(Click here for a larger view of the Mintpad)

We're terming the Mintpad a PMP rather than a handheld computer because there's no sign it can accept third-party software. However, the Mintpass website shows the device being used not only for media playback, but also for web browsing, instant messaging, calendar and contact management, and creating graphics (right) using a stylus.

According to Mintpass, the Mintpad uses a Windows CE 5.0 operating system core. However, its user interface and web browser -- which is pictured below and demonstrated in videos on the company's website -- appear to be proprietary.

The Mintpad comes with a web browser
The device's hardware platform is said to be an ARM9 processor clocked at 400MHz, equipped with 128GB of RAM. Storage is provided by 4GB of onboard flash, supplemented by a SDHC-compatible microSD expansion slot that accepts cards up to 8GB.

Measuring 3.07 x 2.5 x 0.6 inches, with a weight of 3.17 ounces, the Mintpad is smaller than most cell phones. The PMP has a 2.9-inch touchscreen display, with unspecified resolution, 802.11b/g wireless networking, and a rear-mounted 1.3 megapixel camera. Other facilities include a 3.5mm headphone jack, a mono microphone, and a mono speaker.


The Mintpad has a 2.9-inch display and a 1.3 megapixel camera
(Click to enlarge)
Mintpass says the Mintpad can play video at up to 30 frames per second at 320 x 240 pixels, supporting AVI, WMV, and MPEG-4 formats. The device captures still pictures with resolutions up to 1280 x 1024, and video at up to 15fps, the company adds.

Features and specifications cited by Mintpass for the Mintpad include:

• Processor -- Unspecified ARM9 CPU clocked at 400MHz
  
• Memory -- 128MB of RAM and 4GB of flash storage
  
• Display -- 2.9-inch touchscreen display with unspecified resolution
  
• Camera -- 1.3 megapixel
  
• Networking -- 802.11b/g
  
• Other I/O:
  • USB port
    
  • 3.5mm headphone jack
    
  • Mono speaker
    
  • Mono microphone
• Expansion -- microSD slot (up to 8GB)
  
• Battery -- Removable 900mAh lithium-ion battery pack
  
• Dimensions -- 3.07 x 2.5 x 0.6 inches (78.2 x 63.8 x 15.2mm)
  
• Weight -- 3.17 ounces (90g)

Mintpass did not supply pricing or availability information for the Mintpad, but the device will reportedly sell in Korea for 198,000 Won (approximately $156).

More information on the Mintpad may be available from the company's website, here. Of particular interest is the web browsing video, available here.

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