Branded Bitcoin Tablet Devices

[uMMcQxCWELNzkt]

Today I would like to share an idea that I have been contemplating over the last month or so, I would like to gauge how interested and receptive the community is to a Bitcoin tablet device. The whole idea is centered more towards the apps which would either be created specifically for the device or in partnership with existing services who would like to be part of the hardware range.

Before I progress any further I feel it is necessary to find out how much demand there might be for these devices. I would also like to get an idea of what kind of spec and the price range you would be expecting. There is plenty of scope for different specs and the device could either function as an everyday tablet device or a even hardcore stripped down version catering specifically to Bitcoin users, merchants and miners.

The prices below only function as rough estimates, also these devices would also be sold in Bitcoin of-course. I would appreciate your feedback, comments and thoughts on the project. At the moment I am also interested in getting some people together to work on some of the app ideas, and possibly the ROM of the device. I could develop my own web apps to add to the device but perhaps some native apps will provide improved user experience.

OS
Android

Apps
All the typical tablet apps, functions programs including the Android Market (Games, Music, Ebooks etc).
+
Bitcoin Wallet
Mining Interface
Social Network
Exchange (Basic or P2P)
Bitcoin Themed Games

- - - - - - Spec Options - - - - - -
Basic Device
Standard Jellybean Rom
Low-Grade Processor
Basic Performance
UK ~ £80 - £120 - ^{US ~ $120 - $180}  

Standard Device
Standard Jellybean Rom
Bitcoin Logo Engraving & Branding
Mid-Grade Processor
~ £120 - £200 - ^{US ~ $180 - $300}  


Premium Device
Bitcoin Logo Engraving & Branding
Branded & Engraved Accessories
High-Grade Processor
High Performance
Large Screen

~ £200 - £300 - ^{US ~ $300 - $450}  

Future possibilities:
Naturally I would rather build the best spec tablet for Bitcoin as possible, my initial idea which inspired me to develop this project was the idea of using tablets as instant payment devices. So users could swipe their tablet device and pay for items at checkout in supported stores. This idea is possible but would require additional support in both funding and expertise.

The prices above simply act as a rough indicator of the lowest to highest price range of each unit. Once more concrete hardware specs of formulated an accurate price will be provided.

[linuxer]

Basically you want to charge more money by just branding a cheap chinese/Japanese tablet.

Your prices are way to high. People will not buy them in that prices unless there's something new in hardware.

[uMMcQxCWELNzkt]

Basically you want to charge more money by just branding a cheap chinese/Japanese tablet.

Your prices are way to high. People will not buy them in that prices unless there's something new in hardware.

Did you read the post fully? The devices will have Bitcoin apps build specifically for the device, possibly a custom ROM and also custom hardware, depending on the price which is why I made this thread. I don't want people to say they do or don't like the prices but rather what kind of spec/features and the price they would pay.  The prices I included are purely estimates and will change depending on what users would want.

Please don't make assumptions about my intent on the project, I am trying to get suggestions and feedback rather than accusations of trying to fleece people out of their money.

[2weiX]

It needs a docking station with USB so one can connect their miners to it, be it ASICMINER, AVALON or BFL.

[uMMcQxCWELNzkt]

It needs a docking station with USB so one can connect their miners to it, be it ASICMINER, AVALON or BFL.

Yeah I was thinking for the miner app a fullscreen interface could show data and stats of the mining operation. I think it would be possible to create a dock, otherwise a basic USB connection and a custom case/stand could also work.

[linuxer]

Basically you want to charge more money by just branding a cheap chinese/Japanese tablet.

Your prices are way to high. People will not buy them in that prices unless there's something new in hardware.

Did you read the post fully? The devices will have Bitcoin apps build specifically for the device, possibly a custom ROM and also custom hardware, depending on the price which is why I made this thread. I don't want people to say they do or don't like the prices but rather what kind of spec/features and the price they would pay.  The prices I included are purely estimates and will change depending on what users would want.

Please don't make assumptions about my intent on the project, I am trying to get suggestions and feedback rather than accusations of trying to fleece people out of their money.

OK and why do you think they will use your custom made rom or app? If they will put money in wallet and rom/app is backdoored  You can steal their bitcoins easily.

[uMMcQxCWELNzkt]

Basically you want to charge more money by just branding a cheap chinese/Japanese tablet.

Your prices are way to high. People will not buy them in that prices unless there's something new in hardware.

Did you read the post fully? The devices will have Bitcoin apps build specifically for the device, possibly a custom ROM and also custom hardware, depending on the price which is why I made this thread. I don't want people to say they do or don't like the prices but rather what kind of spec/features and the price they would pay.  The prices I included are purely estimates and will change depending on what users would want.

