One of the unique features of the VIA NanoBook Reference Design is the MobilityPLUS modules. The MobilityPLUS modules fit into the space to the right of the screen and connect to the computer through the USB port. The devices can also connect to the computer wirelessly over Bluetooth. One MobilityPLUS module that uses BlueTooth is the VOIP handset, it fits flush alongside the screen, but it can be easily removed and used just like a regular phone to make calls over the internet.
There are a number of MobilityPLUS modules that are in the works for the VIA NanoBook and devices based off of it.
- VOIP Handset
- GPS
- 3G WWAN
- World Clock & Temperature Guage
- DVB TV Tuner
The folks over at VIA think that the MobilityPLUS modules have a lot of potential. The combination of USB connectivity, coupled with wireless Bluetooth presents an easy platform for 3rd parties to develop compatible accessories. Just take an existing USB device, like a USB flash drive, put it into the MobilityPLUS form factor and you've got a brand new accessory for the VIA NanoBook.
I got to thinking, if you can put any USB device into a MobilityPLUS module, what would be the coolest, craziest, most creative accessory for the NanoBook? My friend proposed a USB coffee maker, but I don't think that would fit! So now I put it up to the readers of UML to come up with some new MobilityPLUS modules.
 And to keep you in the spirit of crazy USB accessories, whoever comes up with the coolest, feasible idea for a MobilityPLUS module will win a USB Rocket Launcher and a 1GB memory stick from VIA. The top five craziest ideas will also get a 1GB memory stick from VIA no matter how crazy they are!
To enter this contest, register for this site, and then post a comment to this article with your crazy MobilityPLUS module idea. To embed an image in the comments, just put the URL of the image in-between [img] tags like this: [img]<url>[/img] If you don't want to register on the site, you can send your entry to me in an e-mail:
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I've prepared a drawing of the NanoBook for you to use if you want to submit your idea in pretty picture format. Winners will be decided July 27th, 2007 at noon Taipei time!
Click here to download the image.
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