Toshiba's Handheld Enters the Fray

Chanc_Gorkon writes "Check this new handheld being released by Toshiba: The Toshiba Genio e550 series will be powered by a 206MHz StrongARM processor, 32MB ROM, 32MB RAM, and a 3.5?? reflection TFT running at 240 x 320 x 16-bit color. The e550 will also support industry standard Compact Flash Type II cards as well as the newest expansion technology, a Secure Digital cards for SD Memory and SDIO cards. The e550 will be 77.5 x 125 x 17.5mm in size, weigh 180grams and run 8 hours on its Lithium-ion battery. And now to the major news about Toshiba's new Pocket PC ... one version of the Genio (the e550/MD) will have an integrated 1GB IBM Microdrive! " Presumably handhelds.org will have a port fairly soon since this is fairly similiar to the iPaq. Especially exciting news about the gigabyte microdrive capable version. Suddenly a handheld usable for more then just a PDA and terminal.

Comments

Re:Don't buy it

[georg_sch]

From the Toshiba Spec Page (http://www.toshiba.co.jp/about/press/2001_07/e160 1/doc02.htm)

SD card slot supporting single SD Memory card or SDIO card

• SD Memory card security function not supported
• Data enctypted to the SD Memory card security function not supported

Buttons

[_ganja_]

One of the main things that has stopped me buying an Ipaq is the fact that they can only handle one key press at a time. This of course makes it less than ideal for games without using an on screen keyboard which takes up screen space.

Let's hope, nay pray the Toshiba doesn't also have the design flaw then this seems like my perfect pocket PC.

Links

[_ganja_]

The official Toshiba press release for the device.

Also the new Toshiba site for the genio-e unfortunatly in Japanesse only for now.

Prices

[darkov]

The Register has an article (http://www.theregister.co.uk/content/54/20402.htm l) that says the e550 will cost $560 and the e550/MD (as in Microdrive) will cost $800.