CNET Picks Best of CES 2003

[Jason Dunn]

<div class='os_post_top_link'><a href='http://electronics.cnet.com/electronics/0-4133160-8-20791415-1.html?tag=ldgif' target='_blank'>http://electronics.cnet.com/electro....html?tag=ldgif</a><br /><br /></div>"A Sprint PCS exclusive, Hitachi's Multimedia Communicator Pocket PC is the first Windows-powered PDA/phone hybrid with a built-in keyboard, digital camera, and Intel 400MHz Xscale processor. When it hits stores in the next few months, it'll go up against Samsung's slick but keyboard-less Pocket PC phone hybrid, the i700. Both products are expected to retail for about $500." <br /><br /><img src="http://www.pocketpcthoughts.com/images/web/120_hitatchi.gif" /> <br /><br />CNET has picked the top 10 gadgets from CES 2003, and guess what's #1 with a bullet in the PDA/phone hybrid category? The forthcoming Hitachi Pocket PC Phone Edition. It's a pity that it's a Sprint exclusive - that means I'll never see one up here in Canada, unless my local CDMA carrier licenses it.<br /><br />Be sure to check out the other gadgets on this list - that Prismiq device is making me weak in the knees. Awesome! :werenotworthy:

[ricksfiona]

Great. Looks a little bulky though.

[Sheynk]

personaly I like the new RCA lyra AUDIO/VIDEO jukebox with 20gb and a 3.5 screen.....hhhmmm

[Janak Parekh]

It's really been a memorable year at CES. Now, if only Verizon would come out with some of these CDMA products... :cry:

--janak

[JMountford]

Finally being a Sprint Subscriber will pay off. Now I have to figure out if I like it.... 8O

[The Big Jay]

"A Sprint PCS exclusive, Hitachi's Multimedia Communicator Pocket PC is the first Windows-powered PDA/phone hybrid with a built-in keyboard, digital camera, and Intel 400MHz Xscale processor. When it hits stores in the next few months, it'll go up against Samsung's slick but keyboard-less Pocket PC phone hybrid, the i700. Both products are expected to retail for about $500."

http://www.pocketpcthoughts.com/images/web/120_hitatchi.gif

CNET has picked the top 10 gadgets from CES 2003, and guess what's #1 with a bullet in the PDA/phone hybrid category? The forthcoming Hitachi Pocket PC Phone Edition. It's a pity that it's a Spring exclusive - that means I'll never see one up here in Canada, unless my local CDMA carrier licenses it.

Be sure to check out the other gadgets on this list - that Prismiq device is making me weak in the knees. Awesome! :werenotworthy:

Spring? Don't you mean Sprint? And if it's Sprint, isn't there a division of Sprint in Canada or did it get shut down (or does it just not do cell phones)?

[Janak Parekh]

isn't there a division of Sprint in Canada or did it get shut down (or does it just not do cell phones)?
I believe Sprint in Canada does strictly phone/long distance service. Sprint PCS is an entirely US thing. Unfortunately I'm sure the Hitachi will be locked to Sprint so you can't use other CDMA carriers.

--janak

[jschloer]

Finally a pocketpc phone for Sprint. Been waiting for this for a while. Even considered paying the penalty for breaking my agreement to go to T-Mobile or something. My fear is battery life with all those gadgets attached, and has there been any word on it's screen? Either way I'd be bumping up from a 3600 ipaq, so I think it'd be a step up in all directions. Thank you Hitachi.

[st63z]

Yeah that RCA Lyra RD2780 looks sweet http://electronics.cnet.com/electronics/0-4133160-8-20788324-1.html -- as do the mentioned Panasonic SV-AV20/30 email camcorders (my previous SV-AV10 was loads of fun except for its paltry 6-7fps 320x240 MPEG4 video). (EDIT: Then there's Samsung's own ITCam-7 1.5GB HDD multifunction camcorder, looks similar and shoots 30fps 640x480 MPEG4. But why do all of Samsung's latest gadgets use MemStick??)

TechTV seems to like the Archos Video AV140 best http://www.techtv.com/news/ces2003/story/0,24195,3413913,00.html -- but admitted the RCA was never submitted :) That Archos looks like the next-gen version of their Jukebox Multimedia that I'd bought for a gift...

Anyways, I wonder if RCA is an Intel partner in their XScale-based PVP (portable video player) efforts, and if it will include Microsoft's Media2Go software? I've only heard about SonicBlue and ViewSonic http://news.com.com/2100-1040-979747.html


P.S. It's funny though to see so many similar ideas coming out at the same time every CES. Like the number of small MP3 players w/ embedded 1-2GB 1" HDDs from Creative, RCA, SonicBlue, Bantam, etc. http://electronics.cnet.com/electronics/0-4133160-8-20791242-1.html

Or ultracompact 0.8"-thin 3MP 3x-optical digicams (Minolta Dimage Xi, Pentax OptioS and its bigger twin Casio Exilim EX-Z3) -- see DPReview.

