Pocketables

Pandora gaming handheld to ship en masse next month

With so many tablets and phones coming out these days, it's fantastic to get back to Pocketables' roots: handheld computers. Those of you who've been with us for a quite while probably remember the little device you see above: the Pandora open-source handheld gaming console/UMPC. We just learned that the company, despite numerous setbacks for its production and shipments, is going to ship more than a mere 4,000 2,800 devices starting next month. 

Of course, this is after an antagonizing four years of waiting for the company to get its act together and ship the darned thing. The specs are still decent for what the device is, but they're not as spectacular as they were when it was originally announced have been updated since the original Pandora, and the updates are as follows: 512MB of RAM and a new OMAP3 processor. The company even states that PSX can run full speed at just 650MHz, although it's overclockable to 800MHz. That's all that was updated though, and the device still keeps a 4.3-inch (resistive) touchscreen with a resolution of 800 x 480, WiFi, Bluetooth, host USB 2.0 port, and two slots for SDHC cards, which you can actually boot off of (if your OS of choice supports it). It's "created" to run Linux, but you're obviously welcome to toss any operating system you can on it. 

Over 70 investors poured over almost a half a million Euros ($650150) to get this project started up again. Head to the link below to preorder yours as a thank-you to those investors. 

[OpenPandora preorder via UMPCPortal]

What does Ocosmos OCS9 pre-release sale tell us about the OCS1?

I'm sure you all remember the Ocosmos OCS1 and OCS9 we saw at CES 2011. Well, they may be available soon.

Back in January, Engadget reported that the OCS1 would not be available until late 2011 or early 2012, while Ubergizmo pegged the first half of 2011 for its release. The unpocketable OCS9, on the other hand, was scheduled for a third quarter release.

Recent developments indicate that the timetable for the OCS9's release was fairly accurate, which is a promising sign that the OCS1 may still be on track too. You see, in May, Ocosmos through its subsidiary Ocosui announced a pre-release sale of the OCS9; a month earlier, several Korean business sites reported that it would be available in June.

Considering the release of other Oak Trail devices like the Fujitsu Q550, these developments certainly suggest that the OCS9 being widely available soon. I hope the same is true for the OCS1.

As a refresher, the OCS1 and OCS9 are gaming-focused PCs sporting 1.5GHz Intel Oak Trail processosr, 32/64GB SSDs, 2GB RAM, dual cameras, and Windows 7. The OCS1 has a 5-inch capacitive touchscreen, while the not-for-Pocketables OCS9 has a 9-inch one. In addition to size, major differences between the devices include the OCS9's unique folio that holds an extra battery and a separate capacitive keyboard, and the OCS1's availability in both slate and modular styles.

[Ocosui | etnews | economy]

Is pre-ordering the new trend in mobile devices?

It seems that everyone is trying to get tablets out the door.

But lately I have noticed that most are for pre-order. The PlayBook was up for pre-order a few weeks ago, and now we have the HTC Flyer, Asus Transformer, and Samsung Sliding PC 7 Series all up for pre-order too. The Transformer is already showing as sold out at many online retailers.

My guess is that manufacturers of these tablets want to get their products out to the public before others and rather than wait until the device is actually ready to be released and sold, they offer it up on pre-order at many retailers and online to generate headlines and maintain buzz. In some case, I think it helps to create a sense of false urgency and maybe inflated demand too. But does it work? How many of you pre-order a gadget, knowing that a few weeks later you'll be able to pre-order something else instead?

Intel's Oak Trail for mobile announced as alternative to Tegra 2, tablets already in the works

Powerful and low voltage processors have become the standard for high-end mobile devices, and one of the most popular and most common ones is the Tegra 2. But soon that may be changing. At the Intel Developer Form this week in Beijing, the desktop chip giant announced a new processor and their Oak Trail platform. 

The platform includes a single-core Atom Z-series chip clocked at 1.5GHz (Z670) that will be used in conjunction with the SM35 Express Chipset. Although some users may be disappointed by the fact that the processor only has one core, it is hyperthreaded, which makes it a "1.5 core" chip. The setup will be able to play 1080p video via HDMI out, will support Adobe Flash, and does not require fans like the previous Atom series. 

Although the device is x86 and not ARM-based, it will support both Android and MeeGo. The x86 architecture has the added benefit of also supporting full blown Windows. This makes it a potential platform for any Windows 7 tablets that may emerge.

The Tegra 2 was announced at the beginning of 2010, but because Nvidia did not have any hardware lined up, it is still just now being adopted. Intel is not making the same mistake. It has already announced a few devices that will ship with the new Z-series, including the Asus Eee Pad Slider and the Samsung Gloria, which are both hybrid tablet/netbooks.

Thanks to their lineup of devices, Intel may get a quick start with their platform, but they will still face stiff competition. Mobile computing generally uses the ARM architecture, and Intel has a fight ahead of them if they are going to change that. 

[ZDnet]

RIM explains lack of email, other apps on Playbook

Oh, silly BlackBerry PlayBook. Oh, silly RIM.

There are so many potential customers out there who really want the device to be released because of RIM's long history of fantastic email and messaging compatibilities. And I don't blame them; that's one of the reasons I was so excited about the PlayBook, too. 

But now, it seems that email, messaging, and even calendar apps won't be coming natively on the PlayBook at launch. RIM explains that it's more of a security concern with the apps than them not being ready, but I'm fairly positive that statement still means that the apps are unfinished. 

In my opinion, this is a major downfall for the PlayBook and even RIM. The company obviously has a huge reputation as a leader in messaging, and this is a very foolish move on their part. Hopefully, RIM's security department is working hard on getting the security flaws ironed out for a release of these apps within a week of the release of the device itself.

