| Windows CE-based portable does gaming, WiFi |
Nov. 28, 2007
 Shenzen-based Minbo Industrial has introduced a portable device that is shaped like a game console, yet runs Windows CE 5.0. The PPC100 features dual directional keypads and built-in 802.11b/g wireless networking, according to the company.
(Click here for a larger view of the Minbo PPC100)
While it features differently colored cases (white or black instead of gray) the PPC100 appears to be a version of Newman's Newsmy MiniAll VX1000, introduced in China in August. Though uncomfirmed by the vendor, it's likely this is a licensed version or has been rebadged for export.
By whatever name, it is an unusual design, somewhat reminiscent of the Gizmondo gaming handheld that was unveiled by Tiger Telematics in 2003 and discontinued in 2006. (That multifunction entertainment and gaming device also ran Windows CE, and boasted built in GPRS wireless communications, a digital camera, and GPS, among other features.)
Like the Newman product, the PPC100 has a 4-inch, 480 x 272 pixel touch screen. Other notable hardware features include the keypads, WiFi, and an SD slot for memory expansion. The device also has both USB guest and host ports, for syncing with a PC or connection to an external keyboard.
Stating rather vaguely that the PPC100 is compatible with "Wii, Sega, and 3D" games, Minbo adds that the device includes PocketNester, a freeware emulator that allows it to run NES/Famicom games. It is also able to run games written in Adobe Flash, the company says.
Despite this gaming orientation, the PPC100 is also capable of more "serious" applications, thanks to the inclusion of Internet Explorer and viewers for Word, Excel, and PowerPoint files. It includes a Skype client so that its wireless networking capabilities can be used to make VoIP calls.
Features and specifications provided for the PPC100 include:- Processor -- 266 MHz ARM926EJ (specified by Newman, unconfirmed by Minbo)
- Memory -- 128MB DRAM, from 128MB to 2GB flash
- Display -- 4-inch 480 x 272 resolution touchscreen LCD
- A/V format support:
- Video -- AVI/WMV/AST/3GP/DivX
- Audio -- MP3/WMA/WAV and FLAC
- JPEG/BMP/GIF picture browsing
- Networking -- 802.11b
- USB ports -- 1 x USB 2.0 host; 1 x USB device
- Expansion -- SD card slot
- 3.5 mm jacks for stereo output and mic input; built-in stereo speakers
- Power supply -- uses rechargable 2400 mAH lithium-ion battery, 100-240V AC adapter
- Weight -- 6.3 ounces (180.4 g)
- Dimensions -- 6 x 2.8 x .8 inches (150 x 72 x 20 mm)
The Minbo PPC100 appears to be available now, though pricing information was not provided by the company. More details are available on the company's Web site, here.
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