Please don't make assumptions about my intent on the project, I am trying to get suggestions and feedback rather than accusations of trying to fleece people out of their money.

OK and why do you think they will use your custom made rom or app? If they will put money in wallet and rom/app is backdoored  You can steal their bitcoins easily.

Microsoft could steal your money easily, Apple, Paypal, your bank, Amazon, eBay could steal your money. There are users out there who want to help Bitcoin grow, just because there is potential for an elaborate scam that does not mean we just give up all projects and hope the big companies show support. If you feel this is a scam simply wait it out for reviews just like any other product.

This thread is intended for getting ideas and support on possible specs and prices, you seem intent on making loads of hypothetical accusations against an idea that has only just gone public. It is a shame because I have been totally honest and up front from the start, these devices will be based purely on what users want and suggest in the thread. The docking station idea is a prime example of the kind feedback that is helpful.

[domob]

Microsoft could steal your money easily, Apple, Paypal, your bank, Amazon, eBay could steal your money.

For me, it would be only my bank.  Exactly for the reason I don't know what those "closed systems" do, I do not use non-free software and try to avoid proprietary services (in the case of my bank that's unfortunately not possible in today's society).  I do acknowledge though that there are (a lot of) people who do not care about that.

So to answer the original question:  For me to even consider using such a device, it would have to be based on completely free software; in particular your custom apps and modifications to Android would have to be.  That said, at the moment I do not think I would need it anyway ... because I'm happy with my smartphone (running free software) and the basic Android wallet app.

[uMMcQxCWELNzkt]

Microsoft could steal your money easily, Apple, Paypal, your bank, Amazon, eBay could steal your money.

For me, it would be only my bank.  Exactly for the reason I don't know what those "closed systems" do, I do not use non-free software and try to avoid proprietary services (in the case of my bank that's unfortunately not possible in today's society).  I do acknowledge though that there are (a lot of) people who do not care about that.

So to answer the original question:  For me to even consider using such a device, it would have to be based on completely free software; in particular your custom apps and modifications to Android would have to be.  That said, at the moment I do not think I would need it anyway ... because I'm happy with my smartphone (running free software) and the basic Android wallet app.

If the apps were made opensource and the community wants to develop them further then that would be great, it saves me time developing more specific apps and ideas . The premium unit is in front at the moment which does seem to suggest people would like the higher quality product which is great. 

I guess I should give a sample of my ideal Bitcoin tablet in regards to hardware.

HD: 32GB
SCREEN: 9-10inch
MEMORY: 1GB
CPU & GPU: Undecided but mid grade parts
CAMERAS: None
Style:
Black
Engraved Bitcoin logo on the back
Custom Theme & Wallpaper

Accessories:
Engraved Cover/Stand
Standard Stylus
Cheap headset with engravings to match the tablet?

I think I am a little obsessed with the whole engraving part of the brand style, I just purchased some nice equipment and I will be engraving my current devices over the next week or so I hope I can interest you guys in the style idea too.

[Stephen Gornick]

I would like to gauge how interested and receptive the community is to a Bitcoin tablet device.

I was thinking about the need for a Tor Tablet, with a bitcoin wallet, on a secure O/S or at least configured to be as secure as you can get on a consumer-level device.   This would be for the person who simply wants a device for use with Tor that is completely separate from anything else ... i.e., so they don't need to install Tor on a laptop or desktop or other mobile / tablet / etc.

Additionally, how about an online gaming tablet for shared use.    Essentially this would be something that a bar or club could hand out to a customer, already loaded with some funds for the customer to use for play (e.g., on bitZino or some other site, depending on what the customer wanted to play. ... there's plenty http://betwithbtc.com ), and then when the customer wants to cash out they can do it themselves or the club could do it for the customer.

[This could be tightly controlled by the club by setting up the account on bitZino requiring two-factor auth on withdrawals only)]

But then when the customer is done the tablet gets reset to a specific image (e.g., re-loaded) so there's no risk of malware / etc.

Of course, in the U.S., each state has gambling statutes and offering this device in this manner would not likely be allowed (some states don't have a problem with you gambling in a bar, just as long as the state gets its huge cut of the action - http://www.businessweek.com/ap/2012-12-18/electronic-pulltabs-coming-to-twin-cities-airport ).   But there are other parts of the world where it wouldn't be a problem.

[2weiX]

I would like to gauge how interested and receptive the community is to a Bitcoin tablet device.

