Is This the Acer n300 Pocket PC?

[Darius Wey]

<div class='os_post_top_link'><a href='http://www.mobile01.com/topicdetail.php?f=61&t=102466&p=1' target='_blank'>http://www.mobile01.com/topicdetail...61&t=102466&p=1</a><br /><br /></div><img src="http://www.pocketpcthoughts.com/images/web/2003/wey-20050919-n300.jpg" /><br /><br />It looks like Acer, it smells like Acer. It probably is Acer! Over at the Mobile01 forums are a set of pictures of an unmarked Pocket PC, which if nothing else, could be the Acer n300. Its specifications aren't confirmed, but all signs point toward this 110mm x 70mm x 13.7mm, 135g device featuring a Samsung S3C2440 400MHz processor, 64MB RAM, 128MB ROM, a 3.7" 640 x 480 (VGA) LCD, Bluetooth 1.2, 802.11b Wi-Fi, USB Host, an SDIO/MMC slot and Windows Mobile 5.0. At the expense of the lack of CompactFlash, we're in for a treat with one tiny VGA Pocket PC!<br /><br /><b>Update:</b> A report at <a href="http://www.infosyncworld.com/news/n/6165.html">infoSync World</a> has just confirmed that this is indeed the Acer n300 series. Two units known as the n310 and n311 sport the same list of specifications, though the n311 offers 128MB ROM and 802.11b Wi-Fi, whereas the n310 offers less ROM and Bluetooth only. Concept images can be found at the infoSync World site.

[Menneisyys]

WOW! It is small!

[Andy Whiteford]

Same dimensions as my h4150. I'm in heaven with this device. Looks like we have found my new PPC. :)

[Stephen Beesley]

Whatever brand this device ends up wearing - with those specifications I could see myself getting one instead of the Axim x50v I am aiming for even with the lack of CF slot.

Mind you, as I just bought a 2.2gig Microdrive I guess my next PPC had better have a CF slot :D

[Andy Whiteford]

Whatever brand this device ends up wearing - with those specifications I could see myself getting one instead of the Axim x50v I am aiming for even with the lack of CF slot.


I have been crying out for a VGA device in the same form factor as the h4150 but it looks like Acer have down what HP should have. I was looking at buying an X51v but now it looks like this will be my device. Dual slots and graphic accelerator would be nice but not essential to me - I just find this size of device too tempting.

[WillyG]

Woa 8O . This is what i call a fine Pocket Pc. With HP droping steadily on my personal ranking, this one is really interesting when my hx4700 retire from daily use. Wonder when it will be out?

[Paragon]

It doesn't have a phone. What good is it? :wink: :) Just kidding....sort of

It looks like a fantastic device. I loved the size of my h4150. Not only does this device have that great form factor, but it has the current specs to back it up.

Dave

[Tim Rapson]

I was wondering if this would happen. When you think about it, a 3.7 inch VGA screen should take up no more space than a 3.7 inch QVGA one. You can see this in the thicker Axim Z50 models. I will be wondering about the relative battery life, but if you go for the faster processor and extra graphics chip, that might be the same on either screen. It is going to be an interesting Fall for the big QVGA vs. VGA battle.

[Menneisyys]

I wish this dvice had been released a year ago...

[Paragon]

I wish this dvice had been released a year ago...

Why? You'd be tired of it by now and want something else newer, smaller, faster....:)

[beecher]

http://www.infosyncworld.com/news/n/6165.html

What else to say? :wink: 0X

[yanathin]

You've gotta be kidding me. This is seriously insane.
When is this coming out?!

[doughboy]

Can some people that have owned or still own Acer PDAs please comment on the quality of the devices and support? I purchased an Acer computer back in 1995 and was not happy with the poor quality.

I agree this could be a phenomenal device as long as the quality is there.

Doughboy

[Stephen Beesley]

After playing around with a Casio e-200 for the past month or so, one of things I have really come to love is its USB Host capability.

This is one thing that might sway me away from the Axim to the Acer. I would miss having the CF slot (not just for the microdrive capability) and I cannot help feeling that the Axim's graphics chip might become more useful over time as developers code with it in mind. But, despite that I would really love to have usb host capacity on my next PPC - I love the convience of being able to copy stuff from a usb flash memory device straight onto my PPC.

Of course I could do pretty much the same thing if I get a small CF reader and carry that around with me, but there is just something so enticing about the USB host idea

[cubed]

I agree with everyone here...this looks like my next device. If the specs are correct, it has all that I need in a truly "pocketable" form factor.

Now, I'm curious, what would we expect the price to be?

I'll throw $499 out there, though I'd like to see something more aggressive. Anyone willing to pay more?

