| Hybrid nano-PC phone runs Windows XP |
Mar. 24, 2008
 Here's a mobile phone that runs Windows -- not Windows Mobile, or Windows CE, but actual Windows XP. Miu's "HDPC" (hybrid dual portable computer) melds a palmtop PC powered by a 500MHz Via C7-M processor with a mobile phone powered by a 200MHz ARM9-based system-on-chip.
Miu appears to be an ODM -- a company that designs products for other companies to market. As such, the HDPC seems to be a proof-of-concept design available to OEMs for rebranding and manufacture, likely with operating system customizations.
Closed, there's a QVGA screen with hardware keypad and gaming controls
Why combine a mobile phone with an x86-based nano-PC? Well, you could converge mobile phone functionality with a PMP (portable media player), ebook reader, handheld game player, wireless video walkie-talkie, camcorder, navigation device, ebook reader, voice recorder, digital camera, MP3 player, and email reader. These are a few of the options listed in a graphic published by Asian technology news site Aving, but likely originated by Miu.
HTC's dual-processor Shift
(Click image for further information) |
The concept of combining x86 and ARM-based processors in a single device was originated by another Asian ODM/OEM, HTC. HTC's Shift is a UMPC (ultra-mobile PC) that was announced last year and began shipping last month. The 1.8 pound, Shift uses an 800MHz Intel Stealey A110 processor, featuring a Pentium M core, along with Qualcomm's ARM11-based MSM7200. The Shift runs Windows Vista Business edition on the Stealey CPU, much like a normal UMPC or laptop. In addition, users can toggle over to the MSM7200 and run what HTC calls SnapVUE, an environment based on a modified version of Windows Mobile. Where Vista would deliver about two hours of battery life, SnapVUE can keep operating for up to two days, HTC claims.
At just 6.4 x 2.6 x 1 inches, however, Miu's HDPC is significantly smaller than HTC's Shift. While Miu did not confirm, the design may well be based on Via's Mobile-ITX board.
Motorola phone, and Via Mobile-ITX board
(Click for details)
Pinpointing all the HDPC's other specifications is a matter of guesswork based on computer translations of Korean manufacturer MIU bit's website. Here's our best guess:- Processors: Via C7-M processor clocked at 500MHz or optionally 1GHz, and ARM9 clocked at 200MHz
- Memory: up to 4GB of DDR2
- Display: 4-inch, WVGA (800x480) inner screen, 2.2-inch outer screen (320x240)
- Storage -- 1.3-inch 30/60GB hard drive or 4GB SSD
- Manual input -- thumbball mouse; keyboard; game keys, touchpad, telephone keys, function select keys; stylus for touchscreen
- A/V -- microphone IN, A/V IN, AV/OUT; two-channel stereo speaker
- WiFi, Bluetooth 2.0, GPS, USB
- Other I/O -- replicator port; E-ant port
- Expansion -- Mini SD and T-Flash slot
- 3- or 5-megapixel digital camera (CMOS)
- Li-ion batteries claimed good for seven hours normal use, or 90 in low-power mode (likely with the x86 processor powered off)
- Dimensions: 6.4 x 2.6 x 1 inches (160 x 65 x 25mm)
- Weight: 13.6 ounces (385 grams)
- Power -- 100~240V; 12V 2A DC in
- Batteries -- 4 cells Li-Ion for 7 to 90 hours
- Options -- Car-mounting kit with cigarette lighter attachment; hand strap
Availability
The Miu HDPC will be available in July in Korea, priced between 400,000KRW ($400) and 500,000KRW ($500), Miu said.
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