The tiny WikiReader includes the entire Wikipedia encyclopedia / 14.10.2009 04:38

Wikipedia, an online encyclopedia, is one of the greatest success stories of free information sharing on the Internet. Thousands of volunteers have contributed articles to Wikipedia database, making it the most extensive (although many argue that its quality is lagging behind commercial products) encyclopedia on Earth. It is so easy to find information from Wikipedia that it is also one of the most visited destinations on the Internet. Amazingly, Wikipedia is free to use.

When you are away from your PC and desperately need information from Wikipedia, what can you do? OpenMoko, the company behind the Freerunner Linux smartphone, believes that the information stored in Wikipedia is so valuable that a dedicated device has its place in our pockets. OpenMoko has created WikiReader, a small handheld device that is dedicated to Wikipedia. The WikiReader device holds the entire Wikipedia database, which means it doesn't require any kind of network connection when you want to find articles from the database.

The black-and-white screen on the WikiReader is touch sensitive. You enter your search terms using an on-screen keyboard. Articles can be scrolled and links tapped with a finger. Two AAA-size batteries provide months worth of power for the little device. Since new articles are constantly added and old articles are being modified into Wikipedia, the WikiReader database can be updated quarterly. The product is priced at $99.

In these days of ebooks and advanced ebook reader devices, such as Kindle, Sony Reader, or Cybook that are built on high-contrast e-ink display technology and have plenty of storage space, we find a device like the WikiReader a curiosity. No one has created Wikipedia for ebook reader devices yet, but surely someone will. Another way to ensure access to Wikipedia at any time, from any place is to have a smartphone with HTML browser application. With a smartphone, you can access the online version of Wikipedia which is always up-to-date. In addition, WikiReader will be an interesting case because the company selling the hardware is making money from work contributed to Wikipedia by volunteers.