Samsung has announced a MID (mobile internet device) that runs Windows Mobile 6.1 and includes built-in WiMAX networking. The SWD-M100 "Mondi" has a 4.3-inch touchscreen display, slide-out QWERTY keyboard, GPS, three megapixel camera, an HDMI port, and 4GB of storage, the company says.
Nokia's WiMAX-equipped N810 ran Linux (Click image for further information)
According to some reports, Nokia has discontinued the WiMAX version of its Linux-based N810 MID (right), announced a year ago. Whether or not this proves true, Samsung has now stepped up to the plate with a Windows-based alternative, ready to work with the XOHM mobile WiMAX service now known as Clearwire.
Samsung hasn't released dimensions for the new Mondi, though they appear similar to those of the N810, which measures 5.04 x 2.83 x 0.55 inches. The Samsung MID sports a 4.3-inch display, with undisclosed resolution -- we'd guess it's 800 x 480 pixels, like the N810's -- plus a slide-out QWERTY keyboard.
According to Samsung, which didn't provide details of the device's chipset, the Mondi features 4GB of flash storage, WiMAX, WiFi, and Bluetooth 2.1. The underlying Windows Mobile 6.1 Professional operating system has been dressed up with a proprietary "widgets" interface, the Opera Mobile 9.5 web browser, the Fring client for VoIP and instant messaging, and "instant access to social networking websites."
Samsung says the Mondi also offers GPS, with preloaded maps from Route 66, a three megapixel camera that shoots stills of video, and an HDMI output. Characterizing the MID as "designed for use with the Clear mobile WiMAX service from Clearwire," the company adds that the Mondi is usable elsewhere via WiFi; however, the device apparently does not include a cellular modem.
Clearwire currently provides service in Portland and Baltimore, touting download speeds of up to 4Mbps, and claims it will extend connectivity to more than 80 markets by 2010. Some of the major markets expected to launch Clear service this year include Atlanta, Las Vegas, Chicago, Charlotte, Dallas/Ft. Worth, Honolulu, Philadelphia, and Seattle, says Clearwire.
Bill Ogle, chief marketing officer for Samsung Mobile, said, "The Samsung Mondi is an important step toward our goal of bringing 4G network speeds and connectivity to people across the U.S. It's a great match for people who want immediate access to the Web without having to sacrifice download speed and portability."
A video of Samsung's new Mondi Source: UMPC Portal (click to play)
Availability
Samsung did not release pricing for the Mondi, and said only that the MID's availability is "upcoming."
