Seamless Wireless introduces S-XGen PDA Phone with Fold-Out Keyboard

[Ekkie Tepsupornchai]

<div class='os_post_top_link'><a href='http://www.theunwired.net/?itemid=3527' target='_blank'>http://www.theunwired.net/?itemid=3527</a><br /><br /></div><i>"Whatever it wants to be (mobile phone, PDA, Tablet PC), Seamless Internet announced at CES a new device which they call an "Ultra Mobile Portable Computer (UMPC)" and which is based on a radically different design. The S-XGen from Seamless Internet a publicly traded company, is the only UMPC of its kind to integrate all of the computing and digital functionality of other UMPCs in a design that offers a near full-size keyboard and an ultra-productive eight-hour battery life."</i><br /><br /><img src="http://www.pocketpcthoughts.com/images/web/2003/ekkie_seamless_wireless_s-xgen_200701.jpg" /><br /><br />From a specifications standpoint, this device falls somewhere in between what we might expect from a Pocket PC and an Ultra Mobile PC. The S-XGen runs Microsoft Windows CE 5.0 as opposed to Windows Mobile and sports the Intel PXA 270 Xscale 520 MHz processor, 256MB RAM, 20GB HDD, 4" 470 x 280 TFT screen. Size and weight are measured at 6.5" x 3.8" and 14oz respectively. Their hook is obviously the fold-out keyboard, though the question you'll need to ask is if that ultimately helps make this device worth $1400 USD! Thoughts?

[jaytee]

All I want to know is if it can run WM apps. If not it's pretty useless to me :cry:

[DarkHelmet]

Dead on arrival - the PocketPC is dead - Windows Mobile will soon be dead, too.

No amount of believing in it is going to change that.

[ADBrown]

Dead on arrival - the PocketPC is dead - Windows Mobile will soon be dead, too.

No amount of believing in it is going to change that.

The next time I hear somebody say something so idiotic, I'm really going to have to slap them. Did you hear that Apple isn't going to allow any third-party applications whatsoever on the iPhone? So much for that.

[JesterMania]

If this can't run Windows Mobile apps, it's pretty much a no-go. I don't forsee 3rd-parties making software specifically targeting this machine if it uses a proprietary OS. Also, I personally think it looks pretty ugly, and @ 1400USD, I'll get a real UMPC capable of running Windows XP/Vista/Linux and all the win32 apps.

Also, I'm interested to know the reason why DarkHelmet predicts that Windows Mobile "will soon be dead".

[ADBrown]

If this can't run Windows Mobile apps, it's pretty much a no-go. I don't forsee 3rd-parties making software specifically targeting this machine if it uses a proprietary OS. Also, I personally think it looks pretty ugly, and @ 1400USD, I'll get a real UMPC capable of running Windows XP/Vista/Linux and all the win32 apps.

Methinks somebody is doing a real life versionof the first part of "The Producers." :)

Also, I'm interested to know the reason why DarkHelmet predicts that Windows Mobile "will soon be dead".

iPhone mania. It's been going around. There's some people swarming all over everywhere insisting that every device which isn't the iPhone is dead. Never mind the price of $500-$600 with a two year Cingular contract, or the ban on all third-party software, or whatever other fine print we haven't read yet. I hate fads.

[DarkHelmet]

If this can't run Windows Mobile apps, it's pretty much a no-go. I don't forsee 3rd-parties making software specifically targeting this machine if it uses a proprietary OS. Also, I personally think it looks pretty ugly, and @ 1400USD, I'll get a real UMPC capable of running Windows XP/Vista/Linux and all the win32 apps.

Methinks somebody is doing a real life versionof the first part of "The Producers." :)

Also, I'm interested to know the reason why DarkHelmet predicts that Windows Mobile "will soon be dead".

iPhone mania. It's been going around. There's some people swarming all over everywhere insisting that every device which isn't the iPhone is dead. Never mind the price of $500-$600 with a two year Cingular contract, or the ban on all third-party software, or whatever other fine print we haven't read yet. I hate fads.

This product is a dog on price alone - I would have to get Windows fan-boy steroid shots in order to like this device.

Ok - so now that some reading this forum might think I am an Apple fan-boy, let me offer that I have a Dell Axim x50v (upgradeable to WM5; oh yeah bought that too) with WM 2003SE which I use everyday. Windows Mobile has never run right on it - Dell and Microsoft abandoned it. I suppose WM5 runs just fine on the Axim x51v - but I haven't seen that.

