PDA

View Full Version : IBM Debuts Pocket-Sized PC


Russ Smith
02-25-2004, 10:34 AM
One theory of the eventual evolution of the Pocket PC is that mobile and desktop operating systems will converge to the point where the only difference between a hand-held and a desktop is the packaging. IBM has made a move in that direction by creating the "PC Core System."

The PC Core System, as the name implies, packages the processor (a 1GHz Transmeta Crusoe TM5800), main board, memory (256MB-512MB), and hard drive (up to 20GB) in a 16x8.2x2.2cm (6.4x3.3x0.9in), 300g (10.6oz) package. The core plugs into a desktop base unit that would connect it to a full-sized monitor, keyboard, mouse, network, and periferals or a mobile carrier (show below) which contains a touch-sensitive screen.

While the PC Core System lacks the instant-on capabilities and small size of true PDAs and more than likely lacks their battery-powered lifespan, it is able to run any of a variety of Windows desktop operating systems and thus standard Windows desktop programs.

Since the device is a concept machine at present, there is no information on cost or potential purchasing locations.

Pony99CA
02-26-2004, 03:44 PM
So how does this differ from the old IBM MetaPad concept (now being commercialized by Antelope Technologies (http://www.antelopetech.com/en/Index.aspx))? It even looks the same, as this image shows.

http://www.antelopetech.com/images/p-HH.jpg

I wonder if the Register is passing off old news.

Steve