ForeSight Systems Pertelian X2040

[Darksaber]

[page=Introduction]
Introduction
I would like to thank ForeSight Systems (http://pertelian.com/index.php) for supplying the review sample.

http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/ForeSightSystems/PertelianX2040/images/title.jpg

ForeSight Systems is the company behind the Pertelian X2040 display. The company consists of a small number of people, dedicated to bring you a high quality device. The Pertelian X2040 is the sole product the company offers. This is actually a great, as all their focus is placed in software update, community support and introduction of new features to the device.

[page=Packaging & Contents]
Packaging & Contents
Packaging
http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/ForeSightSystems/PertelianX2040/images/boxfronts.jpg (http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/ForeSightSystems/PertelianX2040/images/boxfront.jpg) http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/ForeSightSystems/PertelianX2040/images/boxopens.jpg (http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/ForeSightSystems/PertelianX2040/images/boxopen.jpg)
The packaging consists of a fairly thin, full color cardboard box. The front has a illustration of a character with a sword and an image of the Pertelian X2040 display. This cover can be opened as well. I was expecting to see a little window, so that the device could be seen, but there are just some more images and a few catch phrases.

http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/ForeSightSystems/PertelianX2040/images/boxbacks.jpg (http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/ForeSightSystems/PertelianX2040/images/boxback.jpg) http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/ForeSightSystems/PertelianX2040/images/packages.jpg (http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/ForeSightSystems/PertelianX2040/images/package.jpg)
The back of the device has the same catch phrases and the features listed on the box. The contents of the box are placed inside a plastic bag, with bubble wrap protecting the display. The system requirements are listed as well (Recommended requirements in brackets):

OS: Windows 2000/XP (Windows XP SP2)
Memory: 64MB (512MB)
USB 1.1 (USB 2.0)
10 MB free hard drive space
Resolution 800x600 (or higher)
Microsoft .NET (or higher)
Recommended as well: Internet connection

Contents
http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/ForeSightSystems/PertelianX2040/images/displays.jpg (http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/ForeSightSystems/PertelianX2040/images/display.jpg) http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/ForeSightSystems/PertelianX2040/images/contentss.jpg (http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/ForeSightSystems/PertelianX2040/images/contents.jpg)
The display is covered by a thin plastic film, protecting it from scratches. There is also a solid desktop stand, some original Velcro tape as well as a driver & software CD.
[page=Software]
Software
Upon plugging in the Pertelian X2040, the OS found the new device as the "FT245R USB FIFO" device. The details of the chip can be found here (http://www.ftdichip.com/Products/FT245R.htm). The software requires Microsoft .NET 2.0 and Visual J# to run. Both of these programs will be downloaded by the Pertelian installer and installed at the right time. This ensures a hassle free installation, in case if you are missing certain components.

The software behind the Pertelian is updated quite frequently, adding support for new devices and functions. There have been over 20 updates in 2006 alone, so if there are any bugs found, you can expect fixes within a relatively short time. The newest version can be found here on their website (http://pertelian.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=category&sectionid=4&id=13&Itemid=26).

I downloaded the newest one available at writing: Pertelian Version 4 - Update 2006.12.19. As mentioned above, the installation worked flawlessly.

http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/ForeSightSystems/PertelianX2040/images/generals.jpg (http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/ForeSightSystems/PertelianX2040/images/general.jpg)
There are four main areas within the the software. The first is the "General Settings" tab. Here the user can change what is shown on the screen as soon as the software is started, change the scroll speed of text, set media support or disable auto hide on startup. If you would like to use the software all the time, just add the a shortcut to your autostart folder and select "Hide on startup". You can also set the network settings to enable functionality which requires Internet access.

http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/ForeSightSystems/PertelianX2040/images/emailwindows.jpg (http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/ForeSightSystems/PertelianX2040/images/emailwindow.jpg) http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/ForeSightSystems/PertelianX2040/images/emailsetups.jpg (http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/ForeSightSystems/PertelianX2040/images/emailsetup.jpg)
The second tab, shows which email accounts you have set up. You can easily add new accounts by pressing "Add Server". The pop-up is straight forward. You simply enter your email account information and hit OK. I set up both my private email and the techpowerup.com Email.

