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        New Toshiba Pocket PCs boast hands-free voice I/O, built-in wireless, VGA display

        Staff | Date: Oct 23, 2003 | Comments: 1


        Toshiba rolled out two new Pocket PC handhelds today -- a "value priced" model, e400/405; and a "corporate" model, the e800/805. Both new PDAs include hands-free voice functions consisting of audio playback of text documents and voice command inputs, and the e800/805 (shown at left) features integrated Wi-Fi (802.11b) connectivity...

        along with voice over IP (VoIP) capabilities.

        Toshiba says the voice command capability on both new models lets users speak words such as "contacts" and "calendar" to open applications vocally, without needing to use a stylus. Additionally, a built-in text-to-speech application provides audio feedback of email messages, schedule, and other text documents.

        The built-in VoIP phone software on the e800/805 allows users to place phone calls over high-speed wireless LAN networks worldwide (provided they have subscribed to the required services), Toshiba says.

        The e800/805 has a 4.0-inch diagonal LCD display, while the e400/405 has a 3.5-inch display. The e800/805 also is one of the first Pocket PCs to include VGA support -- the user can switch between 240x320 QVGA and 480x640 full VGA -- preparing the device for future VGA-enabled applications. (Note: currently, Toshiba says the e800/805's VGA mode is only supported by "ClearVue" applications.)

        The Pocket PC e400/405 is priced at $299, and e800/805 goes for $599. A summary of features of each device appears below.

        Summary of features and specs -- e800 . . .
        • Operating System -- Microsoft Windows Mobile 2003
        • Processor -- 400MHz Intel PXA263
        • Display:
          • 4.0-in TFT transreflective color LCD
          • 240 x 320 portrait resolution, 64K colors
          • 480 x 640 VGA portrait resolution usable in "ClearVue" applications
        • Memory:
          • 128MB SDRAM
          • 32MB Flash program memory
          • 32MB Flash user memory for apps and data
        • Input method: stylus, touchscreen
        • Wireless -- integrated Wi-Fi (IEEE 802.11b)
        • Input/output ports:
          • RGB (Monitor) port
          • USB port via optional Picture View Presentation Pack
          • Infrared Port -- IR (115Kbps)
        • Card slots:
          • 1-Type I/II CompactFlash slot
          • SD (Secure Digital) card slot
        • Audio -- built-in speaker and microphone, plus headphone jack
        • Battery Type -- Rechargeable/Removable Lithium Ion Battery
        • Dimensions -- 5.3 x 3.0 x 0.6 in.
        • Weight: 6.8 oz

        Summary of features and specs -- e400 . . .
        • Operating System -- Microsoft Windows Mobile 2003
        • Processor -- 300MHz Intel PXA261
        • Display -- 3.5-inch TFT trans-reflective, 240 x 320 x 64K color
        • Memory:
          • 64MB SDRAM
          • 16MB Flash program memory
          • 32MB Flash user memory, for apps and data
        • Input method -- stylus, touchscreen
        • Input/output ports:
          • USB client, USB host
          • Infrared Port -- IR (115Kbps)
        • Card slot: SD card
        • Audio -- built-in speaker and microphone, plus headphone jack
        • Battery type -- rechargeable Lithium Ion Battery
        • Dimensions -- 4.9 x 3.0 x 0.4 in.
        • Weight -- 4.6 oz.