Wednesday, August 7, 2002
Antelope MCC
Posted by marlof in "HARDWARE" @ 12:41 AM
http://www.antelopetech.com/op.html
Back in February, Jason spoke about the IBM Metapad, which at its core is a PC that can be used in different shells. As one of those shells could be a handheld computer, one might wonder if that makes it a real "Pocketable" PC.
mvoosten pointed out to us that Antelope Technologies has licensed the Metapad from IBM, and is offering a handheld shell to go with that. "The MCC, or “mobile computer core,” is a totally new PC architecture centered around a processor, internal battery, data storage and computer software applications. An additional power supply, display, communications and input/output connectors are accessories that you choose based on your individual preferences and work environment. The core consists the Crusoe processor by Transmeta, 10 GB hard disk and 256 MB Ram all contained within 3"x5"x3/4"—smaller than a typical PDA. Low power consumption makes it ideal for portable applications, and no fan is required. It will automatically identify and adapt its system, power management, thermal, software and user interface behavior, depending on the attached accessory. Use it to run Windows 2000, WindowsXP, or Linux operating systems. Use it in multiple configurations—desktop, laptop, handheld, tablet, or wearable. Above all, use it to simplify your life, save time and improve your access."
It sounds and looks really nice, and if you take a closer look at the handheld specs, you'll see that this is not targeted at the Pocket PC league at all:
• Display: 5.8" 800x600 backlit active matrix touchscreen
• Battery: 10.8V 1400mAh 15.1Wh
• Battery life: approximately 2 hours
• Weight 390 g (13.7 oz)
• I/O: 2 USB, Audio In/Out, DC In
• Core & shell combined specifications: 647 g (1.425 lb)
I guess we're back to the point, where we have to be happy that the Pocket PC in reality isn't a PC at all. It can mimic many of the PC features, but is finetuned to do both PIM and light computing tasks. This MetaPad on the other hand is a real PC, and would come in handy where PC specific tasks would have to be executed in different situations. Have the core with you in a handheld shell, or use it in a desktop shell, a laptop, etc., and you have all the right things with you at all times. And of course, that advantage does come at a price (limited specfications for a desktop, high weight and short battery life for a handheld) as this is trying to be the best of both worlds.
Back in February, Jason spoke about the IBM Metapad, which at its core is a PC that can be used in different shells. As one of those shells could be a handheld computer, one might wonder if that makes it a real "Pocketable" PC.
mvoosten pointed out to us that Antelope Technologies has licensed the Metapad from IBM, and is offering a handheld shell to go with that. "The MCC, or “mobile computer core,” is a totally new PC architecture centered around a processor, internal battery, data storage and computer software applications. An additional power supply, display, communications and input/output connectors are accessories that you choose based on your individual preferences and work environment. The core consists the Crusoe processor by Transmeta, 10 GB hard disk and 256 MB Ram all contained within 3"x5"x3/4"—smaller than a typical PDA. Low power consumption makes it ideal for portable applications, and no fan is required. It will automatically identify and adapt its system, power management, thermal, software and user interface behavior, depending on the attached accessory. Use it to run Windows 2000, WindowsXP, or Linux operating systems. Use it in multiple configurations—desktop, laptop, handheld, tablet, or wearable. Above all, use it to simplify your life, save time and improve your access."
It sounds and looks really nice, and if you take a closer look at the handheld specs, you'll see that this is not targeted at the Pocket PC league at all:
• Display: 5.8" 800x600 backlit active matrix touchscreen
• Battery: 10.8V 1400mAh 15.1Wh
• Battery life: approximately 2 hours
• Weight 390 g (13.7 oz)
• I/O: 2 USB, Audio In/Out, DC In
• Core & shell combined specifications: 647 g (1.425 lb)
I guess we're back to the point, where we have to be happy that the Pocket PC in reality isn't a PC at all. It can mimic many of the PC features, but is finetuned to do both PIM and light computing tasks. This MetaPad on the other hand is a real PC, and would come in handy where PC specific tasks would have to be executed in different situations. Have the core with you in a handheld shell, or use it in a desktop shell, a laptop, etc., and you have all the right things with you at all times. And of course, that advantage does come at a price (limited specfications for a desktop, high weight and short battery life for a handheld) as this is trying to be the best of both worlds.
