DualCor, a company based in the United States, is set to introduce the cPC, a “handheld” computer running Windows XP, which also integrates a smartphone operating on Windows Mobile 5.0.
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DualCor cPC |
The cPC measures 16.5 x 8.4 x 3 cm and features a 5-inch screen. Steven Hanley, the CEO of DualCor, stated that the potential customers for this product would be business managers who frequently travel.
According to Hanley, the cPC essentially “packs two devices into one.” The “computer” component contains the Windows XP Tablet operating system, a C7-M 1.5 GHz processor from Via Technologies, and 1 GB of DDR2 memory.
DualCor opted for Via’s chip because it consumes a maximum of 7.5 watts while still providing functionality akin to a standard computer. “Previously, we used a Transmeta chip, but it took the system about 7.5 to 9 seconds to load documents,” Hanley explained.
The “mobile” part includes the Pocket PC version of Windows Mobile 5.0, an Intel PXA information processor, 128 MB of DRAM, and 1 GB of flash memory.
This mobile device and computer share a 40 GB hard drive. In x86 computing mode, the battery life lasts 3 to 4 hours, which is standard for laptops in the market. However, the product can operate continuously for 8 to 12 hours when switched to smartphone mode.
The cPC’s screen uses a special type of glass from LG with a brightness of 200 nits, making it one of the brightest smartphone displays available.
The cPC is expected to attract attention, especially as many office workers are beginning to abandon notebooks in favor of BlackBerry or other handheld devices.
Sony and OQO have also introduced complete Windows handheld computers. However, customers have shown little interest due to the limited battery life and processing capabilities of these devices. In contrast, thanks to some design and technical improvements, the cPC’s battery lasts long enough for users to run applications in sync for over 8 hours.
Nonetheless, the price of the cPC is not easy on the wallet. The system will debut at the CES exhibition in Las Vegas next month, priced at $1,500.