[jngold_me]

Finally a worthy successor to the 4150! I am really contemplating a phone/pda combo (xda Atom or Eten m600) but that Acer looks soooo darn tempting. Heck, an n301 with a Razr and you wouldn't even know you had anything in your pockets! :)

[Muntasser]

ok, i;m a newbie, whats a "USB host" and does my X50 have it or not :P

[ricksfiona]

Sweet device! If it had a built-in phone, this would be my standard for my future employees. This is such a nice device, I might have to get one anyway!

[yankeejeep]

ok, i;m a newbie, whats a "USB host" and does my X50 have it or not :P
USB host allows you to connect some USB peripherals (keyboards, flash drives, external hard drives, mice, some printers) to a WM device. It requires that the port at the base of the unit be wired to act as both USB client (like when you sync with a desktop computer) and USB host. Most PPCs do not have the capability to be a host. No device from HP or Dell has host capacity, though you can add it by using the Ratoc USB adapter as long as your device has a CF slot (which your Axim does).

It is more limited than desktop USB and most peripherals that need a special driver will not work with WM unless there is a WM version of the driver available. A PPC USB connection also does not deliver the same power as a desktop USB port, so external hard drives require their own power supply in order to spin up.

That being said, after my Toshiba e805, I do not want a PPC without USB host capability and this Acer looks sweet. While I would miss the CF slot a little, I would appreciate the USB hosting much more.

[rob_ocelot]

From the photos it appears to be as thick as the Loox720 (itself as thick as a Toshiba e800).

Should it not be thinner if there's no CF slot? It seems the last batch of VGA PocketPC's all had CF slots to justify their brick-ness, but it appears that you need at least 1.3 cm of thickness for a VGA screen and mainboard.

Unfortunately that is a serious liability to their pocketability, IMO.

With the h4150 form factor being 5mm thick the VGA models aren't even coming close to this size. A reasonable expection for a VGA model would be 7mm to 1cm thick and this is just not happening.

[Darius Wey]

I've updated the news post with confirmation that this is indeed the Acer n300 series. Exciting stuff! :mrgreen:

[TomB]

I love the screen, size and price on my H1910 ($150 after rebates at Staples when it came out). I still use it every day, with overclocking for media, but the Acer is looking mighty good to me. I am guessing $500+, but the screen would make it worthwhile for me if the 400MHz processor can keep up with decompressing at least 15fps DivX VGA.

[huangzhinong]

Both N300 and H4150 has the same thichness: 0.5 inch.

H4155: 4.47 in x 2.78 in x 0.53 in 4.67 oz.
N300: 4.33 in x 2.75 in x 0.54 in 4.76 oz.

[chefz]

O.M.G. :shocked!: I want one so badly, but Ijust got an x50v! Now I need to start saving all over again. :roll: A VGA screen with the weight and size of my beloved Ipaq 1900 series!! :bawl: 8O

[powder2000]

I think this will hit the sweet spot for many people. This seems to be approaching what most people want. Now to wait for the price, $450 to $500 seems like a good guess.

[KTamas]

mmm...this is just sweet. Small but VGA...I have to seriously reconsider my HTC Universal dreams :P

[Jonathan1]

8O Man someone really worked that thing over with an ugly stick!

What is this incessant need to have a face plate that looks like the front of a VCR from the 80's? Seriously. I love black but if you are going to do it:

1. Don't make it shiny.
2. Do it all over.

[Edit] ACK! Is that dust?!?! Think preproduction model. Think preproduction model. Think preproduction model. Think preproduction model. Think preproduction model. Think preproduction model. ;)

[ansa]

From the photos it appears to be as thick as the Loox720 (itself as thick as a Toshiba e800).

Should it not be thinner if there's no CF slot? It seems the last batch of VGA PocketPC's all had CF slots to justify their brick-ness, but it appears that you need at least 1.3 cm of thickness for a VGA screen and mainboard.

Unfortunately that is a serious liability to their pocketability, IMO.

With the h4150 form factor being 5mm thick the VGA models aren't even coming close to this size. A reasonable expection for a VGA model would be 7mm to 1cm thick and this is just not happening.

h4150 is 113.6 mm x 70.6 mm x 13.5 mm (numbers from HP's webpage) :wink:.

[wot_fan]

Equipped with the Premium edition of Windows Mobile 5.0

Does this mean there are multiple versions of WM5? If so, what are they and what are the differences?

[PerkyNerky]

I feel a real sense of relief to see this device. I was really starting to worry with all these huge Pocket PC's and phone thingies coming out. To me it felt like Pocket PC's were either morphing into phones or into ultra-portables. So FINALLY we have a Pocket PC that ............. wait for it ........... you can put in your pocket!!

:beer:

Obviously this is the design direction that HP should have taken years ago. I have been waiting so long for a replacement for my 4150.

[IpaqMan2]

It's a nice device and I kinda like that it isn't sleeping in bed with any of the large phone carriers out there. I still prefer a standalone PDA and Bluetooth'ing it to a cell phone.

