modern serial terminal

[Dave McGuire]

On Nov 2, 2007, at 4:55 PM, Kevin Handy wrote:
>> I'm thinking of a device about the size of a couple CD jewel cases 
>> that
>> has two serial ports, a ps/2 or usb port, VGA port, power jack, and
>> perhaps a JTAG header concealed within.  This device is a regular 
>> RS232
>> serial terminal.  Plug in a monitor, keyboard, and something talking 
>> rs232
>> and you're ready to go.  Inside there would be a microprocessor, some 
>> ram,
>> some flash, and an FPGA to take care of glue logic and talking to the 
>> VGA
>> port.  The FPGA would be loaded with the digital schematics of a
>> particular terminal and its firmware, for instance, a Wyse 85 or 99GT 
>> (my
>> favorites).  That would get you most of the usual emulations.
>>
>> How hard would it be to create something like this?  How much would it
>> cost?
>>
> According to slashdot, Walmart is selling an Ubunto based
> Linux PC for around $200, without monitor. This is apparently
> a mini-atx board stuffed into a full sized box with a 80 Gb hard
> drive, most of the interfaces you wanted, and probably a warranty.
> This gives you a price $200 + Display for something that
> can run numerous terminal emulators, even allowing ssh
> or telnet.
>
> So, $200 is the price to try to beat.
>
> You can probably buy a low end mini-atx based box for a
> similar price if size really matters, or design
> your own box to stuff it into. This gives you a very flexible
> terminal emulator that you can load any number of
> emulations into, write your own emulators, and be able to
> run local programs (calculator, etc) on.
>
> If you don't like Linux, you can always load FreeDos or
> something else onto it.

   I really cannot fathom why people keep suggesting a computer when the 
OP wanted a *terminal*.

           -Dave

--
Dave McGuire
Port Charlotte, FL