New Cellphone Sized "Computer" Takes Aim at Sub-Notebooks

IMOVIO has launched a new cellphone-sized computer that is aimed at something similar to the subnotebook market. While it doesn't have 3G of its own, it does have a QWERTY keyboard, Wi-Fi, and a $175 price point. "It can connect to the Internet using a standard Wi-Fi connection, or it can use your cell phone's mobile broadband connection via Bluetooth. The company is currently pitching it to mobile network operators and retail stores. It's being compared to the ill-fated Palm Foleo. But the comparison doesn't work because the Foleo was Palm-phone only, didn't fit in a pocket and cost well over three times the price of the iKIT.

Comments

infuriating

[mcgrew]

It's infuriating. I already have a computer the size of a cell phone. It's called a "cell phone". Damn it, why can't I plug it into a TV or monitor, and plug a mouse and keyboard into it and use the damned thing like a computer?

Re:infuriating

[east coast]

Let me ask: Why should it matter where we buy it from? If anything you would think the manufacturers would find accessories of this nature to have high profit margins compared to their phones. I know I'd buy into it.

But does it run Linux

[davidwr]

2.6?

Let's hope 2.4 stays supported for some time to come.

We already have cell-phone sized computers

[XxtraLarGe]

Pretty soon, your iPod/iPhone is going to be your computer. You'll be able to have your iPhone in your pocket, walk in to any building, sit at a thin client (monitor & keyboard) and connect to your iPhone using a physical cable and possibly even BlueTooth or Wi-Fi. Soon your iPhone/iPod will be a wearable computer, with sunglasses for the display and a bluetooth headset. Commands will be spoken into the handset instead of typing. You'll meet somebody and be able to look at their MySpace/Facebook while you're talking to them face to face.

Do you think I have a decent chance on the speaking circuit as a futurist? :-)

Re:Small? Go for,high-fidelity tube technology ...

[kftrendy]

Bah. A TRUE computophile won't settle for less than a full-fledged Analytical Engine. Gears are the true analog circuits! I can really tell the difference, because every month when the coal bill comes, I know it must be good, because it is using butt-loads of coal.

Re:Small? Go for,high-fidelity tube technology ...

[CorporateSuit]

Burning all that coal is going to black out our atmosphere and leave the world in shambles for our children and animals. When you decide to finally join the 21st century, you'll learn that CLEAN computphiles use hydraulic analytical engines powered by slaves on rowers! I can really tell the difference, because every month when the mortality report comes, I know it must be good, because I'm going through butt-loads of slaves.