This is just too cool. At Rail-volution, Chris Smith from Portland Transport debuted what he is calling the world's first "Transit Appliance". It can deliver real-time transit arrival estimates to a display in your home, coffee shop, library or, well, anywhere frequented by transit users.
Drawing upon a number of a variety of Open Source software components (including Linux), the Open Hardware "Chumby" platform, and public open data from Portland's TriMet & NextBus, a successfully hacked device can bring a little ease of mind to customers of restaurants or delis. Just another way to lead a more efficient life!
Chris says that the appliance can be delivered for less than $200 anywhere a WiFi connection is available. For more info contact him directly at chris [at] portlandtransport [dot] com.