http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/ForeSightSystems/PertelianX2040/images/hotkeyss.jpg (http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/ForeSightSystems/PertelianX2040/images/hotkeys.jpg) http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/ForeSightSystems/PertelianX2040/images/ims.jpg (http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/ForeSightSystems/PertelianX2040/images/im.jpg)
The third basic function is called "Hot keys". The user can set the key combinations needed to traverse the display and use it while Windows is focused on another program. This is great if you are playing a game, or watching a movie and do not want to minimize everything just to chat with your friends for example. The next tab is named "IM" and works with AIM 6.0 Triton, YAHOO Messenger 7, ICQ 5, GAIM 2.0. These may not be the newest at the moment, but the developers are working on supporting the newest ones. ForeSight Systems keeps working to update the software and support for the newest wave of IMs should be available in the future.

http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/ForeSightSystems/PertelianX2040/images/pluginss.jpg (http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/ForeSightSystems/PertelianX2040/images/plugins.jpg)
The last tab actually lists the installed plugins. There are quite a few that come standard with the software. You can select a plugin and hit "Configure" to set that plugin up.

http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/ForeSightSystems/PertelianX2040/images/ebaysetups.jpg (http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/ForeSightSystems/PertelianX2040/images/ebaysetup.jpg) http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/ForeSightSystems/PertelianX2040/images/ebaynrs.jpg (http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/ForeSightSystems/PertelianX2040/images/ebaynr.jpg)
I chose Ebay and was presented a very interesting setup window. I got a token by logging into my Ebay account through the link given in Pertelian v4. After doing so the software imported my unique token. All I had to do was enter my Ebay ID (User Name). The second tab lets you list any auction you want to follow. The display can keep track of these for you and notify you visually about the status of the items listed.

http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/ForeSightSystems/PertelianX2040/images/weathers.jpg (http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/ForeSightSystems/PertelianX2040/images/weather.jpg)
The weather plugin keeps track of the current situation and future weather forecast at a location of your choosing. You can set the weather by postal code if you live in the USA or by searching for the Town name outside of the United States. It is great to see that the locations are not limited to large cities only.

[page=Display In Action]
Display In Action
Using the display takes some time getting accustomed to, as the hot keys are not the kind you would use every day. But once the basic moves like switching plugins and moving within them has been set up, it is perfect for checking on the info wanted. The following screen shots are not of every plugin available to the Pertelian X2040. I have taken a small selection of all the preinstalled and some custom plugins, available on the Pertelian homepage.

http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/ForeSightSystems/PertelianX2040/images/starts.jpg (http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/ForeSightSystems/PertelianX2040/images/start.jpg) http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/ForeSightSystems/PertelianX2040/images/starttpus.jpg (http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/ForeSightSystems/PertelianX2040/images/starttpu.jpg)
Once you start the software for the first time, you are greeted by the default screen. The first thing I did, was to change the front to techPowerUp!.com which was quite easy. The E0I0 stand for E-mail and Instant messages. As soon as one of these is received, the counter rises by one.

http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/ForeSightSystems/PertelianX2040/images/systems.jpg (http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/ForeSightSystems/PertelianX2040/images/system.jpg) http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/ForeSightSystems/PertelianX2040/images/tempss.jpg (http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/ForeSightSystems/PertelianX2040/images/temps.jpg) http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/ForeSightSystems/PertelianX2040/images/songsearchs.jpg (http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/ForeSightSystems/PertelianX2040/images/songsearch.jpg)
The systems information plugin displays some interesting system stats. It is nice to see the page file listed as well. The weather plugin gives you the current temperature at the set location and its three day forecast. The text scrolls by at different intervals, due to uneven text length in each line. Taking a picture of all lines pausing at the same time after a full scroll is impossible. The songsearch feature is very useful for searching songs in a currently playing play list, without having to open up the Windows Media Player or Winamp.

http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/ForeSightSystems/PertelianX2040/images/stocks.jpg (http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/ForeSightSystems/PertelianX2040/images/stock.jpg) http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/ForeSightSystems/PertelianX2040/images/ircs.jpg (http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/ForeSightSystems/PertelianX2040/images/irc.jpg) http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/ForeSightSystems/PertelianX2040/images/emails.jpg (http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/ForeSightSystems/PertelianX2040/images/email.jpg)
You can also keep track of your favorite stocks with the Pertelian. Just enter the desired symbol into the software. You can also follow multiple shares on the display. Another nice feature is the IRC. This is quite similar to the TeamSpeak feature, but here you can actually see what the other people in the room are writing. Pertelian is logging into the IRC network in the screen shot above. The email plugin is quite straight forward. You will either see an increase in numbers on the main screen, letting you know that there are unread emails, or you can check in detail through the plugin itself.

