The problem with using a normal sized computer to control a robot is that the robot must be tethered to a long wire, or large enough to carry the computer with it. The problem ended when I was awarded an Ipaq H3950 in the 2003 Canadian Virtual Science Fair.

Dimensions: 8.4 cm wide, 1.6 cm deep, 13.4 cm long.

Weight: 184 g.

Processor: Intel PXA250 400 MHz.

ROM: 32 MB.

RAM: 64 MB.

Input: Touch-screen, 10 analog buttons.

Screen: LED matrix- transflective. 16-bit color. 240 x 320 pixels

Operating System: Microsoft Pocket PC 2002.

The IPAQ isn't an input device; it is the mind of the robot. The computer is connected to an SV203 microcontroller which allows it to control all of the robot's electrical devices. The SV203 board and camera relay all relevant data to the IPAQ. The computer program sorts through, and analyzes the data to decide what action to take.