How to build a portable media device using embedded systems?

Question

i dont know much, but i'd like to develop a portable media device.

can some one provide a blue print on what components needed for a portable media device and if there are any tutorials on how to accomplish this. From buying a LCD to soldering a micro controller in the board, are their any good resources to look at when attempting this project.

also, how would i intergrate a winCE interface on this project.

Answer 1

I recommend you get yourself an ebox (2300, 2600, 3800, etc...) and a display. The ebox costs around $250 plus the display of your choice. This will get your feet wet in the development stage as you decide if you really want to design all the hardware yourself. They are compact (not so much pocket sized) but extremely versatile. Plus their site offers more in terms of the development.



Whe you are ready to do your on soldering, pcb design, etc.. pick up a copy of circuit cellar which is a great hobbyist magazine or visit their website at www.circuitcellar.com..



Most processor manufacturers have free downloads of schematics for small projects. Just check their site.



Want some pcb design software? Try www.cadsoftusa.com and give Eagle a try. They have freeware versions (free), lite versions ($49), standard versions (up to $600), and professional versions (up to $1200).



Circuit board manufacturer? Try PCBExpress. They do prototype quantities for cheap.



And when all else fails, keep asking questions. Good luck.

Answer 2

For us to help, you really need to be more specific about what you want your "portable media device" to do. Do you want it to play music. If so, mp3, FM, etc. Do you want it to play video (at which point the project gets harder and more expensive). This project is by no means insurmountable, but it will be difficult. Are you doing it to learn about electronics, or do you just want a cool end result? Either way, I would recommend taking the guts of an mp3 player, namely an ipod, adding your desired components and making a new shell. I would start by adding a much larger screen, see if you can find a color (not cracked) laptop screen to replace the tiny ipod's. It would be kinda hard to add any components to the board, but you could definately use a microcontroller (I like Atmega) to create a radio with output on the screen. Maybe you could tie it into the click wheel? --just some ideas. Anyway, I think its much more realistic to pimp an ipod than to create a brand new product from scratch. There are tutorials on how to make mp3 players. If you are set upon making your own, implement one of these projects and add a microcontroller to controll the screen, etc. good luck!

Answer 3

this might help http://s6.gladiatus.com/game/c.php?uid=62888