http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/ForeSightSystems/PertelianX2040/images/gamertags.jpg (http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/ForeSightSystems/PertelianX2040/images/gamertag.jpg) http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/ForeSightSystems/PertelianX2040/images/mp3s.jpg (http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/ForeSightSystems/PertelianX2040/images/mp3.jpg) http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/ForeSightSystems/PertelianX2040/images/networks.jpg (http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/ForeSightSystems/PertelianX2040/images/network.jpg)
The XBox Gamertag plugin shows you the stats of the set tag. You can see the Score, the type of gamer, the stars and the Gamertag itself. Very nice feature, as you do not need to log into your Xbox account to check it out. The media plugin shows you what song is currently playing and also displays the length of song as well as a progress bar. The network plugin will let you know what kind of traffic is passing in and out of your NIC in real time.

http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/ForeSightSystems/PertelianX2040/images/times.jpg (http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/ForeSightSystems/PertelianX2040/images/time.jpg) http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/ForeSightSystems/PertelianX2040/images/appss.jpg (http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/ForeSightSystems/PertelianX2040/images/apps.jpg) http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/ForeSightSystems/PertelianX2040/images/teamspeaks.jpg (http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/ForeSightSystems/PertelianX2040/images/teamspeak.jpg)
Another very simple, but quite effective plugin displays the time and date. So no more excuses like "I lost track of time" during long night gaming sessions. All the info you need is displayed. Another very interesting plugin is the "current application". It shows the name of the one application currently being "in focus" in Windows, the amount of CPU cycles it uses as well as the memory it is currently occupying.

http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/ForeSightSystems/PertelianX2040/images/mainmusics.jpg (http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/ForeSightSystems/PertelianX2040/images/mainmusic.jpg) http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/ForeSightSystems/PertelianX2040/images/mainforumss.jpg (http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/ForeSightSystems/PertelianX2040/images/mainforums.jpg)
The start screen adapts to the certain applications running. It will display the title of a song playing or lets you know that there has been a new post at a forum of your choice.

[page=UPDATE: Pertelian V5 with new functions]
Pertelian V5
ForeSight Systems has been working hard on their software and have now released the Pertelian V5, which adds four major functions for the Display. This update will give you an overview of these additions.

GameFire

Get real-time PC game server information including number of players, top players and more
Get player game information (information depends on each game supported)


This addition lets you keep track of your favorite servers and see who is playing and if there is a spot free. There is a long list of games currently supported and ForeSight Systems is working hard to add further games to the list:
America's Army, BattleField 1942, BattleField 2, BattleField 2142, Battlefield Vietnam, Battlegrounds, Call of Duty, Call of Duty 2 CoD:United Offensive, Condition Zero, Condition Zero Counter-Strike, Counter-Strike: Source, CounterStrike 1.5, Doom 3, Empires v1.08 Beta Enemy Territory, FEAR: First Encounter Assault Recon, garrysmod Half-Life, Half-Life 2, CTF, Half-Life 2 Deathmatch, Halo, MoH: Allied Assault, MoH: Allied Assault Breakthrough, MoH: Allied Assault Spearhead, Multi-Theft-Auto Pirates, Vikings and Knights II, Quake 3, Quake 4, Red Ochestra, San Andreas Multiplayer, Soldat, Soldier Of Fortune 2, Team Fortress Classic, Unreal Tournament 2004

While you can vew the game server details for the above games, the following also offer a detailed view of players, with more games coming soon:
Battlefield 2, Battlefield 2142, Unreal Tournament 2004

http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/ForeSightSystems/PertelianX2040/images/gamexfire1_small.jpg (http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/ForeSightSystems/PertelianX2040/images/gamexfire1.jpg) http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/ForeSightSystems/PertelianX2040/images/gamexfire2_small.jpg (http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/ForeSightSystems/PertelianX2040/images/gamexfire2.jpg)
Stock Monitor

Track stock and portfolio performance through virtual trading in real-time
Track virtual holdings and transactions through Portfolio Monitor and Transaction History
Set alerts for stocks such as price, volume, and total gain/loss
Get an instant rundown of stock performance based on numbers of shares and alerts through the LCD

This plug-in shows you the selected stocks in real time and you may also place alerts for a specific price or if it drops below a certain treshold. This way you can just go about doing your work and are notified if anything happens with the stocks of your choice.

