FrontPath portable info appliance
Summary
"A wireless portable information appliance targeted to vertical market segments."
Topics
Product overview
frontpath, inc. (a subsidiary of S3 Inc.) describes the ProGear as "a wireless portable information appliance targeted to vertical market segments". The ProGear uses Embedded Linux as its internal operating system, includes a 10.4" TFT display, and obtains its user input via either a virtual keyboard or handwriting recognition on its touchscreen. The device is intended to provide an easy-to-use information appliance for a wide range of specialty applications, in markets such as health care, real estate, restaurants, hotels, and cruise ships."
Its software consists of Linux 2.4x and Netscape 4.74, along with a complete set of utilities and diagnostics. Real Player, Macromedia Flash, Adobe PDF, and Java plug-ins are also included.
The display is based on X11, and supports both portrait and landscape modes. The unique 360° display rotation capability was facilitated by the use of a Silicon Motion Lynx 3M display controller IC, supported by an image rotation display driver for XF86.
The standard battery pack consists of a three-cell, three-hour lithium ion battery. A six-cell, six-hour battery is available as an option, as is a cradle with integrated charging station. The unit weights three pounds and is packaged in a thin, ergomonic magnesium case.
Technical Specifics
Single-unit pricing of the most popular configurations will be around $1500, with the flexibility to upgrade/downgrade features such as batteries, memory, cradle, access points, keyboard, and mouse. Beta units are scheduled to become available during Q4, 2000, with quantity shipments beginning during Q1, 2001. Volume discounts are available.
frontpath, inc. (a subsidiary of S3 Inc.) describes the ProGear as "a wireless portable information appliance targeted to vertical market segments". The ProGear uses Embedded Linux as its internal operating system, includes a 10.4" TFT display, and obtains its user input via either a virtual keyboard or handwriting recognition on its touchscreen. The device is intended to provide an easy-to-use information appliance for a wide range of specialty applications, in markets such as health care, real estate, restaurants, hotels, and cruise ships."
Its software consists of Linux 2.4x and Netscape 4.74, along with a complete set of utilities and diagnostics. Real Player, Macromedia Flash, Adobe PDF, and Java plug-ins are also included.
The display is based on X11, and supports both portrait and landscape modes. The unique 360° display rotation capability was facilitated by the use of a Silicon Motion Lynx 3M display controller IC, supported by an image rotation display driver for XF86.
The standard battery pack consists of a three-cell, three-hour lithium ion battery. A six-cell, six-hour battery is available as an option, as is a cradle with integrated charging station. The unit weights three pounds and is packaged in a thin, ergomonic magnesium case.
Technical Specifics
- Software
- Linux 2.4x Operating System
- Phoenix BIOS
- Netscape Navigator v4.74 for Linux
- Netscape - Linux Plug-ins
- Real Player
- Adobe PDF
- Macromedia Flash
- Java
- Real Player
- Software Applications
- X11 Server with support for screen rotation
- Motorola Lexicus Handwriting Recognition
- Touch screen virtual keyboard
- X11 Server with support for screen rotation
- Utilities
- SW Update utility
- ProGear Feature Control
- Pop-Up Task Bar
- ProGear Diagnostics
- Screen control
- Pen / HW calibration software
Hardware - SW Update utility
- High Performance 400Mhz Transmeta TM3200 CPU with integrated power management
- LCD Flat Panel Display: 10.4" 800x600 (SVGA)
TFT, standard; 10.4" 1024x768 (XGA) TFT, optional- Removable/Customizable LCD Screen Cover
- Touch Screen: Fault tolerant, 2kx2k, 5 wire resistive
- Low gloss, Anti-reflective surface
- Removable/Customizable LCD Screen Cover
- 64MB or 128MB system memory
- Optional 6.4 GB 2.5" slim hard disk drive
- I/O ports:
- One CardBus / PCMCIA Type 2 Slot
- One USB "host" port
- IrDA V1.1 Hi Speed Infra-Red Port
- Microphone, speaker, and earphone, & microphone jacks
- Varapoint scrolling device w/center select
- One CardBus / PCMCIA Type 2 Slot
- Battery: Lithium Ion 3 cell 1600 mAh (3 hours); optional upgrade to 6 cell 3200 mAh (6 hours)
- Optional ProGear Docking Station
- Charging bay, for extra battery charging
- four additional USB ports (ex. mouse and keyboard)
- Charging bay, for extra battery charging
- Physical specs
- Size: 9" x 11" x 1"
- Weight: 3.2 lb
- Operating Temp: 0°-35° C
- Humidity: Up to 95% at 30° C
- Altitude: Up to 10,000 feet
- Size: 9" x 11" x 1"
Single-unit pricing of the most popular configurations will be around $1500, with the flexibility to upgrade/downgrade features such as batteries, memory, cradle, access points, keyboard, and mouse. Beta units are scheduled to become available during Q4, 2000, with quantity shipments beginning during Q1, 2001. Volume discounts are available.
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