Published on November 11, 2005
Forget about traditional notebook computers. With the advent of a new super-mini notebook, people can now travel anywhere while working, and communicate with others through a very small computer equipped with phone functions.
To support new mobile lifestyles, Dopod International Corp, a Taiwan-based company, has introduced the two latest models of personal digital assistant phone, the Dopod 900 and the Dopod 838, commonly referred to as the “super-mini notebook” that fits in your pocket.
The two models come with a range of connecting capabilities: 3G-enabled, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and global packet radio system (GPRS), as well as the computing features of Windows Mobile 5.0 as the operating system. Jack Tong, chief executive officer of Dopod International Corp, said that the two models were intended to catch up with the huge opportunities in PDA and smart-phone devices, especially with the Windows Mobile platform. It is expected that devices based on the Windows Mobile platform will reach 36 million in number worldwide this year. The figure will jump to 60 million next year, in line with a 70 per cent annual growth rate. “PDA phones and smart phones are emerging as fast growing markets for the Windows Mobile platform, and Asia is the fastest growing market for such devices,” said Tong. The company has already sold 10 models of with 100,000 Dopod handsets in 10 models throughout Asia Pacific. “This is the first time that Dopod handsets will be sold in Thailand. Next will be Australia and India. Thailand is the second biggest for us in terms of the market population,” said Tong. Dopod’s PDA phones are manufactured under an OEM (original equipment manufacturer) model supplied by High Tech Computer (HTC), a Taiwanese manufacturer, that specialises in designing and manufacturing mobile-computing and communications products. The Dopod 900 is the first 3G Windows 5.0 device with a Thai-supported keyboard. It comes with an Intel Bulverde 520MHz chip, 64 megabytes of RAM and connectivity capabilities for 3G, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, GPRS and infrared, and a 3.6-inch screen. The Dopod 838 comes with a 2.8-inch screen and Thai-supported keyboard, along with 64 megabytes of RAM with Bluetooth/infrared/Wi-Fi connectivity. In Thailand, Dopod will be distributed by SIS Distribution (Thailand). The retail price of the Dopod 900 is Bt47,900 (including VAT) and the Dopod 838 is Bt32,900 (including VAT). Asina Pornwasin The Nation asina@nationgroup.com
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