Atom-based UMPC runs Windows Vista

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Mar. 07, 2008

Panasonic has announced what appears to be the first Windows computer using Intel's newly branded "Atom" processor. The Toughbook CF-U1 ultra-mobile PC (UMPC) has a 5.6 inch touchscreen display, integral keyboard and numeric keypad, optional cameras and barcode reader, and runs Windows Vista, the company says.

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Although the company has not provided specifics, the ruggedized CF-U1 likely uses not only Intel's Atom CPU, expected to scale to 1.8GHz speeds, but also the so-called Centrino Atom chipset, which integrates northbridge and southbridge onto a single chip. Intel has said devices based on these products -- previously code-named "Silverthorne" and "Menlow," respectively -- will require a tenth the power of Core 2 Duo-based systems.

Panasonic says the CF-U1 offers not only long battery life but also hot-swappable battery packs. The CF-U1 comes with a carrying strap (pictured, right), offers a 5.6-inch touchscreen display, and has an integral keyboard. In a potentially controversial move, the QWERTY layout is split in the middle by the centrally located numeric keypad.

Like other products in Panasonic's Toughbook line, the CF-U1 is touted as being impact- and liquid-resistant. It will be available with a barcode reader and optional cameras, according to the company.

Although the CF-U1 is apparently the first Atom-based Windows computer to be announced, Finnish integrator Elektrobit has previously said it plans to ship a mobile internet device (MID) that uses the Centro Atom chipset and runs Linux. Focused on VoIP, the yet-to-be-named device will support WiMax, WiFi, and Bluetooth networking, Elektrobit says.

For more information on Intel's Atom processor and Centrino Atom chipset, see our earlier coverage, here.

Availability

The "Windows Vista-compatible" Toughbook CF-U1 will be available in Japan in autumn 2008, and released to other markets subsequently, according to Panasonic. It is being displayed until Mar. 9 at the company's CeBit tradeshow stand (Pavilion U33) in Hannover, Germany.

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