Clearview have revealed details of a new UMPC that’s going to confuse a lot of people. The X43 specification list is pure ultra mobile PC as far as any normal customer is concerned.
4.3″ touchscreen, Wifi, Bluetooth, Windows operating system, 20GB drive, 620Mhz processor, built-in cam, GPS and even an FM radio. Its even got 6 hours battery life. Its likely to have a competitive price too. On first glance, it looks like a very nice UMPC.
What customers won’t see is that its not quite the full-spec PC that it alludes to be. Its running Windows CE on a MIPS media processor and that brings a whole set of issues to the table. The first, and most important is the browser. Its Windows Explorer, but not as we know it Jim.
The Internet explorer under Windows CE is limited to simple browsing, plugin choice won’t be as wide as on IE7 or Firefox and the processor in this device could have problems with today’s media-heavy web. Opera 9 will help but there are still going to be limitations. The other problem with WinCE is that you simply can’t install Windows XP software. You are limited to CE-only software. And that doesn’t include Windows Mobile applications. The choice is going to be limited. No Paintshop, Livewriter, Trillian. Skype isn’t supported either.
Having said that, if this device is priced at the low end (which I suspect it is – say $500?) then its going to be an interesting device. There’s no HSDPA as on the Cowon Q5 (as Jenn mentioned over at Pocketables) but there’s Bluetooth and USB. I assume that connectivity via mobile phone is possible and that would enable some nice on-the-go connectivity. These uber-PMPs could really clash with Intels MIDs (consumer UMPCs) and if the prices stay on the low side, they might have the consumer-important price advantage.
Keep an eye on HPCFactor who broke this news about the specifications. They are running a competition to name the X43 and are obviously in close contact with the company.