[st63z]

And that $250 Prismiq MediaPlayer (available now) looks good, but how about SB's $250 GoVideo D2730? The basic difference as far as I can tell is that the former has TV web surfing while the latter has a built-in progressive-scan DVD player (and will eventually be able to remote play back ReplayTV recordings). Anyone knows more about HP's DMR 5000 series?

[pschultz]

It's really been a memorable year at CES. Now, if only Verizon would come out with some of these CDMA products... :cry:

--janak

I agree. I really want the XDA, but the only PPC Phone Verizon carries is the Thera.

[JMountford]

have faith. Be patient. Remeber there is that HTC CDMA PPCPE device that will be coming out in a while. I would venture Verizon will carry it and not Sprint as Sprint will allready have two PPCPE devices on the shelf. I also know that Verizon will be carrying the Samsung MS Smartphone Device and Not Sprint PCS.

[Janak Parekh]

have faith. Be patient.
You're telling us gadget freaks to be patient? PATIENT!? :lol:

I sure hope your intuition is correct. I'll be first in line in NYC to be buying one. ;)

--janak

[TheNewSteve]

I would love it if somebody made a 20gb bluetooth hard drive that was roughly the size of the rca unit. why is this not possible? keep it in your bag or briefcase, stream mp3s, video... that'd be awesome.

-Steve

[Newsboy]

I also know that Verizon will be carrying the Samsung MS Smartphone Device and Not Sprint PCS.

Incorrect. Sprint has already announced that they will carry the Samsung SmartPhone. Expected release is February/March 2003.

Ditto the Sprint comments. Finally! Some great products! Now, to get the Hitachi PPCPE or the SmartPhone????

[JMountford]

Newsboy Posted: Tue Jan 14, 2003 12:44 pm Post subject:

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JMountford wrote:
I also know that Verizon will be carrying the Samsung MS Smartphone Device and Not Sprint PCS.


Incorrect. Sprint has already announced that they will carry the Samsung SmartPhone. Expected release is February/March 2003.


I would like to see the Newsrelease you saw this in.

Keep in mind Sprint Reps and officials are notoriously unclued in to technology and their organization.

I am betting that the press release meant the Samsung PPCPE (i700) as opposed to the actual Smartphone (SCH i600) as every bit of info I have says that the i600 will be for Verizon and NOT Sprint PCS. Now to be honest I would guess Sprint PCS will get a version but I would bet it will be at least a month or two after we see it arrive at Sprint PCS.

If you doubt me I would refere you to my tag line when I post. :D

[Newsboy]

Start with this thread:

http://www.pocketpcthoughts.com/forums/viewtopic.php?t=4457&highlight=

Do a search on this forum, you'll find a ton of links stating that Sprint has announced that they will carry the SmartPhone device. I dont' have time to dig at the moment, class calls.

[JMountford]

Newsboy Posted: Tue Jan 14, 2003 5:02 pm Post subject:

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Start with this thread:

http://www.pocketpcthoughts.com/forums/viewtopic.php?t=4457&highlight=

Do a search on this forum, you'll find a ton of links stating that Sprint has announced that they will carry the SmartPhone device. I dont' have time to dig at the moment, class calls.

hey I hate to be a pain, but in reading through this thread and other related threads, there was mostly a lot of conjecture as to what the i600 will be, furthermore it was pointed out in at least one thread that the i600 would be for Verizon first. Oh yeah hey I was a big poster in a couple of these threads!!!

I stand by my statements.

Thank you.

[JMountford]

I want to point out that the names of the Microsoft Samsung phones are "SCH i600" and "SPH i700". Samsung uses "I" to designate Smart type Phones NOT "Smartphone" specifically. SCH is Samsung's designation for Verizon phones and SPH is the designation for Sprint PCS phones. The SCH i600 is the MS Smartphone. The SPH i700 is the MS PPCPE.

OK Thanx.

[gfunkmagic]

I would love it if somebody made a 20gb bluetooth hard drive that was roughly the size of the rca unit. why is this not possible? keep it in your bag or briefcase, stream mp3s, video... that'd be awesome.


AHAAA! Actually something like this IS possible and you might not have to wait for it much longer! Checkout the Toshiba Hopbit BT HD.
http://www.blueunplugged.com/upload/products/fullsize/hopbit_medium.jpg
http://www.blueunplugged.com/shop/detailcomingsoon.asp?productgroupID=178&deptID=3#

Here are some specs:

Weight(main body) - 180 grams
External dimensions (HxWxD)- 110mmx70mmx22mm
Storage Medium - 5GB 1.8inch HD
Transmission method - Bluetooth 1.1 compliant
Transmission distance - approx 10 metres , unobstructed
Standby time - Up to 200 hours (Bluetooth on standby , HDD non operational)
Operating time - up to 6 hours of non-stop data transmission
Power source - Internal Battery: Advanced Lithium Ion Battery ,AC adapter (dedicated use)
Bundled accesories - USB cable,AC adaptor, set up /connection utilities,CD-rom,Guarantee, Operation manual