| UMPC has x86 and ARM CPUs |
Feb. 13, 2008
 HTC says it is now shipping an ultra-mobile PC (UMPC) that includes both x86-compatible and ARM-based processors. The Shift runs both Windows Vista and Windows Mobile, along with Microsoft's "Origami Experience" user interface, and has a seven-inch touchscreen display, slide-out keyboard, GPS, and worldwide 3G telephony.
(Click here for a larger view of the HTC Shift)
The subject of considerable buzz when previewed by HTC in April 2007, the 1.8-pound Shift has an 800MHz Intel Stealey A110 processor, featuring a Pentium M core and 512K of L2 cache. It also employs Intel's 945GU northbridge, which has a "Gen 3.5" Intel IGP (integrated graphics processor) clocked at 133MHz. And, there an Intel ICH7U southbridge. There is 1GB of RAM for the Stealey to use.
To this, HTC has added Qualcomm's MSM7200, an ARM11-based SoC (system-on-chip) targeting mobile phones. The MSM7200 is clocked at 400MHz, and supported by 64MB of RAM and 128MB of ROM.
HTC's Shift features dual CPUs and a slide-out keyboard
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 what HTC calls SnapVUE, an environment based on a modified version of Windows Mobile. This runs on the MSM7200, which also powers phone and GPS functionality.
HTC says SnapVUE provides access to information -- such as email, SMS messages, a calendar, and contact lists -- without the need to start Windows Vista. It can run continuously on battery power, receiving push email all the while, for up to two days, according to the company.
Also worthy of note on the software side is Microsoft's Origami Experience 2.0. This is a Windows Vista add-on for UMPCs that reportedly "brings together favorite media experiences -- music, videos, pictures, programs, news feeds, and the Internet -- in one location," Microsoft says.
Microsoft's Origami Experience is an addon for UMPCs
"Origami Now," pictured above, gives one-touch access to email, calendar, RSS feeds, weather, and to-do lists. Content is organized into a single screen that changes according to the time, the date, and the user's current location.
The Shift has a seven-inch, 800 x 480 touchscreen display, slide-out QWERTY keyboard, mouse buttons, and "microPAD" pointing device. A fingerprint sensor is provided for security purposes, and for storage, there's a choice of 40GB or 60GB 1.8-inch hard drives.
Wireless functionality includes HSDPA/UMTS (850, 1900, 2100MHz) and GSM/GPRS/EDGE (850, 900, 1800, 1900MHz) telephony. HTC cites HSDPA data rates of 3.6Mbps for downloads and 384Kbps for uploads, and 384Kbps download/upload for UMTS. The Shift also includes Bluetooth 2.0, and 802.11b/g wireless networking.
Finally, the Shift has a VGA-resolution camera for videoconferencing, a built-in microphone, and stereo speakers. A Universal Subscriber Identity Module (USIM) slot is provided for storing the device's phone "personality," and an SDIO slot allows for flash storage or other add-ons.
Features and specifications provided by HTC for the Shift include:- Processors:
- Intel Stealey A110 clocked at 800MHz
- Qualcomm MSM7200 clocked at 400MHz
- Memory:
- 1GB of RAM (for Stealey)
- 64MB of RAM and 128MB ROM (MSM7200)
- Display -- 7-inch touchscreen display with 800 x 480 resolution
- Camera -- VGA resolution, for videoconferencing
- Storage -- 40GB or 60GB hard drive
- Wireless:
- WAN -- HSDPA/UMTS (850, 1900, 2100MHz) and GSM/GPRS/EDGE (850, 900, 1800, 1900MHz)
- LAN -- 802.11b/g
- PAN -- Bluetooth 2.0
- GPS receiver
- Other I/O:
- 1 x USB 2.0
- VGA output for external monitor
- 3.5mm stereo audio output
- Battery type/life:
- 2700 mAh rechargeable lithium-ion polymer battery
- Vista operating time: Up to 2 hours
- SnapVUE standby time (push e-mail enabled), up to 53 hours
- SnapVUE standby time (push e-mail disabled), up to 10 days
- Dimensions -- 8.2 x 5 x 1 inches (207 x 129 x 25mm)
- Weight -- 1.8 pounds (800g) with battery
According to HTC, the Shift is available now from the carriers Telefonica in Spain, and Orange in the U.K. It will soon be available from retailers for approximately 1,200 Euros.
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