[dorelse]

I thought Acer PDA's never make it out of the Chinese/Asia Pacific regions, is this no longer the case?

[hiatus]

I am suprised no one talk about the processor. I think it would be OK to have a Intel 400MHz on a VGA PPC, but not a Samsung 400MHz. Everyone seem to love the size of this VGA PPC, I personally don't care too much about it as long as they are pocketable :)

I think this would be a good device if it has a 400 - 520MHz INTEL processor.

No offence, just my opinions

[Small Town Man]

I thought Acer PDA's never make it out of the Chinese/Asia Pacific regions, is this no longer the case?

You can get all Acer PDAs in Europe. Actually, they are #1 in Germany, Belgium, Spain, Portugal, #2 in Denmark, Italy, Sweden, UK ...

[Small Town Man]

...
I think this would be a good device if it has a 400 - 520MHz INTEL processor.

...

The Samsung 266MHz is nearly as powerfull as the Intel 400Mhz.
Compare the benchmarks of the HP 1940 ...
That does not say anything about the 400MHz Samsung, of course ...

[huangzhinong]

I am suprised no one talk about the processor. I think it would be OK to have a Intel 400MHz on a VGA PPC, but not a Samsung 400MHz. Everyone seem to love the size of this VGA PPC, I personally don't care too much about it as long as they are pocketable :)

I think this would be a good device if it has a 400 - 520MHz INTEL processor.

No offence, just my opinions

For equal mhz, samsung's processors are faster than intel's xscale.

[tchart]

Can some people that have owned or still own Acer PDAs please comment on the quality of the devices and support? I purchased an Acer computer back in 1995 and was not happy with the poor quality.

I agree this could be a phenomenal device as long as the quality is there.

Doughboy

Doughboy, Ive owned an Acer n10 for the last few years. Ive only recently replaced it with an iPaq. Apart from being a pretty basic Pocket PC I have never had any problems with it. The build is nice and its pretty rock solid.

The only issue I ever had was lack of accessories which was mainly due to the lack of interest in Acer PDA's back then. Nowadays with the Acer n30, n35 and n50 there has been an explosion in accesories on sites like Brando and Expansys.

As far as support goes I havent had the opportunity to use it however I have read a few forum posts on Pocket GPS World about poor support in the UK. I think the support is better in Continental Europe though.

Ive also read of a motherboard problem with the n35 (GPS model) which means you have to return it. This seems to have affected a lot of people however this particular model is a clone of the Yakumo Alpha (and another) which doesnt necessarliy means its an Acer manufacturing problem...

[Fishie]

I thought Acer PDA's never make it out of the Chinese/Asia Pacific regions, is this no longer the case?

Retail carries em widely over here in Belgium

[Patrick Y.]

Can some people that have owned or still own Acer PDAs please comment on the quality of the devices and support? I purchased an Acer computer back in 1995 and was not happy with the poor quality.

I agree this could be a phenomenal device as long as the quality is there.

Doughboy

Doughboy, Ive owned an Acer n10 for the last few years. Ive only recently replaced it with an iPaq. Apart from being a pretty basic Pocket PC I have never had any problems with it. The build is nice and its pretty rock solid.

The only issue I ever had was lack of accessories which was mainly due to the lack of interest in Acer PDA's back then. Nowadays with the Acer n30, n35 and n50 there has been an explosion in accesories on sites like Brando and Expansys.

As far as support goes I havent had the opportunity to use it however I have read a few forum posts on Pocket GPS World about poor support in the UK. I think the support is better in Continental Europe though.

Ive also read of a motherboard problem with the n35 (GPS model) which means you have to return it. This seems to have affected a lot of people however this particular model is a clone of the Yakumo Alpha (and another) which doesnt necessarliy means its an Acer manufacturing problem...

I totally agree!!!! Before I switch to x50v, I also owned Acer n10. And yes, it is very well-built and reliable. Acer is one of the #1 brand in Taiwan and most people love it. Though, I have to admit that their pda such as n10 and n30 are a little too plain. Though, I got mine for only $200. :D 8) Also, don't forget that Acer makes Travemate series notebooks, which are #1 rated at PCWord. (I think)

[Mark Johnson]

I love the screen, size and price on my H1910...

I've never found any PPC that came close to the beautiful "pocketability" of my cherished iPaq 1910. It was only the VGA of the Axim x50v that finally got me to "trade down" from my all-time favorite, lamenting the bulk as I did.

The CF slot on my x50v has never been used once. I switched to all-SD years ago, even before I had my 1910. I can't wait to ditch the CF slot and get back to a slim unit. I'll be buying an Acer n300 the first moment I can get my hands on one!

