pepper Community Forums
- Pepper Computer hosts a community forum for their products. This is where the experts hang out, from both inside and outside the company.
- PepperWiki
- Victor Rehorst (chuma on the Pepper Community Forums) hosts this wiki. While it is still a work-in-progress, it contains a lot of useful information - news, hints, tips, how-to's, etc..
Pepper Pad 3 Reviews
Don't just take my word for it!
I always find it helpful to read about other's experiences with a product before I lay out serious cash to buy it. I've listed below some of the reviews I used to help make up my mind about the Pad.
- UMPCPortal
- Review by Steve Paine
- Pocketables - Part 1
- jenn k. lee's "Delightful Stuff"
- Pocketables - Part 2
- jenn k. lee's "Decent Stuff"
- Pocketables - Part 3
- jenn k. lee's "Disappointing Stuff"
- Business Week
- Olga Kharif's "A Taste of the Future"
- TechnoBuzz
- Video preview recorded at CES 2007
- GottaBeMobile
- Another CES 2007 video review
Reader Feedback
Set me straight!
Although I try my best to get my facts right, chances are I've missed something or got something wrong. If you happen to spot something incorrect or unclear, please write to me and let me know! Also, feel free to comment if you have any questions, and I'll do my best to answer them.
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Caseyfern
indeed truly geekenfodder of the most sublime. 5s/faves and welcome to the Geekenfodder group! Posted July 18, 2007 |
