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Fujitsu Announces XScale PDA
Andrew Slough writes: "Fujitsu has announced the world's first PDA based on Intel's XScale architecture, making this the fastest ARM PDA in the world! Stories also at at Infosync and The Register. Pictures at PocketNow."
I didn't see any mention of battery life. I would imagine that the color display will reduce it significantly.
What does that mean in the real world, versus say a 200Mhz Hitachi SH4? It just sounds weird seeing it called the fastest ARM PDA : Sort of like when pickup trucks have the best fuel economy in their category (which could mean that single model of pickup truck...). Will this be a super fast PDA? (And yes, to those who ask it does matter. With GPRS and other high speed connectivity issues real time compression/decompression, etc., matters more, and begs for increased power).
Nice. Very nice. Sleek, stylish, powerful. This is what a PDA is MEANT to be in order to succeed in the commercial world. It might not be styled for business use, but this one will definitely turn some heads in the commercial realm.
I've often thought that Linux-on-the-desktop is a loosing battle. But, Linux-on-the-palmtop is definitely a battle that the Linux community could win. The biggest hurdle that needs to be overcome, however, is the "geek factor". Many of us techies design devices that WE would use. Here is a perfect example of a device that the typical consumer would find attractive. Build a stylish-looking device, design a pretty GUI, write intuitive applications, adhere to standards (such as vCard, vCal, etc.) so data can be shared across device platforms, and provide the ability to sync with existing software (i.e. Outlook on both Win and Mac, Netscape, Evolution, etc.) and a Linux-based PDA could DEFINITELY make some big inroads.
The Zaurus is a nice little machine, but it won't make a splash. No one is going to buy it outside of the Linux community. But, if Sharp were to go all out and do something like this, Linux would definitely become more mainstream in the handheld market.
In fact, the only thing dated today is the Register article which just hacks details from the other sites.
Hardly recent "News for Nerds" ...
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Warning: Too many connections in /home/httpd/pocketnow.com/htdocs/forums/admin/db_m ysql.php on line 32
;o)
There seems to have been a slight problem with the database.
Understated, I like it
XScale is *not* StrongARM, StrongARM is *not* ARM.
So, calling this the fastest ARM PDA in the world is *incorrect* !
Trolling using another account since 2005.
Fujitsu's press release just said the chip was "high-performance", and after some digging I turned up this article which tells us that the Intel PXA250 can run at speeds as high as 400MHz. An excerpt:
Designed for advanced PDAs, the PXA250 is available at speeds of 200MHz, 300MHz, and 400MHz. While designed for low power, the PXA250 offers a Turbo Mode for application acceleration and multimedia acceleration with Intel Media Processing technology. USB, 920Kbps Bluetooth wireless, and a 1.84MHz baseband interface are offered as communication interfaces, and an enhanced memory support 2.5 volt or 3.3 volt 16-bit or 32-bit memory.
I feel so Dirty.
I'm a 2000 man.
The LOOX was announced weeks ago. Brighthand already had a forum up for it in February. Toshiba also announced their next PocketPC (XScale processor and embedded 802.11b included) last month.
A month behind the times? That's just shameful guys.
This tagline is umop apisdn.
Tokyo, March 12, 2002 - Fujitsu and its group affiliates today announced the global launch of Pocket LOOX, a sleek new handheld PDA designed to serve as a powerful enabler of mobility for demanding business users and consumers the world over. The new device, which will go on sale from Q2 2002, will preview at CeBIT (Fujitsu Siemens Computers' booth; Hall 1, Stand 5e2) from March 13 - 20 in Hannover, Germany.
Running on Microsoft Pocket PC 2002 software for seamless compatibility with widely used PC-based Windows applications, the ultraslim, lightweight Pocket LOOX utilizes a high-performance Intel PXA250 Applications Processor and boasts advanced high-speed network connectivity functions as well as very long battery life. The new PDA marks an important and flexible new platform addition to the Fujitsu group's mobile solutions offerings aimed at capitalizing on the infinite possibilities of the broadband era. Product specifications will be optimized to meet the particular market and sales channel requirements of each region.
In Europe, for example, Fujitsu Siemens Computers will offer the Pocket LOOX with a mobile telephony function through an added GPRS* plug-on module.
In Japan, Fujitsu will equip Pocket LOOX with an integrated Bluetooth module for wireless communication. In addition to strengthening network functionality, Bluetooth technology enhances expandability, convenience and flexibility of system design for advanced mobile solutions.
Major specifications (in Japan Market):
CPU : Intel® PXA250 Applications Processor
OS : Microsoft® Pocket PC2002 Software
Memory : RAM 64MB
Display : 3.5in. Reflective TFT (240 x 320), more than 65,000 colors
Expansion slots : CF TYPE II x 1, SD memory x 1
Communication capability : Bluetooth V1.1
Notes:
* GPRS:
General Packet Radio Service: One of the mobile phone packet transmission standards.
What if somebody sold a $50 linux based pda. What is the minimum you want the device to have? Understand, not everything can be done at a $50 retail, yes five-zero, not five-zero-zero.
