Atom and Apple-like tech

Power-efficiency and putting the Internet in users' pockets were key recurring messages at the Intel Developer Forum this week in San Francisco.

This is an Atom-based mobile Internet device from Clarion, which combines GPS navigation with real-time info on places of interest. The device is WiFi-enabled and is optimized for Web-based "entertainment" applications MySpace and YouTube.

The ClarionMiND will debut in the United States in November, and subsequently be available in Europe and Japan. There are no plans to offer the device in Asia, said a spokesperson at the booth.

Credit: Vivian Yeo

Panasonic's Atom-based ultra-mobile rugged PC, the Toughbook U1, is the first ruggedized offering to adopt the Atom processor. The device was brought up during Intel senior vice president and general manager for ultra-mobility group Anand Chandrasekher's keynote on Wednesday, with a customer implementation in British Petroleum.

According to a Panasonic spokesperson, the Toughbook U1 will begin shipping next month for government and enterprise customers.

Credit: Vivian Yeo

Intel's 2008 Innovation Mobile PC, the UrbanMax, was also on display. Two concept models were shown; they will remain as concepts until an OEM comes into the picture.

Credit: Vivian Yeo

The UrbanMax has a touch and pen sensor screen provided by N-trig, which fits on top of the LCD display. The technology allows single touch, or multi-touch like an Apple iPhone, said a spokesperson. There is firmware that converts gestures into USB commands that the operating system can understand.

The technology is currently only compatible with Windows XP and Vista, but N-trig is working to include drivers for Linux OS.

The concept model shown here has multi-touch sensor capability.

Credit: Vivian Yeo