In the past, my faithful traveling companion was a Pocket PC that carried more information and had more capability than most of my early desktops (yeah, I started computering way back then). I was secretly delighted that I could carry with me an entire encyclopedia (copy of Wikipedia, to be exact), a cookbook of 70,000 recipes, AND any kind of imaginable application that I happened to write to make my existence in this world just a bit easier. I was an empowered nerd.
Flash forward to today, where I usually pack an iPhone with a wireless connection. The memory is nice, and yes I am still writing my own apps to do what I want it to do (and it does a lot, trust me). But when the smoke clears, it is still referred to as a phone. I sometimes miss the dedicated mini computer that sticks with me between phone upgrades.
HP recently brought back the dedicated Pocket PC, but at a War price in my opinion. Sure, I could see spending the bigger buck for one back in the day, but when you have a $99 iPhone with 8 gigs of memory you need to be a little competitive. Luckily, the third party vendors are stepping up to the plate.
ChinaVasion, the China based importer of electronic goods, has brought a nice little unit that seems to fit great in the category of which I speak. Their Mobile Internet Device (CVFB-PC04), or MID, is a mobile multimedia PC with a touchscreen. The device runs Windows Mobile 5.0, so there are literally tons of software available for it. The 4.3 inch display is much better than the current offerings from many of the WinMo vendors, and the price is sweet at around $230. Now, this is Chinavasion, so you can rest assured that there are volume discounts on top of that. The device also sports an integrated SIRF STAR III GPS device, so hooking it up to your favorite navigation software is a breeze. The ergonomics are strong with this one, and the stylsu equipped device also features a built in kickstand for hands free use – such as when you are watching a movie or using it for GPS navigation.
The unit ships with "Office Productivity Applications", which I assume, being Windows Mobile 5.0, means the pocket office suite. And the unit has a wireless connection, which I will again assume means 802.11. There is also an SD Card slot for storage. And, if I read correctly, there is 4gb of internal storage – a MUCH welcomed improvement over the low memory Pocket PC units of the past. Below is a copy of the tech specs from the website:
Hardware Specifications
- Size (mm): 150 (L) x 85 (W) x 21 (H)
- Processor Type: ARM926EJ-S 32-Bit RISC CPU
- Operating System: Windows CE 5.0
- Battery type: Built-in rechargeable 1550mAH lithium (rechargeable)
- Battery life: 4 hours
- Screen resolution: 480×272 resolution
- Storage capacity (internal): 4GB Nandflash (built-in)
- Storage capacity (external): Takes up to 16GB capacity SD/MMC Card
GPS Hardware Parameters
- Chipset: SIRF STARIII
- Frequency: 1.575GHz
- C/A Code: 1.023 MHz Chip Rate
- Channels: 20
- Tracking Frequency: -159dbm
- Precision: 10m 2D RMS, 5m 2D RMS, WA AS Enable
- Rate: 0.1m/s
- Data update: 1Hz
- Requisition time: 0.1s on average
- Hot start time: <3S
- Warm start time: 30S on average
- Cold start time: <100S
- Internal antenna: Ceramic antenna embedded Active
Compatible File Types
- Audio Formats: MP3, WAV, WMA, AAC, OGG
- Video Formats: AVI, MPEG4, WMV, ASF, 3GP, XVID
- Image Formats: JPG, BMP, GIF, PNG, TIFF
Input/output/connectivity
- Mini USB port
- Headphone jack
- Microphone jack
- USB port
- SD/MMC Card slot
Camera
- Resolution: 800×600, 1024×768, 1280×1024, 1600×1200 and 2560×1920
- White Balance effects: Auto, Cloudy, Dark, Morning, Flash Light
- Serial Shooting: Close, Two, Three, Four
- Auto Focus: 5 seconds, 10 seconds and 15 second
- Time-lapse: 5 seconds, 10 seconds and 15 second
- USB port
- SD/MMC Card slot
Buttons
- Navigation pad
- Power ON/OFF button
- Screensaver On/OFF
- Shoot/take picture
- Video record/Camera mode changeover
- Multifunction key
OS Language: English
Manufacturer Ref: F74BGRX7XUEK
Product Notes
- Can be recharged from the power adapter, the car charger or by USB.
- Superb wireless functionality with wireless internet access capability
- Core Pocket Media Player and Macromedia Flash Player 5.0 pre-installed for multimedia playback
- Comes pre-installed with NES Games Emulator and a free Real-Time Strategy Game
Package Contents
- Model CVFB-PC04 Portable Multimedia PC
- User Manual – English
- Quickstep Guide – English
- Stereo in-ear headphones
- Drivers CD
- USB cable
- USB to mini-USB cable
- AC charger
- Car charger
- Mounting bracket
- Car Mount
- 2x Rechargeable 3.7V 1550mAH Li-ion Battery
I have to say, considering what you get in the package (incorporated GPS, car charger, mounting bracket, etc.) the price is nice. But you do want to read the specs carefully, since things change pretty fast in the import world. Interested in checking it out for yourself, you can find it at the ChinaVasion site.
