|
'Netbooks'
seem to be making a big splash. Drawn by what buyers perceive to be a
bargain price (compared to a full-sized, full-powered notebook PC),
they seem not to mind the compromises that come along with this new
category. Low processor power? No problem. If it's got enough
horsepower to launch a Web browser, perform word processing,
spreadsheet and e-mail functions, it'll do.
Do
netbooks have a place in factory automation? Do you see advantages in
having something more portable and lower in cost than full-size
notebooks for roving the factory floor? Could it make a good mobile
control station, or would an 8" - 10" screen make for a
too-compromised HMI?
Certainly,
the limited processing power in these machines means that whatever
control software it would be running could not be a CPU-hog, and
would have to be sparing on memory usage. Specialized software might
need to be developed. Likely the better solution would be to run the
control software on a server somewhere in the plant and have it
present a Web interface that could be accessed by the netbook as a
Web browser session.
What's
your assessment of the prospects for netbooks in industrial control?
The preceding article is a "sneak peek" from Data Acquisition, a newsletter from GlobalSpec. To stay up-to-date and informed on industry trends, products, and technologies, subscribe to Data Acquisition today.
| 