The company I work for (10,000 employees) outright banned PocketPCs, Palms, etc. due to security concerns. Because most WM smartphones have cameras, they are banned too! Nearly every smartphone user I have dealt with pretty much regrets the decision to buy it. I am certain this failure to capture market provides opportunities for others.

The UMPC, Tablet, and Vista really point to Microsoft's direction for the future.

Lastly, based on my above rant, the iPhone (while intriguing) will not solve any of my computing, cell phoning, or scheduling problems, as the 2 MP camera will ban it's use. But it will drive the market forward to innovation.

[ADBrown]

This product is a dog on price alone - I would have to get Windows fan-boy steroid shots in order to like this device.

Did somebody say something different?

The UMPC, Tablet, and Vista really point to Microsoft's direction for the future.

I doubt that MS will find that direction very palatable. The UMPC market isn't going to get very large at all. Tablets might get a little more play, but if they really expect most people to still be willing to buy new PCs to run a new operating system, they're smoking the good stuff.

[DarkHelmet]

Dead on arrival - the PocketPC is dead - Windows Mobile will soon be dead, too.

No amount of believing in it is going to change that.

The next time I hear somebody say something so idiotic, I'm really going to have to slap them. Did you hear that Apple isn't going to allow any third-party applications whatsoever on the iPhone? So much for that.

What kind of a hardcore PocketPC fan do you have to be to love this device? Why is it that if someone is provocative in their criticism, the name-calling begins.

Wake up, not everyone is drinking the Kool-Aid anymore.

I see a courtroom appearance in your future if you're "really going to have to slap them." for saying "something so idiotic."

As for the Apple comment, see my rant further up the page.

[haesslich]

For $1400, that's way too much for my blood - I can get a UMPC OR a Tablet for around the same price or a tad more, which does more of what I want it to do.. and with a processor designed for that OS to boot. Especially if it's not WM compatible.

[whydidnt]

Good try, but too many issues to excite me.

Why the low resolution screen? With the size of this device we should at least get a 4.5" VGA - which by the way would then support WM, which by the way would give us a large library of apps to run on it. For $1400 how does this provide a better experience/value than an iPAQ 4700 folding bluetooth keyboard? If you want to type on a fold out keyboard it's not too hard to carry one along. And with the iPAQ you don't HAVE to use the keyboard. so you can actually use the device in a portable manner. About the only advantage the S-XGen provides is a 20 GB hard drive, which I love, but doesn't overcome the other deficiencies.

[netboy]

About the only advantage the S-XGen provides is a 20 GB hard drive, which I love, but doesn't overcome the other deficiencies.

advantage my butt! i guess u never heard of "OqO 02". running on 1.2gig mzh or 1.5gig mzh, 30Gig or 60gig HD, usb 2.0, bluetooth 2.0, WideScreen VGA 800x480. and running windows XP, Xp pro or XP tablet, and is Vista upgrable! price starting at 1499$!
look at the demo video here..
http://www.engadget.com/2007/01/07/video-hands-on-oqo-model-02/

[Ekkie Tepsupornchai]

What kind of a hardcore PocketPC fan do you have to be to love this device?
Just to clarify, if by "this device", you're referring to this S-XGen device, it is neither a Pocket PC nor a Windows Mobile device... and I don't see anyone here who loves it.

[SteveHoward999]

I'm looking forward to the time when the 'thrill' of the iPhone is over and people stop feeling like the best way to debate the excitement is to insult each other.

I like the idea of this phone. It seems to be inspired by another device I've seen with similar built-in keyboard. Price is wrong. Features, functionality and compatability need to be much more to really compete.

But to be fair, this sort of device is always going to be for a niche market. Most consumers will be happy with something with relatively limited, but reliable features (like the iPod and iPhone, I presume). Business users want something that supports their business needs, and price really is much less of an issue there ... but the device still has to be suitably portable ...

Ultimatelu anyone interested in a device like this can also choose between a laptop, UMPC or smart phone (choose your flavour). Right now this device doesn't look to have enough of anything to draw many away from their current choices.

Look at the OQO. How many of us love the idea, but won't touch it with a bargepole because other devices suit our needs better, at a much nicer price.