What is too small, to slow, etc.
Do you really need 200mhz and no battery life?
Can't *one* of these PocketPC-driven PDAs have a decent sized screen at 480@320? Or does the PocketPC spec require 320@240? Anyone know?
You can still have a small-enough device with a slightly bigger screen. But with one, you can potentially raise the usefulness of it. Am I the only one that uses a PDA for more than a datebook? Am I the only one who reads a lot of text, or takes a substantial amount of actual notes (not just quick jots)?
Working toward a usable PDA environment in the spirit of Newton OS: Dynapad
"Microsoft Pocket Pc2002 Software"...
err yeah, I wont be buying that one.. but thanks!
stuff
about the best so far in a pda...
so, any bets on how long until this puppy is running linux?
The difference between Theory and Practice is greater in Practice than in Theory.
I still can't justify buying a PDA. Of course I don't work in the high tech IT industry where you need to keep 6,000 phone numbers, Shorthand notes not even you can read, and tetris handy.All for only $300! Now with unbearable web access! No thanks, I'll wait. When we get to PADD level technology, then I'll be seriously tempted...
Shift happens. Fire it up.
I want a high-end PDA like this but I don't want to run a Microsoft OS or MS Software. I refuse to use "Pocket" anything. When is someone going to offer a good alternative? Or has Microsoft already won the high-end, color, PDA market?
Comment removed based on user account deletion
Microsoft had their day, they abused their power, and now its time for them to die. No PDAs,.NET, gaming consoles, or whatever else they desperately reach for will save them. Access to our pockets DENIED.
</troll>
Check it out here:
.... come on you know you want me to say it: LOOX
:(
Not sure if this is the one they used for the LOOX but it's worth a
OK I'm done now
Eddy.WriteLinux.Com
Fisrt there were Japanese girls with semen on them! Bukake!
Now their are Japanese PDAs with Semens on them!
LOOX!
(read the artical before modding)
Moneyed corporations, non-working 'poor' and criminal prisoners are turning productive citizens into tax-slaves.
I went looking for more info on ARM, found it is used everywhere. Here's the address:
/ ar m_powered?OpenDocument
http://www.arm.com/sitearchitek/armwww.ns4/html
Hope someone finds it informative.
I want a PDA with good communications, but I'm not going to buy one that forces me to buy Micros**t software along with it.
- My Apple Newton MessagePad 2000 has real handwriting recognition, whereas Micro$oft Winblows CE (note clever use of subliminal imagery) does not. Learn a new handwriting scheme? No thanks, Billy-Bob. (That's a reference to Bill Gates, Chairman of Micro$oft (not "Microsoft."))
- My Apple Newton MessagePad 2000 has a PCMCIA (Personal Computer Memory Card International Association) slot for easy expansion, whereas those dolts at "Fu" "jitsu" didn't put one in to their so-called "innovative" "PDA." Nice try, guys. While you're listening to "digital music", I'll be surfing the Internet using a real web browser and getting e-mail on a large screen.
- I am boycotting Micro$oft, but I am not boycotting Apple. Another plus for me!
In short, please do not support these so-called "advancements" in "technology." My Newton is all the PDA that any user could ever need. If you think otherwise, I should LART you with my clue stick!For more information, click here.
...that's gravy. It's strength is its power consumption.
The Xscale at 200Mhz will be using about 50mW, about the same as a Palm processor runs at now. Compare to the current StrongARM, which at 233Mhz (a slightly overclocked Ipaq) sucks down 900mw. The Xscale will be 15x or so less power-hungry than the StrongARM at 200.
Or in other words, for the same power you get 5.4 mips with a 33 MHz Palm vs. over 300 mips for a Xscale.
It also has an advantage as it "scales" what it needs depending on the app, hence the name. So if you are running a memopad type function, it will need less power, and if you are running Quake or something, it will go full-bore. Think of it as intelligent underclocking when needed.
So in summary, the Xscale can have the computing power of a current Ipaq (more actually, they tweaked the core), at the same power consumption as a Palm (or much less depending on what types of apps you run). At 400Mhz, it will use about 3x the power of a Palm processor, but this will still be 5-6x less power than the StrongARM running at half the speed.
Bah! Who needs those geek toys anyway? I'm off to do some karate. Brush up, brush down, Daniel-San, that's the way to get the fastest arms.
--
The Cap is nigh. Time to get a fresh new account.
To get this speed with an SH4 you need a 64-bit data bus (big). It gets hot (ie needs very good cooling and chews up batteries).
Thus,I doubt though you'll see any SH4-based PDAs (or if they are ever made I don't see them running anywhere near top performance)
instead of higher res.. why not just use a lil bigger screen say.. four or five inch diagonal viewable size. i hate handhelds, they're so piddly.
there's this crapy Disney movie that was on late like called Zenon or something and they had these all in one pda's (it did take place in the future and yes i realize its just movie magic) but they looked like they were about 5 inches across diagonally. so yeah.. my 2 cents
No sig for you!!