[Darius Wey]

I am suprised no one talk about the processor. I think it would be OK to have a Intel 400MHz on a VGA PPC, but not a Samsung 400MHz. Everyone seem to love the size of this VGA PPC, I personally don't care too much about it as long as they are pocketable :)

I think this would be a good device if it has a 400 - 520MHz INTEL processor.

No offence, just my opinions

Don't let the Samsung name fool you. The S3C244x range is powerful and efficient, and its strong performance is the basis behind its presence in many Pocket PCs we see today.

[Darius Wey]

Equipped with the Premium edition of Windows Mobile 5.0

Does this mean there are multiple versions of WM5? If so, what are they and what are the differences?

As far as I'm aware, the Professional/Premium tagging was ditched when Windows Mobile 2003 Second Edition arrived, and the same principle has stuck with Windows Mobile 5.0. The only versions you should see floating around are Pocket PC, Pocket PC Phone Edition, and Smartphone. What's listed at infoSync World may be a typo.

[jngold_me]

I'll be buying an Acer n300 the first moment I can get my hands on one!

That's the problem. How are we in the US gonna get the oportunity to get one? Expansys?

[Johnny_S]

does "TFT" mean it will be a little brighter than a transreflective, or is it the same thing?

[kiwi]

I thought Acer PDA's never make it out of the Chinese/Asia Pacific regions, is this no longer the case?

I've sighted them on the TigerDirect web site... they *are* around..


now, if this unit has Consumer IR (for remote control apps) then it would be just dandy!

[Revolutionary1]

I'll be buying an Acer n300 the first moment I can get my hands on one!

That's the problem. How are we in the US gonna get the oportunity to get one? Expansys?

I'm betting they will, and I'm getting one the moment they do! I ordered an Acer N50 Premium from Expansys last month. Lol: They had it shipped from the main warehouse in the UK to their warehouse in Illinois. I paid something like $75USD less than someone in the UK would have paid for the same PDA directly. Luckily I cancelled the order because I got antsy, though! Instead of remorse that the n311 has been announced, I can rejoice!

For comparison as to how miniscule this thing is, I offer the competitive specs of my trusty -- and SMALL -- Palm Tungsten|T (yes, I have been waiting to upgrade; nothing has been attractive enough!):

n311: 110mm x 70mm x 14mm @ 135gm
T|T: 101mm x 76mm x 15mm @ 159gm*

*Note: that's the CLOSED length of the T|T! Open its a whopping 122mm!

3.7" VGA screen, plus that size! It's a thing of beauty!

[Checks Expansys for stock.]
[Not listed.]
[Checks again.]
[And again.]
[And again.]

:mrgreen:

[ansa]

Revolutionary1,

Just looking better and better... nice to see the size compared to Palm T|T :).

I'm wondering if we'll see this device in the stores in Q4?

[Revolutionary1]

I'm wondering if we'll see this device in the stores in Q4?

I hope so, but I'm not hopeful. It took Acer 5 months between product announcement and European availability of the N50 (announced in December '04 and available in April '05).

Doesn't look good for the n300's...

[Mark Johnson]

I'm wondering if we'll see this device in the stores in Q4?

...I'm not hopeful. It took Acer 5 months between product announcement and European availability of the N50


NOOOOOOOOO! Say it ain't so!!
:mecry:

I've never really "watched" Acer before since they had no devices that interested me that much. Now that they've got one I want BAD, finding out they have a history of long pre-announcements is a bummer! It seems like with Dell, HP, etc. you get "wild rumors" maybe two months before the device is confirmed, but from the moment there is an announcement on company letterhead with an acutal photo, you can buy one in a few weeks...

[Godsongz]

I've been away from PPCT for quite a while. I got involved in a few projects that consumed all the time I may once have had to give to my PPC fetish. Recently though I decided to start saving up for a new PPC. My H2215 is still working great, but my trusty/rusty 3835 which I gave to my wife is really starting to feel the years. So, the 3835 is being retired, or given to the kids (same thing really), and the 2215 goes to the wife... so what do I get? This n311 look like just the thing! I want it I want it I want it I want it!

So, based on what I'm reading here, if I start saving $25-$30/week, I should be able to pay for this thing when it finally gets released. Does that sound about right?

[ansa]

Would be nice with some more info about this sexy device... I want it so bad :).

[Godsongz]

&lt;wishful thinking>Has anyone seen any new info about this unit? Price &amp; availability?

[Darius Wey]

&lt;wishful thinking>Has anyone seen any new info about this unit? Price &amp; availability?

Nope, there's no new info yet. :cry:

[Revolutionary1]

Found some info this morning (including a price)!

You check the deets in my post here: http://www.pocketpcthoughts.com/forums/viewtopic.php?p=372716#372716

[Andy Whiteford]

That price is close to the one I found on the Polish site as well. I'll keep you posted as well as soon as I hear from Acer.