I was thinking about the need for a Tor Tablet, with a bitcoin wallet, on a secure O/S or at least configured to be as secure as you can get on a consumer-level device.   This would be for the person who simply wants a device for use with Tor that is completely separate from anything else ... i.e., so they don't need to install Tor on a laptop or desktop or other mobile / tablet / etc.

now THAT I would buy.
prerequisite: ANY AND ALL traffic on this tab go through TOR.
add a dozen or so VPNs that accept bitcoins, VOILA.

[domob]

I would like to gauge how interested and receptive the community is to a Bitcoin tablet device.

I was thinking about the need for a Tor Tablet, with a bitcoin wallet, on a secure O/S or at least configured to be as secure as you can get on a consumer-level device.   This would be for the person who simply wants a device for use with Tor that is completely separate from anything else ... i.e., so they don't need to install Tor on a laptop or desktop or other mobile / tablet / etc.

now THAT I would buy.
prerequisite: ANY AND ALL traffic on this tab go through TOR.
add a dozen or so VPNs that accept bitcoins, VOILA.

Do you know about Orbot?  If you have a (rooted) Android device, it can just do exactly that:  Automatically route all traffic or traffic from particular apps through Tor.  It works very well for my use.

https://guardianproject.info/apps/orbot/

[ranlo]

It needs a docking station with USB so one can connect their miners to it, be it ASICMINER, AVALON or BFL.

Yeah I was thinking for the miner app a fullscreen interface could show data and stats of the mining operation. I think it would be possible to create a dock, otherwise a basic USB connection and a custom case/stand could also work.

That would be awesome. And I'd go for the basic model. Don't really use tablets that much but think for the purpose of mining it'd be good.

[2weiX]

I would like to gauge how interested and receptive the community is to a Bitcoin tablet device.

I was thinking about the need for a Tor Tablet, with a bitcoin wallet, on a secure O/S or at least configured to be as secure as you can get on a consumer-level device.   This would be for the person who simply wants a device for use with Tor that is completely separate from anything else ... i.e., so they don't need to install Tor on a laptop or desktop or other mobile / tablet / etc.

now THAT I would buy.
prerequisite: ANY AND ALL traffic on this tab go through TOR.
add a dozen or so VPNs that accept bitcoins, VOILA.

Do you know about Orbot?  If you have a (rooted) Android device, it can just do exactly that:  Automatically route all traffic or traffic from particular apps through Tor.  It works very well for my use.

https://guardianproject.info/apps/orbot/

Yes I am aware of that, but I am technically inept that way - so I'd pay! :-D

[bernard75]

CAMERAS: None

I would buy it just because of that.
They put that shit everywhere nowadays.

[2weiX]

Hell,

someone build a boxed RaspPi with preconfigured ASICMINER and BFL compatibility and WiFi that I pnly need to point to a pool of my choosing to run the miners connected (daisy-chained in case of BFL) via USB, I'd buy THAT in a heartbeat as long as I can get updates every once in a while.

[Pale Phoenix]

I was thinking about the need for a Tor Tablet, with a bitcoin wallet, on a secure O/S or at least configured to be as secure as you can get on a consumer-level device.   This would be for the person who simply wants a device for use with Tor that is completely separate from anything else ... i.e., so they don't need to install Tor on a laptop or desktop or other mobile / tablet / etc.

This is a fantastic idea and I would definitely purchase one.

I don't really see a big market for a "branded" regular tablet because most of us probably have one or more already. I could see a market for a Bitcoin branded case / cover though, and I'd probably purchase something like that too as a conversation starter.

P.S. I'd be interested in discussing an investment in these two ideas as well.

[uMMcQxCWELNzkt]

Could TOR be built into an Android ROM? It is a cool idea but it seems like a lot the Tor element itself would take up a large portion of the project development. At the moment my interests steer more towards using the tablet as an interface, I want Bitcoin to be more user friendly so having an intuitive set of features making it easier to get started was my intention.

[domob]

Could TOR be built into an Android ROM? It is a cool idea but it seems like a lot the Tor element itself would take up a large portion of the project development. At the moment my interests steer more towards using the tablet as an interface, I want Bitcoin to be more user friendly so having an intuitive set of features making it easier to get started was my intention.

As mentioned already above, there's Orbot.  It shouldn't be too hard (well, I've never custom-built an Android system, so I don't know what that exactly means here) to pre-install it, no?  At least I don't think you would have to actually implement any Tor stuff yourself.

[ranlo]

CAMERAS: None

I would buy it just because of that.
They put that shit everywhere nowadays.

I wouldn't really discount the camera. It all depends on what the tablet ends up being used for. If it's got specific, very niche things related to it, the camera will likely not fit in well. But if it's a tablet you will be carrying around, an extra camera never hurts! Imagine your phone is dead and you end up in a car wreck. BAM, instant camera!