| Netbook-like phone "companion" gets video input |
Nov. 18, 2008
 Celio Corporation announced two new versions of its netbook-like add-on for Windows Mobile smartphones. The Redfly Mobile Companion C8N sports an eight-inch display and a video input for PMPs (personal media players), while the lighter, lower-priced C7 (left) has a seven-inch display, Celio says.
(Click here for a larger view of the Redfly C7)
The Redfly -- first announced in January -- resembles a netbook in its basic form factor, size (9 x 6 x 1 inches), and weight (two pounds for the C8N model). But, as Celio hastens to point out, the Redfly actually offers fundamentally different technology. The device offers minimal processing power, and stores no applications, data, or settings of its own. Instead, it merely acts as a keyboard and screen for a Windows Mobile phone, to which it gets connected via USB or Bluetooth 2.0.
The Redfly acts as a keyboard, screen, and charger for a connected Windows Mobile phone
A software driver compresses data and manages communication between the phone and the Redfly. Windows Mobile applications such as Excel are said to scale themselves to the Redfly's 800 x 480 screen, as shown above. Meanwhile, there's an 80-key QWERTY keyboard, plus a VGA port that offers 800 x 600 pixel output to video projectors or other external displays.
The Redfly additionally includes function keys that let it control standard phone functions such as send, end, OK, and escape. For this and other reasons, a phone-specific driver is required for each supported Windows Mobile 5.0, 6.0, or 6.1 device, according to Celio.
 
The Redfly C8N adds a mini-USB port (left) that accepts composite video input via a special adapter cable (right)
(Click either to enlarge)
According to Celio, the new C8N is mostly similar to the company's original Redfly Mobile Companion, including an eight-inch display and a 4500mAh battery that's claimed to power the unit -- and, when USB is used, the connected Windows Mobile phone -- for up to eight hours. However, a "media port" (above) now allows the device to display NTSC or PAL video from an externally connected PMP (personal media player), the company says.
Meanwhile, the new C7 model, shown at the top of our story, has the same external dimensions as the C8N, but is without the media port, and its screen has been downsized to seven inches. Featuring a 2000mAh battery that's said to power the device for up to five hours, the C7 weighs just 1.46 pounds, says Celio.
Features and specifications provided by Celio for the Redfly Mobile Companion C8N and C7 include:- Processor/memory -- n/s, but device merely acts as a display and keyboard to a required Windows Mobile phone
- Display -- 800 x 480 display; 8 inches on C8N and 7 inches on C7
- Keyboard -- 8.3-inch, 80-key QWERTY keyboard, touchpad, and special keys (send, end, OK, esc, left menu, right menu) for phone control
- Networking -- Bluetooth 2.0 (WiFi or cellular connectivity is provided by connected Windows Mobile device)
- Other I/O:
- 2 x USB 3.0
- Media port (on C8N only; accepts composite video input via adapter cable, and also doubles as third USB port)
- 1 x VGA output (800 x 600 resolution)
- Battery type/life:
- 4500mAh battery with 8 hour operation (C8N)
- 2000mAh battery with 5 hour operation (C7)
- Dimensions -- 9 x 6 x 1 inches (228 x 152 x 25mm)
- Weight:
- 2 pounds (0.9kg), C8N
- 1.46 pounds (0.7kg), C7N
- Operating temperature -- 0 to 55 deg. C (32 to 131 deg. F)
Reminiscent of Palm's abortive, Linux-based Foleo, the Redfly received mixed reviews in its first incarnation. According to reviewers, the device may not appeal to "technorati" who like to tinker and provide their own IT support. Also, with little multimedia support -- prior to the newly added video input, that is -- it isn't "fun."
In addition, third-party Windows Mobile user interfaces apparently pose compatibility problems, even on the supported devices. But, reviewers concede, the device may present a significant cost-saving opportunity for enterprises who have already issued their employees Windows Mobile phones.
Further information
For links to the reviews alluded to above, plus details of specific Windows Mobile phone support, see our earlier coverage of the Redfly, here, here, and here.
According to Celio, the Redfly C8N and C7 will be available in early December, priced at approximately $300 and $230, respectively. More information may be found at the company's website, here.
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