This is version 2 of my ongoing heirloom device project, a digital photo frame built with the goal of lasting longer than your typical gadget. There's a part of me that wishes to commercialize a polished version of this product, but the more I speak to people, the more I become convinced that I belong to a very small minority. |
Perhaps, instead of a polished version, you could sell the components as a kit?
That said, calling it a "forever" or "heirloom" doesn't match the reality of the lifespans of electronics. Hopefully it will last longer if there are no defects in the components, and since the components aren't drawing full power most of the time. Still, I think the lifespan issue is worth keeping in mind, and out of marketing.
But that's just my 2¢.
I take your point about lifespan of electronics, however I stick to my guns regarding the word "heirloom". Grandpa's clocks did not last forever either without some maintenance, but still managed to pass through generations with the help of repairing hands. My C64 from way back 1980s still works, and the only thing I ever needed to do is replace a fuse and... treat it nicely.
I would point out that one advantage the C64 had was thick wires carefully separated. Takes longer for things like tin whiskers to form and kill the SS transistors.
Still, awesome project, and I'll be happy to see more.
Not even electronics built in the "good old days" of low component count circuits and hand-wired cabinets lasted more than a few decades.
Cheap flash memory, material diffusion effects, etc, will kill modern stuff much quicker. Not to mention WiFi becoming obsolete. And unlike your family's old mechanical clocks, once a part becomes unavailable, you can't make your own replacement.
Take pictures and print them instead!
I also know some pretty serious photographers working with large format black and white film. I think they would be interested in something like this.
I think they would consider the eInk its own medium and try to shoot stuff that suits it in particular.
Now it's a USB photo frame that anyone can use, requires no cord and no batteries. Everyone wants this.
I imagine they would just have the device lying around on the kitchen table, with the front page open at all times.
Personally, I own a Supernote, which I really like but it's too small and also too expensive for using it just as a newspaper reader.
they just think it will look on their wall like it does now
I've worked with 3d artists in the past to turn my ideas into renders, but nothing sells the device like a finished beta that's pretty much ready to be boxed (or a hollywood mockup, if you have the budget)
I can't help with commercializing, but I love your work and I'd very much like to buy one from you. I don't mind to pay for a good craftsman's time.
I'll try to contact you through your site.