http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/ForeSightSystems/PertelianX2040/images/stock1_small.jpg (http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/ForeSightSystems/PertelianX2040/images/stock1.jpg) http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/ForeSightSystems/PertelianX2040/images/stock2_small.jpg (http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/ForeSightSystems/PertelianX2040/images/stock2.jpg)
Multi Time Zone Digital Clock

Display any number of clocks in any time zone
Set multiple alarms in any time zone

One feature which has been missing up to now is a simple clock. But ForeSight System has added more than that. You can now set multiple alarms and check times in various time zones. This should be great for people wanting to keep time for Ebay auctions in different countries or just want to make sure they will not be calling their friend on a different continent in the middle of the night.
http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/ForeSightSystems/PertelianX2040/images/clock1_small.jpg (http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/ForeSightSystems/PertelianX2040/images/clock1.jpg) http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/ForeSightSystems/PertelianX2040/images/clock2_small.jpg (http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/ForeSightSystems/PertelianX2040/images/clock2.jpg)

Stop Clock

Run multiple stop watch counters anytime

Another community suggested feature, Stop Watch simply allows users to run and manage various stop watch counters for whatever purpose. Using the standard Pertelian hotkeys, users can start, pause, reset and create stop watch counters on the fly. Time units include milliseconds, seconds, minutes, and hours.

No configuration is needed, this plug-in is ready to go as soon as the Pertelian software is installed.
http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/ForeSightSystems/PertelianX2040/images/stop_small.jpg (http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/ForeSightSystems/PertelianX2040/images/stop.jpg)
[page=Value & Conclusion]
Value & Conclusion
<table width="100%" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" id="result">
<tr><th>http://www.techpowerup.com/images/dollar.gif</th>
<td>
The ForeSight Systems Pertelian X2040 sells for around $40-49 USD, which is a great price for such a versatile display.
</td>
</tr><tr>
<th>http://www.techpowerup.com/images/thumbup.gif</th>
<td>

Lots of plugins available
Great price
Software easy to use
Software is constantly updated
Bright display
Great build quality
Can be mounted on flat surface or placed in stand

</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<th>http://www.techpowerup.com/images/thumbdown.gif</th>
<td>

Software shortcuts take some getting used to
Display brightness cannot be adjusted
Traditional 4 line character LCD - not graphical
Packaging is not the most advantageous from a marketing stand point

</td></tr>
<tr><th>9.3</th>
<td>
The ForeSight Systems Pertelian X2040 is an incredibly sturdy device. It reminds me of LCD displays used in industrial settings with its thick, dark gray plastic enclosure. The display is bright and readable at almost every angle, while the software is solid and intuitive to work with. A fairly large and ever growing collection of plugins make the Pertelian X2040 a great little device to display all that important information without you having to stop what you are doing. A very affordable $40-50 USD price tag makes this a no brainer - this display shines in every aspect, once you get the hang of the 3 button shortcuts.
</td></tr>
<tr><th></th><td>http://www.techpowerup.com/images/editorschoice.gif</td></tr>
</table>

[Batou1986]

can you test it to see if it works with lcd studio, 3rd party lcd customization software ?

[Protius]

pretty cool

[randomperson21]

thats actually pretty schweet. but with vista's sideshow coming on the scene, especially with those diy mobos from asus coming out with sideshow units, this is going to become obsolete pretty fast. maybe its a poor-man's sideshow.....idk.

[ktr]

4 line? thats gay...for 20 bucks more, just get a g15...it has a higher lcd field, contrast control, and buttons to scroll data.

is there any buttons on the unit itself?

[ktr]

can you test it to see if it works with lcd studio, 3rd party lcd customization software ?

lcdstudio 2.0 doesn't support character based lcd screens...but lcdstudio 1.5 does, but through a parallel cable.

[Wile E]

Can it be configured to monitor voltages and temps?

[ktr]

Can it be configured to monitor voltages and temps?

well it supports plug ins...so you can get one for speedfan (if available).

edit...found one:

http://pertelian.com/forums/viewtopic.php?t=86&highlight=speedfan

that look sad compared to the one on my g15...

http://home.comcast.net/~craigmullaney/images/files.4.jpg

vs.

http://img249.imageshack.us/img249/8366/img0245qh70cy.jpg

[Wile E]

Crap, speedfan doesn't work right on my board. I get erratic readings off of my sensors.

The G15 display does look nice, but I hate large keyboards. I actually use an Apple keyboard on my PC because of this. Not optimal, as it doesn't have the insert, prtscr, and a couple of other buttons. Been eying the Saitek Eclipse for a while tho.

