| Hybrid PC/phone uses Atom |
Oct. 22, 2008
 The Korean company Miutech announced a device claimed to squeeze an Atom-powered PC and a mobile phone into a single package. The HDPC (hybrid dual portable computer) runs Windows XP on the Atom and Windows CE on an unspecified ARM processor, sporting dual displays, says Miutech.
(Click here for a larger view of Miutech's HDPC)
Miutech's original HDPC concept
(Click image for further coverage) |
Miutech appears to be an ODM (original device manufacturer), seeking to design products for other companies to market. It first showed off its HDPC earlier this year, at which time the x86 processor included was said to be a 500MHz Via C7-M. Shown in its original guise at right, the device doesn't appear to have ever gone on sale.
Now, Miutech has revised the HDPC's case design, and changed the x86 processor inside to Intel's Atom -- perhaps the 1.1GHz Z510, though the specific clock speed and processor choice wasn't revealed. The core concept remains the same, however.
When closed up, as pictured at the top of our story, the HDPC resembles a bulky mobile phone, with a 2.4-inch 320 x 240 display, five-way controller, and a numeric keypad. In this mode, the device uses its ARM processor to run a mobile operating system -- apparently Windows CE, with an unspecified software stack on top of it.
Miutech's HDPC runs Windows XP on an Atom processor
But, as pictured above, the top of the HDPC also folds open, revealing a QWERTY keyboard and a 4-inch touchscreen display, with 800 x 480 resolution. In this mode, the device can run Windows XP, according to the company.
The HDPC's larger display is viewable whether the device is open or shut
Miutech doesn't provide details of how a user selects which operating system to use, nor does it state whether the two OSes are able to share an integrated file system. But the company does say that the 800 x 480 touchscreen (above) can be rotated for external use. When thus rotated, it can be used with the ARM-based operating system, for basic web browsing, navigation, e-book reading, and media playback without firing up the Atom.
Since many specifications of the HDPC remain vague, we are not including a chart in our usual format here. But, Miutech did cite the following features for the HDPC, in addition to those already mentioned above:- "Mass storage devices over 30GB"
- VGA resolution camera for videoconferencing and a rear-facing five megapixel camera
- FM transmitter
- An optional cellular module, with GSM or CDMA telephony (standard telephony is apparently VoIP only)
- An optional DMB TV receiver
- A microSD expansion slot
Miu has not released two important specifications for the latest iteration of its HDPC -- the device's size and weight. The earlier Via C7-M version was said to measure 6.4 x 2.6 x 1 inches (160 x 65 x 25mm) and to weigh 13.6 ounces (385 grams).
HTC's dual-processor Shift
(Click image for further information) |
HTC first introduced the concept of combining x86 and ARM-based processors in a single device with its Shift, a UMPC (ultra-mobile PC) that was announced last year and began shipping in February to mixed reviews. 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.
Further information
In addition to referencing Windows XP and Windows CE, Miutech suggests that the HDPC will also be compatible with Linux. Which of the device's processors this operating system alternative will target, however, wasn't specified.
Miutech also hasn't specified pricing and availability for the HDPC. More information may be available on the company's website, here.
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