As we reported last month, the cPC's Tablet PC subsystem runs the Windows XP Tablet PC Edition operating system on a 1.5GHz Via C7-M processor, equipped with 1GB of DDR 2 DRAM and a 40GB hard drive. Simultaneously, the built-in Pocket PC Phone subsystem runs Windows Mobile 5.0 on an Intel XScale processor with 128 MB of RAM and 1GB of Flash storage.

DualCor's compact cPC merges Pocket PC Phone and Tablet PC functions

The two subsystems share the hard disk, the 5-inch 800 x 480 wide-VGA screen, and, presumably, other peripherals. The device has two USB 2.0 type A ports, one USB 2.0 type B port, and a CompactFlash Type II slot.

A docking cradle adds a larger LCD screen, a source of recharging and operating power, and connections for a full sized keyboard and mouse (most likely USB-interfaced), allowing the device to be used like a normal desktop PC when docked.

The company's cofounders have apparently applied for an international patent covering the device's dual-OS resource sharing approach.

Last month, we noted the similarity of the cPC with OQO's "ultra personal computer". With OQO's recent announcement of a Tablet PC version, the two devices become virtually direct competitors.

Availability

According to DualCor, the cPC will retail for $1,500 and is expected to be available in the first quarter of 2006.

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• Compact, lightweight tablet computer runs Windows CE
  
• Next generation "full-sized handheld" runs Windows CE
  
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• Windows CE powers XScale-based "crossover" handheld