Ruputer

The Ruputer was a wearable wristwatch-sized computer developed in 1998 by Seiko. In the US it was marketed under the name OnHand PC by Matsucom .

The Ruputer had a 16-bit, 3.6 Mhz processor and 2 MB of non-volatile storage memory, in addition to 128 KB of main memory. Its output was a 102x64 pixel 4-tone LCD, and its main forms of input were a tiny 8-direction joystick and 6 function buttons. In addition, it had a serial interface and an IR port for communicating with other devices. The main body of the device (separate from the strap) was roughly 2 inches wide, 1 1/8 inches across, and 5/8 of an inch deep. Its power supply was two high-powered watch batteries, which supplied enough energy for approximately 30 hours of use. Under normal conditions, the watch powered down when not in use in order to extend its battery life. It was distributed with its SDK, and new software could be written for it in C.

The Ruputer failed to achieve widespread success, for a number of reasons. Its screen was too small to display more than a handful of text, making it awkward for viewing data. Its joystick input meant that entering text required a process similar to writing your name in an arcade game high score list. And it ran through its non-rechargeable batteries more swiftly than was really convenient, for a device meant to be worn as a timepiece.

Similar Devices

In 2001, IBM displayed two prototypes for a wristwatch that ran Linux, but never brought the product to market.

In 2003 Fossil, Inc announced a wristwatch that ran PalmOS, but pushed back the release date several times and eventually rescinded plans to release the product in that form.

In January 2005 Fossil, Inc finally shipped a totally redesigned version of their PalmOS PDA personal digital assistant watch. It is available over the net and in at least 1 retail store (Las Vegas Fashion Show Mall Fossil Store) The watch may also be released under the cheaper Abacus brand at some time in the future.