| Low-cost UMPC sports swiveling display |
Apr. 27, 2007
 [Updated Apr. 30] -- Data Evolution has announced an "aggressively priced" ultra-mobile PC (UMPC) device with a unique, swiveling display. The Cathena CX cuts cost, complexity, and power consumption by using a low-power AMD Geode LX800 processor, but consequently lacks the processing muscle of typical UMPCs.
(Click for larger image of the Cathena CX UMPC)
Like most UMPCs introduced over the past year, the Cathena CX has a 7-inch, WVGA (800 x 480 resolution) LCD screen and runs various versions of Windows XP.
Unlike most UMPCs, however, its processor is an AMD Geode LX800 clocked at 500 MHz, a chip that's primarily aimed at embedded devices. While some small, UMPC-like devices target Windows CE or Windows Mobile with low-end processors such as the 520MHz PXA270 -- for example Sharp's EM-ONE, Seamless Internet's S-XGen, and Peace East Technology Development's "H10" -- virtually all Windows XP-oriented UMPCs feature 900MHz or faster ULV Pentium M or Celeron processors.
In addition to lowering the cost and complexity of the design, the LX800 SoC-style (system-on-chip) processor also consumes less power than ULV Pentium or Celeron processor. Accordingly the Cathena CX is priced lower than typical UMPCs and is claimed to provide 5 hours of run time per recharge of its standard Li-Ion battery.
The device also boasts a QWERTY keyboard, rather than being limited to "soft" keyboard or pen input.
Given the Cathena CX's low-end processing power, it's not surprising that the company is positioning it as ideal for "education programs." Interestingly, Data Evolution introduced a Windows CE-powered notebook computer back in 2004; it, too, targeted the education market, along with government services.
Key features and specifications of the Cathena CX, according to the company, include:- Processor -- AMD Geode LX800, clocked at 500MHz
- Memory -- 512MB SDRAM, expandable to 1GB
- Storage -- built-in 40, 80, or 100GB hard drive
- Display:
- 7-inch TFT WVGA (800 x 480) LCD
- User input devices:
- Passive matrix touch-screen
- Built-in touch pad
- "Near full size" QWERTY keyboard
- 5-way directional joystick
- Wireless:
- Integrated 802.11b/g WiFi
- Bluetooth 2.0+ with EDR
- Audio:
- Built in stereo speakers
- Audio in/out jacks
- Volume control
- Other input/output ports:
- Ethernet
- 2 x USB 2.0
- VGA video out (max. 1600x1200)
- Memory card reader (SD/MMC/MS/CF)
- Power -- Li-Ion battery, approx. 5 hours operation
- Size -- 8.6 x 6.4 x 1 inches (218 x 163 x 25.4mm)
- Weight -- 2.2 lbs (990g)
Availability
The Cathena CX is currently available with a choice of Windows XP (Home or Pro) or Windows XP Embedded, and is initially priced between $799 and $1199, depending on options such as DRAM memory, hard drive capacity, and Windows operating system version.
[Note: a reader emailed us to report that the Cathena CX appears to be a private-labeled version of the model SA1F00, from Japanese PC maker Kohjinsha. Detailed specifications of the SAF00 are located here (in Japanese), and an English translation appears on a reseller's website, here. Photos of the device are here. Cathena had not responded to our inquiries by publication time.]
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