The Ultimate Palm Robot (Consumer) [Paperback]

Kevin Mukhar (Author), Dave Johnson (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: May 30, 2003

Got an old Palm lying around? This step-by-step guide shows how to turn it into a robot. Incuding proprietary software designed specially for Osborne, it allows hobbyists to have fun with their Palm robot once they've built it.

Editorial Reviews

From the Back Cover

No programming required--CD includes software

Now, anyone curious about robotics can inexpensively build and enjoy their very own robot using any Palm handheld for the brains. Originally developed by Carnegie Mellon University robotics department graduate students, this prototype has enjoyed a cult following among enthusiasts. Using software provided by the authors and this step-by-step guide, you can build and operate your own version of the same robot. Recycle your old handheld, or get someone else's for peanuts on eBay or at a flea market. Learn about parts, software, programming, games, robot resources, and much more from this exciting one-stop guide to Palm robots.

• Build a functioning robot without knowing how to program
• Transform any Palm OS model into an electronic companion
• Get complete instructions on how to construct your robot using a kit or build it from scratch
• Use drag-and-drop programming software from the included CD-ROM, then instruct your robot with the push of a button
• Command your robot to do tricks, talk, follow moving objects, and more
• Add sensors and other advanced tools to get more from your robot
• Learn to program your robot using C/C++, Java, or other languages
• Review available applications to make your robot perform all kinds of activities

About the Author

Kevin Mukhar (Colorado Springs, CO), a software developer for Lockheed Martin in Denver, is a programmer and writer. He has been programming as a hobbyist since the early days of the Commodore 64. He has dabbled in everything from programming HP calculators to programming Java on the Palm OS. Mukhar has written numerous articles and is the co-author of several books including Beginning Java Databases and Oracle 9i Java Programming (both published by Wrox Press). He served as Technical Editor for Dave Johnson's recent book Robot Invasion: 7 Cool & Easy Robot Projects. He is currently working on a masters degree in computer science. Dave Johnson (Colorado Springs, CO) knows Palms and robots! Dave has a degree in Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering from Rutgers University, and has written about technology for 15 years. His magazine credits include such publications as Wired, Handheld Computing Magazine, PC World Magazine, and Family PC Magazine. He also hosted a call-in talk radio show on technology for two years. Johnson was a contributing author to Build Your Own Combat Robot, and is the author of 18 books, including the best-sellers How to Do Everything with Your Palm Handheld (written with Rick Broida) and How to Do Everything with Your Digital Camera, as well as Robot Invasion: 7 Cool & Easy Robot Projects.

Product Details

• Paperback: 304 pages
• Publisher: Osborne/McGraw-Hill (May 30, 2003)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0072228806
• ISBN-13: 978-0072228809
• Product Dimensions: 9.1 x 7.4 x 0.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.1 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 1.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,830,045 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

1.0 out of 5 stars Simply, don't buy!, August 23, 2006

By 

flamenko "flamenko" (canada) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Ultimate Palm Robot (Consumer) (Paperback)

This is the first time I gave a book 1 star. The reason is that this book should not be sold as stand alone product, but with the kit from Acroname that this book is 100% tied to. The cost of the kit is 300+ USD! The writters falsely tell that you can build a robot by two options: from the kit and from the "scratch". Well, this "from scratch" is simply a lie! To build Palm controlled robot you need some kind of interface between Palm and motors, sensors, etc. Well, this book tells you to buy that interface from...guess who....Acroname! Building it from "scratch" would mean that you are provided with optional schematic diagram that would allow you to build interface. But it doesn't. Everything in the book is tioed to Acroname and its kit. The only good thing is software that comes with this book, but only if you buy that kit from Acroname (remember 300+ USD). This is the only reason book can get that 1 star, otherwise this is a perfect ZERO star book. Stay away from it!