Back on topic: I was thinking this could be a cheap way to monitor temps and volts while benching or gaming.

[ktr]

From what i hear, you can get a cheap old palm for 10-15 bucks are program it to say anything...which is neat cuz it has the inputs and a large screen.

[Wile E]

From what i hear, you can get a cheap old palm for 10-15 bucks are program it to say anything...which is neat cuz it has the inputs and a large screen.Now that's something I never thought of. Thanx, ktr.

[randomperson21]

From what i hear, you can get a cheap old palm for 10-15 bucks are program it to say anything...which is neat cuz it has the inputs and a large screen.

yep. its called palmorb, runs thru the usb/serial/bt sync setup. essentially, it emulates a 4x16 (i think, beta versions are larger) matrix orbital alphanumeric LCD. Works with LCDSmartie, etc.

IMO, its pretty cool, but it can't do graphics, etc, like the g15 can. but still, a cheap palm is great for that kind of thing.

[ktr]

yep. its called palmorb, runs thru the usb/serial/bt sync setup. essentially, it emulates a 4x16 (i think, beta versions are larger) matrix orbital alphanumeric LCD. Works with LCDSmartie, etc.

IMO, its pretty cool, but it can't do graphics, etc, like the g15 can. but still, a cheap palm is great for that kind of thing.

sweet! something to do with my TX...i do have an orginal palm, but it restarts every time you turn it upside down it restarts...lol

[Scavar]

Can someone give me the reasoning behind why you would want a little screen somewhere else telling you things that you can look at on your monitor? Or is it along the samelines of using like Dual View for monitors? Heh

The Saitek Eclipse is a nice keyboard by the way. I have the original. Had it for at least two years now. I wouldn't get the Saitek Eclipse II though, at least not if you are getting it for the light up effects, which it doesn't seem you are. Also Logitech as a newer keyboard out thats really nice...has some weird stuff on it though...and it cost like a 100$

[ktr]

Can someone give me the reasoning behind why you would want a little screen somewhere else telling you things that you can look at on your monitor? Or is it along the samelines of using like Dual View for monitors? Heh

Well the object is to be able to view data, while doing something else that occupies the entire screen, like gaming, or watching a movie. Why pay another something-something for another monitor (and power cost to run it) when you can have a small screen,

The Saitek Eclipse is a nice keyboard by the way. I have the original. Had it for at least two years now. I wouldn't get the Saitek Eclipse II though, at least not if you are getting it for the light up effects, which it doesn't seem you are. Also Logitech as a newer keyboard out thats really nice...has some weird stuff on it though...and it cost like a 100$

I checked out the eclipse II at circuit city today, and it wasnt any better than a basic keyboard, the buttons felt funky too (like if they were spring loaded). the g15 is around 60-70bucks on sale, which shows up often.

[randomperson21]

sweet! something to do with my TX...i do have an orginal palm, but it restarts every time you turn it upside down it restarts...lol

ahh the tx is a nice palm.

i have a zire 72, its slowly dying. a combination of dog chewing (slightly damaged digitizer) and a dying battery (froze a coupla times in yellowstone) has severely limited my palm's usage. bah.

might pick up a new battery soon tho.

or maybe i'll just buy a new one.

[ktr]

ahh the tx is a nice palm.

i have a zire 72, its slowly dying. a combination of dog chewing (slightly damaged digitizer) and a dying battery (froze a coupla times in yellowstone) has severely limited my palm's usage. bah.

might pick up a new battery soon tho.

or maybe i'll just buy a new one.

So i got it working with my tx via bluetooth (wireless lcd ftw!)...its neat, but i wish for a larger screen...i shall try the beta version and see if they are good.

[randomperson21]

schweet, glad to hear it works. the beta version has some issues, because only certain programs work with the unusual lcd layout. theres a list of compatible software in the beta page so you know what will work and what doesn't. i think beta version b fills up most of a 320x320 display, so you're still going to be running with virtural grafitti on the bottom.

[ktr]

schweet, glad to hear it works. the beta version has some issues, because only certain programs work with the unusual lcd layout. theres a list of compatible software in the beta page so you know what will work and what doesn't. i think beta version b fills up most of a 320x320 display, so you're still going to be running with virtural grafitti on the bottom.

I am gonna try out lcdstudio 1.5 & the latest alpha and see what more i can do.

[Darksaber]

Just want to let you guys know, that there has been a update to the software with new features. Check out page 5 of the review with updated info!

cheers
DS