(Click for larger image of the Cathena CX UMPC)Like most UMPCs introduced over the past year, the Cathena CX has a 7-inch, WVGA (800 x 480 resolution) LCD screen and runs various versions of Windows XP.
Unlike most UMPCs, however, its processor is an AMD Geode LX800 clocked at 500 MHz, a chip that's primarily aimed at embedded devices. While some small, UMPC-like devices target Windows CE or Windows Mobile with low-end processors such as the 520MHz PXA270 -- for example Sharp's
EM-ONE, Seamless Internet's
S-XGen, and Peace East Technology Development's "
H10" -- virtually all Windows XP-oriented UMPCs feature 900MHz or faster ULV Pentium M or Celeron processors.
In addition to lowering the cost and complexity of the design, the LX800 SoC-style (system-on-chip) processor also consumes less power than ULV Pentium or Celeron processor. Accordingly the Cathena CX is priced lower than typical UMPCs and is claimed to provide 5 hours of run time per recharge of its standard Li-Ion battery.
The device also boasts a QWERTY keyboard, rather than being limited to "soft" keyboard or pen input.
Given the Cathena CX's low-end processing power, it's not surprising that the company is positioning it as ideal for "education programs." Interestingly, Data Evolution introduced a
Windows CE-powered notebook computer back in 2004; it, too, targeted the education market, along with government services.
Key features and specifications of the Cathena CX, according to the company, include:
- Processor -- AMD Geode LX800, clocked at 500MHz
- Memory -- 512MB SDRAM, expandable to 1GB
- Storage -- built-in 40, 80, or 100GB hard drive
- Display:
- 7-inch TFT WVGA (800 x 480) LCD
- User input devices:
- Passive matrix touch-screen
- Built-in touch pad
- "Near full size" QWERTY keyboard
- 5-way directional joystick
- Wireless:
- Integrated 802.11b/g WiFi
- Bluetooth 2.0+ with EDR
- Audio:
- Built in stereo speakers
- Audio in/out jacks
- Volume control
- Other input/output ports:
- Ethernet
- 2 x USB 2.0
- VGA video out (max. 1600x1200)
- Memory card reader (SD/MMC/MS/CF)
- Power -- Li-Ion battery, approx. 5 hours operation
- Size -- 8.6 x 6.4 x 1 inches (218 x 163 x 25.4mm)
- Weight -- 2.2 lbs (990g)
AvailabilityThe Cathena CX is currently available with a choice of Windows XP (Home or Pro) or Windows XP Embedded, and is initially priced between $799 and $1199, depending on options such as DRAM memory, hard drive capacity, and Windows operating system version.
[Note: a reader emailed us to report that the Cathena CX appears to be a private-labeled version of the model SA1F00, from Japanese PC maker Kohjinsha. Detailed specifications of the SAF00 are located here (in Japanese), and an English translation appears on a reseller's website, here. Photos of the device are here. Cathena had not responded to our inquiries by publication time.]
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