Although, if we could have this or the OQO for free, that might be a different story :-)

[virain]

Damn! This thing is ugly! :devilboy:

[netboy]

Look at the OQO. How many of us love the idea, but won't touch it with a bargepole because other devices suit our needs better, at a much nicer price.

Although, if we could have this or the OQO for free, that might be a different story :-)

"other devices suit our needs better, at a much nicer price??"

and what device is that? i need a device that lets me surf any websites or access any websites and able to play flash or youtube. i just ordered oqo 01+, should get it next monday! 1gig cpu/512ram/30G hd/usb 2.0/bluetooth/ and running Xp tablet! the size of this thing is only 5"! and running WideVGA at 800x480. you can get a NEW AND SEALED oqo 01+ for under 1000$ at ebay!

[TOCA]

Somebody had their thinking hat on here, but unfortunably forgot to take notes :?

Include Windows Crossbow, and cut the price to below $1000,-, and you would have a usefull/sellable gizmo.

Folds down to a reasonable size cellphone, holds the highend CPU and storrage, plus you wont forget your keyboard at home :D

Looks like a HTC Universal on steroids, but without WM installed for usabillity :(

So close, and yet soooo far away :roll:

Edit:
Just saw a video of the thing :? Man it's HUGE 8O
http://www.seamlessinternet.com/

[Nurhisham Hussein]

"other devices suit our needs better, at a much nicer price??"

and what device is that? i need a device that lets me surf any websites or access any websites and able to play flash or youtube.

Have you looked at the Nokia internet tablet (http://europe.nokia.com/770), or the Pepperpad 3 (http://www.pepper.com/products/pepper_pad3.html)? Both are cheaper than the OQO1+.

[netboy]

Have you looked at the Nokia internet tablet (http://europe.nokia.com/770), or the Pepperpad 3 (http://www.pepper.com/products/pepper_pad3.html)? Both are cheaper than the OQO1+.

i need a device that can ACCESS all websites and able to display everything! From what i googling, nokia 770 tablet DOES NOT support java, meaning it wont run java applets. And Peperpad 3 is a JOKE! This thing is HUGE! at 11.5"! If i wanted something this big, i just get a laptop for around 500-600buk!

[Sven Johannsen]

"other devices suit our needs better, at a much nicer price??"

and what device is that? i need a device that lets me Kinda took that out of context there. Seems that Steve said
Look at the OQO. How many of us love the idea, but won't touch it with a bargepole because other devices suit our needs better, at a much nicer price. Don't see your name in there, and there is no requirement for you to be included in us, if you don't want to, in this case. I happen to be part of the us that Steve refers to. My PPC(s) serve me just fine, at a significantly lower price, even with a peripheral or two. I do agree with half of Steve's final premise too. I could live with a free OQO.

[netboy]

[Don't see your name in there, and there is no requirement for you to be included in us, if you don't want to, in this case. I happen to be part of the us that Steve refers to. My PPC(s) serve me just fine, at a significantly lower price, even with a peripheral or two. I do agree with half of Steve's final premise too. I could live with a free OQO.

are u smoking something?? i dont see your name in there either! what makes u think he including you in "us".

[Nurhisham Hussein]

netboy, first - I'm sincerely hope you're happy with your OQO1+ despite its known problems, I've got a Sony U8G that's an absolutely sweet device in much the same sort of form factor.

But Sven was just pointing out that Steve was generally inclusive in his comment, and that he felt included in the group that Steve was referring to, and more to the point, that it was not necessarily directed at you. I see no reason for your 'smoking' comment.

[ricksfiona]

I don't know why they even brought it out to begin with... Unless this device was running WinXP, it MIGHT have a chance...

[Spudley112]

I don't know why they even brought it out to begin with... Unless this device was running WinXP, it MIGHT have a chance...

Now THAT would be cool.

I am very interested in the conversation about the death of Win Mobile. I have heard that comment before, and must confess am not fully aware of all the issues involved. I am fairly new to the whole PPC world so I am not fully aware of these issues. Is there an ongoing discussion on this subject somewhere on the board?

[Nurhisham Hussein]

I am very interested in the conversation about the death of Win Mobile. I have heard that comment before, and must confess am not fully aware of all the issues involved. I am fairly new to the whole PPC world so I am not fully aware of these issues. Is there an ongoing discussion on this subject somewhere on the board?

You could start a topic on that yourself - there isn't a formal debate on this issue here, more a case of comments in other unrelated threads (look up iPhone ;)).