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        NEC phone's styled like mini-laptop

        Jonathan | Date: May 20, 2010 | Comments: 1


        Is it a mobile phone, a MID (mobile internet device), or a mini-laptop? Hard to decide, but the NEC-manufactured N-08B announced today by NTT DoCoMo is said to include a 4.6-inch display with 854 x 480 pixel resolution, a QWERTY keyboard, plus a VGA-resolution webcam -- and it makes phone calls, too.

        According to NTT DoCoMo, the N-08B runs using a customized version of Windows CE, rather than the Windows Mobile 6.x software stack that might have been expected on a phone. The reason for this choice was not explained, but the device is said to provide a web browser, text editor, plus software designed to provide remote access to a home PC. (NTT DoCoMo claims that with a compatible router, the N-08B can even turn on a PC remotely.)


        NTT DoCoMo's N-08B

        The N-08B is designed to connect to NTT DoCoMo's FOMA (Freedom of Multimedia Access) network, touted as the world's first 3G mobile service when it was launched back in 2001, though it offers "World Wing" GSM connectivity too. Data rates are claimed to range from 384Kbps to 7.2Mbps depending on location. The N-08B also includes Wi-Fi and can act as a router for separate devices such as the Nintendo DS, NTT DoCoMo adds.

        NTT DoCoMo says the N-08B has an 854 x 480 pixel display -- offering 16-bot color, though the company's photos make it look like a monochrome blast from the past -- and a full QWERTY keyboard. The device also incorporates a pointing stick built into the space bar, according to the company.

        According to NTT DoCoMo, which did not disclose the N-08B's processor or memory complement, the device has a microSD slot that accepts up to 16GB of memory. Measuring 7.08 x 3.14 x 0.7 inches (180 x 80 x 18.1mm), the N-08B weighs 10.58 ounces (300g), the company adds.

        It's said the N-08B, which sports a VGA-resolution webcam, offers 350 minutes of talk time, 180 minutes of video playback, and 1,000 hours of standby.

        Further information

        NTT DoCoMo did not specify pricing or availability for the N-08B. More information on the device may be found on the company's website, here, while additional images may be found on Akihabara News, here.

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