Fifteen minutes ago, I have just received a packet from Microsoft.
Everytime Microsoft sends me something it must be something really 'big'. But this one is an exception. A small and lightweight device, but still... packed in a 'big' brown cardbox. Also, I am a bit furious that the delivery service taxed me for this.
It is an eBox 4300 (Yeah. eBox 4300. Not XBox 360) plus a Windows Embedded CE 6.0. Actually, they also came up with Visual Studio 2005 Professional Edition and SQL Server 2005 Developer Edition. Just in case you have never heard of it, eBox 4300 is a compact device designed for applications where physical space is limited, or in my case : car.
It can be mounted on any VESA standard fixture allowing it to be secured to desks and other surfaces. Also, it can be mounted to the back of any LCD monitor creating a mobile presentation system, saving space in a work environment. This device is still rare in Indonesia.
Wow! A mini-sized computer that runs Windows!
This is a part of Imagine Cup 2008 - Embedded Development Invitational. My team has passed the qualification round (round 1) and now we are competing with team from all over the world to grab 15 tickets available for the worldwide final in Paris. My team consists of four members from three different universities. They are Yudhis (IT Telkom), Adi (President University), Atmoko (Gunadarma University), and me (IT Telkom) as the project leader. For helping us continue our project, Microsoft provided us with devices and softwares we need. If we can pass this round, we will represent Indonesia in the worlwide final, of which will be very cool.
What if we failed?
For me there is no such thing as failure. Everything is part of learning. But just in case we cannot make it, I am planning to use this device for IT Telkom's research purpose and also for running a workshop about Windows Embedded on my campus. Anything will do.