PDA Killer or Thickening Vapor?

asklepius writes "The OQO handheld PC (which was discussed here) has some competition. Antelope Technologies is producing a very small computer based on IBM's Mobile Computer Core (MMC). It is powered by a Crusoe processor, 256MB RAM and 10GB HD. IBM has a press release about the partnership with Antelope Technologies. There are also some very cool accessories that let you turn it into a desktop system or a laptop. Looks like another cool device. Hope it is more than vapor."

Comments

Re:Tired of PDA's

[fmaxwell]

Take a look at the web page. This is not a PDA. It's a subnotebook with an 800x600 color display and the ability to run Windows 2000, XP, or Linux. If this was just another PDA, I'd agree with you, but the possibilities for this are quite a bit more broad than that.

What's the market for these things?

[jonman_d]

I honestly don't see who would use these things. They're not PDAs, because they're too large, too heavy, and last time I checked, moving parts in my PDA would absolutly suck (see: break in five seconds). They're essentially a low-grade computer in a small box. I don't see the point: it won't replace the desktop. The only possible use I can see for these things is using them as access points around your house or something, in which case the hardware in these things is overkill.

Am I missing something?

Re:What's the market for these things?

[ScooterB]

I agree. Thue utility of this device is not that great. The battery lifetime is what really killed it for me. 2 hours is really unacceptable. I think it is high time for a revolution in battery( or other portable power source) technology.

Re:What's the market for these things?

[phriedom]

"They're essentially a low-grade computer in a small box. I don't see the point: it won't replace the desktop."

The same thing could be said of most laptops, and yet people use them. Sure, this palmtop isn't going to be a workstation, but it will be able to do nearly all the things that laptops do, and in a much smaller size. Battery life DOES suck, but laptop batteries sucked just as bad when they started out.

from the google cache

[Anonymous Coward]

The MCC, or "mobile computer core," is a totally new PC architecture centered around a processor, internal battery, data storage and computer software applications. An additional power supply, display, communications and input/output connectors are accessories that you choose based on your individual preferences and work environment.

The core consists the Crusoe processor by Transmeta, 10 GB hard disk and 256 MB Ram all contained within 3"x5"x3/4"--smaller than a typical PDA. Low power consumption makes it ideal for portable applications, and no fan is required. It will automatically identify and adapt its system, power management, thermal, software and user interface behavior, depending on the attached accessory.

Use it to run Windows 2000, WindowsXP, or Linux operating systems. Use it in multiple configurations--desktop, laptop, handheld, tablet, or wearable. Above all, use it to simplify your life, save time and improve your access.

MCC Specifications:
300 - 800 MHz Crusoe Processor by Transmeta
Variable voltage 0.9 to 1.3 V
256 MB SDRAM
10 GB 1.8" ATA-5 Disk
Silicon Motion Lynx 721 3D Graphics w/8MB
Core physical specifications:
257 g (9.1 oz)
18.5x72x126 mm, 0.73x2.8x5.0 inches
10.2 cubic inches
Handheld shell:
Display: 5.8" 800x600 backlit active matrix
Touchscreen
Battery: 10.8V 1400mAh 15.1Wh
Battery life: approximately 2 hours
Weight 390 g (13.7 oz)
I/O: 2 USB, Audio In/Out, DC In
Core & shell combined specifications:
647 g (1.425 lb)
30.5x170x102 mm (1.20x6.69x4.016 in
32.234 cubic inches
I/O signals on docking connector:
PC Card
3x USB
DVI Digital Video
VGA Analog Video
PS2 Mouse/Keyboard
Microphone In
Amp Out Stereo
Line Out Stereo
DC In
2.5V, 3.3V, 5V power to accessories
Control signals
Docking ID & control
Backlight brightness control
SMB Bus for battery monitoring.

Another IBM article

[digital_freedom]

Here's another one that sill has pictures of the MCC: IBM Research article. It looks pretty small and cool.

Google Cache

[sarcast]

The google cache of the site.

Sigh...use your imagination.

[phriedom]

The screen is almost the size of a 3x5 note card, and has 600 x 800 resolution.
That is big enough for web browsing, or email, or chat, or writing documents, and some people pay over $400 for a portable dvd player with the very same screen, and same battery life.

It has usb ports, put any game controller on it that you want to.
If you don't want to "lug around" a big keyboard, don't worry I'm sure someone will make a usb nifty little fold up keyboard like the ones for Palms.
You don't need a mouse, it has a touch screen.
Of course bigger screens and interface devices are better for prolonged use and I've got 2 words for you: docking station. Many people use a docking station with their laptops already.
Your palm is synced to your desktop for todo list/calendar stuff, but one of these wouldn't need to SYNC, it could BE the main computer.
This isn't a toy like the PocketPC things, it is a full computer. I don't travel, so this isn't for me, but you can bet that many people who do travel would love to have one device that would replace both their PDA and their laptop, even if they have to carry several batteries and a kit to plug it into the cigarette lighter in their car.

A PDA is still better at being a PDA than this thing is, and 2 hours is a serious problem, no doubt about it. But calling this an iPod with a pretty screen is close minded.