[CrackBerry]

NEC surprises with LifeTouch Note Android netbook

Providing a brief respite from the tablet onslaught comes a fascinating new device from NEC. The company has been very active in its home market over the past few months, first introducing the decent looking LifeTouch Android tablet at the end of last year and then following up with the innovative dual-screened Cloud Communicator LT-W on show at CES in January. Continuing with its innovative streak but taking a diversion from the well worn tablet route, NEC has revealed its latest MID, an Android netbook/smartbook called the LifeTouch Note.

Featuring a WVGA 7-inch LED-backlit resistive touch screen in a slim clamshell form factor with a nicely sized full QWERTY keyboard, the LifeTouch Note looks to combine the appeal and portability of the tablet form factor with the convenience and practicality of a netbook/smartbook. Impressing us even further is the hardware under the hood with the hybrid device sporting an NVIDIA Tegra 2 dual-core processor, 9 hours worth of battery life, a 2MP lid-mounted camera, GPS, support for SD/SDHC cards, and an accelerometer.

In addition, the Note will be available in three specifications, with the high-end model packing WiFi, 3G, and 8GB local storage; the mid-range model being identical but without the 3G; and the low-end model also being WiFi-only but having only 4GB local storage. On the software side the devices will ship with Android 2.2 Froyo and also include support for Android Market.

ITG's long-awaited xpPhone finally and unbelievably available for purchase!

Mere days after reappearing in the headlines running Windows 7, the ITG xpPhone is back in the news again for something much more significant. The long-awaited device is finally available for purchase online! This striking turn of events is quite unexpected given the recent period of silence and uncertainty but is surely a very welcome development for everyone who has been waiting for the past couple of years and wanting to carry a UMPC/phone hybrid device running Windows in their pocket.

Unlike the example demo-ed in the latest video, the models on sale are not running Windows 7, instead shipping with the originally specified Windows Embedded Standard 2009 (WES2009), an upgraded version of WinXP Embedded. There are a few specifications available: a base model with an 8GB SSD with or without 3G for $798 or $732, respectively, or a 16GB model with or without 3G for $876 or $810. Alternatively, both capacities without 3G are also available without Windows, shipping with DOS instead for $666 (8GB) or $765 (16GB).

Available to order directly on ITG's xpPhone English website with international shipping and payment via PayPal, the xpPhone is certainly not cheap. But it may be worth it for those of us wanting a one-of-a-kind "PC in a pocket" device. Head to the link below for the ordering page where you'll also find the full specifications in case you forgot anything. Anyone planning to take the plunge?

[xpPhone via Engadget]

Video of the long lost ITG xpPhone surfaces now running Windows 7

Remember the ITG xpPhone? We have been closely following the intriguing device throughout its very long development, ITG's teasing news releases, its string of video appearances earlier this year, and its appearances at various trade shows. But after the device received certification in April in anticipation of what seemed like an imminent release, all fell quiet as the xpPhone vanished off the radar.

Just as we were starting to wonder whether we would ever see the device again, the long lost UMPC/phone hybrid has resurfaced in a new video, and it's now running Windows 7 instead of earlier units shown running WinXP and Windows Embedded Standard. ITG has previously stated that the xpPhone would be available with Windows 7, but I believe this is the first time an example has been caught in action on camera.

In the current climate of Android-dominated tablet MIDs, even with all the delays and uncertainty the xpPhone still has an aura of fascination for me and it's good to see it in action. Hopefully the appearance of this video is a good omen for the long-awaited device to finally hit the market sooner rather than later. Are you still interested in the xpPhone? Or has its time passed? Check out the video after the jump.

Sharp IS01 now available worldwide, starting at $246

Need a break from the eternal parade of Android tablets?

Then sit back and let me refresh your memory about a little Android clamshell called the Sharp IS01 that was first introduced in March. It's powered by a 1GHz Snapdragon CPU and has a 5-inch 960 x 480 capacitive touchscreen, rear and front-facing cameras, WiFi, GPS, Bluetooth, full QWERTY keyboard, trackball, 3.4GB of internal memory, and a microSD card slot.

In its hometown of Japan, it's also a cell phone and has 3G connectivity. Neither of those functions are available for use outside of Japan, but the complete Android experience (Market, etc.) is present and works without issue over WiFi, which makes the IS01 quite capable as an Android MID or handheld smartbook.

The best part is that it's now available for less than $250 from Conics. The device is only running Android 1.6, which is far from ideal but really not too bad considering the price. Oh, and you can also get the white or sky blue version for an additional fee.

Update: See my first impressions of the Sharp IS01 for more info.

[Conics]

Dion Computer's prototype 4.8-inch clamshell Android MID revealed

Usually known for myriad clones of popular devices such as the iPad, Chinese manufacturers can also sometimes produce something more interesting and original, with the recently revealed clamshell Android MID shown above being a prime example. Currently thought to be a prototype from Dion Computers without a final name or model number, the unit is a fascinating hybrid device combining an Android smartphone, tablet, and handtop into one design. Probably the closest existing device we have seen to compare it to is the fairly similar Sharp IS01 Android clamshell, but unlike the IS01's older Android 1.6 OS, the Dion device is currently using Android 2.1.

Looking very much like a miniature notebook PC when closed, the clamshell reveals a Samsung-sourced 4.8-inch WVGA capacitive LCD touch screen with LED backlighting and support for multi-touch as well as a full QWERTY keyboard which looks perfect for thumb typing when opened. The thin screen bezel also conceals a small 1.3MP webcam and microphone for video calling/conferencing.