MetaPad

The MetaPad project at IBM Research realized a new way to partition the computer and its peripherals. The MetaPad core contains the processor, memory and disk drive and includes several connectors. A standard PC operating system runs on this core. This core measures 3x5x3/4" and can attach to portable display sleeve which makes it ideal as a portable unit that can run standard PC applications. The display is touch-sensitive and can be operated with a stylus. The core can also be attached to docking station that can provide PC peripherals such as a full size keyboard and display. This configuration can be utilized when the user is not mobile. A nice feature of the MetaPad approach is that the user's computing session including running applications and windows can be preserved across the different attachment points.

More information about the MetaPad is available here.

Page was last updated in May, 2005.