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        Low-cost phone bundles IM client

        Jonathan Angel | Date: Jun 30, 2008 | Comments: 1


        BenQ has introduced a low-cost Windows Mobile 6.0 Standard-based phone that comes with a multi-service instant messaging (IM) client. The E72 includes quad-band GSM connectivity, a 2-inch 320 x 240 display, 802.11b/g wireless, Bluetooth 2.0, and a two megapixel camera.



        (Click here for a larger view of Benq's E72)

        While the E72 apparently brings no earth-shaking technical capabilities to bear, it weighs just 3.16 ounces, and its 0.54-inch thickness makes it pocket-friendly. A burgundy-and-black case sports a two-inch display with 320 x 240 resolution, a five-way controller, and a typical numeric keypad.

        The E72 uses TI's OMAPV1030 SoC (system on chip). Touted by the chip vendor upon release as providing "smartphone capabilities at featurephone costs," the OMAPV1030 combines an ARM926TEJ core with a TI DSP processor, and is clocked by BenQ at 260MHz.

        The E72 has 64MB of RAM, 128MB of flash memory, and a microSD slot said to accept up to 2GB of RAM. It offers quad-band (850/900/1800/1900MHz) GSM connectivity, Bluetooth 2.0, and a camera with two megapixel resolution -- the maximum supported by the OMAPV1030.


        The Mundu IM client
        (Click image for further information)
        The E72 naturally offers the standard facilities of Windows Mobile 6.0, including HTML-based email, Windows Media Player-based audio and video playback, and enhanced support for Microsoft Office documents. To these, BenQ has added Mundu, an instant messaging client that connects to AIM, MSN, Yahoo, ICQ, Google Talk, and Jabber IM services. The client is also said to support "instant sharing" of photos and videos.

        Features and specifications listed by BenQ for the E72 include:
        • Processor -- TI OMAPV1030 clocked at 260MHz
        • Memory -- 64MB of RAM and 128MB of flash
        • Display -- 2-inch display with 320 x 240 resolution
        • Keys -- numeric keypad, four-way controller, standard calling buttons
        • Camera -- 2 megapixel
        • Wireless:
          • WAN -- quad-band (850/900/1800/1900MHz) GSM
          • WLAN -- 802.11b/g
          • PAN -- Bluetooth 2.0
        • Other I/O:
          • 1 x USB
          • headphone jack
        • Expansion -- microSD slot accepts up to 2GB
        • Battery type/life:
          • 900 mAh lithium-ion
          • up to four hours talk time
          • up to 180 hours standby time
        • Dimensions -- 4.25 x 1.8 x 0.54 inches
        • Weight -- 3.16 ounces
        The BenQ E72 is available now from UK carrier BT Vision, where it is free with the purchase of certain service plans. More information may be available via the carrier's website, here.


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