Maxian.

(Click here for a larger view of Maxian's M2)

The M2 appears very similar to the M1T released by Maxian last December, and, indeed, has the same overall dimensions. The key enhancements compared to the M1T appear to be the inclusion of Bluetooth 2.0 and integral stereo speakers.

Like the M1T, the M2 may be operated either by the company's custom user interface, shown at the top of our story, or the standard Windows CE 5.0 desktop (right). In normal CE mode at least, it apparently supports the installation of third-party applications. In many ways, then, it would apparently bridge the arbitrary gap between a PMP and a handheld computer -- except that, yet again, there's no sign of a Web browser nor of Internet connectivity.

The M2 does have wireless capabilities, but apart from Bluetooth, these are limited to an FM receiver and a receiver for TV programs broadcast in Korea via T-DMB. The device is marketed as an audio/video player, capable of handling typical formats such as AVI, MPEG, ASF, and WAV formats, as well as some not-so-typical ones such as the lossless formats TTA (the true audio) and APE (monkey's audio).


Included Picsel Reader software displays multiple document formats in landscape or portrait modes
Other than that, the device is touted as an electronic dictionary, with bundled "Saydic" software, and as an e-reader, with bundled Picsel Viewer software (above). The M2 displays files in PDF, DOC, XLS, PPT, TXT, and HTML formats, Maxian says.

The M2 has a 3.5-inch display that is said to have 480 x 320 pixel resolution, and to display 16 million colors simultaneously. The device's RAM complement and its processor are a mystery, however. The M1T was described as having a "500MHz dual-core CPU," but Maxian doesn't even venture this much about the M2's processor.

Meanwhile, the M2 comes with either 8GB or 16GB of flash storage, plus an available SD expansion slot. A 3.5mm headphone jack and USB 2.0 interface are also included.

Features and specifications listed by Maxian for the M2 include:

• Processor -- n/s, but M1T was said to have a "500MHz dual-core" CPU
  
• Memory -- RAM not specified; 8GB or 16GB of flash storage
  
• Display -- 3.5-inch touchscreen display with 480 x 320 pixel resolution
  
• Wireless:
  • FM radio
    
  • T-DMB television receiver
    
  • Bluetooth 2.0
• Other I/O:
  • USB 2.0
  • 3.5mm headphone jack
• Expansion -- SD slot
  
• Battery -- 1500mAh lithium-ion battery; offers eight hours video playback and 20 hours music playback
  
• Dimensions -- 4.19 x 2.4 x 0.54 inches (106.5 x 61 x 13.9mm)
  
• Weight -- 4.58 ounces (130g)

Availability

The M2 appears to be available now for 258,000 Korean Won (approximately $202). More information may be found on Maxian's website, here.

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