06-03-2002, 10:12 PM
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Executive Editor
Join Date: Aug 2006
Posts: 29,160
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June Launch for New Pocket PCs based on Intel PXA210 and 250
http://www.digitimes.com/NewsShow/Ar...ages=06&seq=37
The mainstream media is still reporting Xscale devices to be released in June, but I'm personally not buying it - I think the Xscale problem is bigger than most believe, and we won't see Xscale devices in the channel in a big way until August/September. Let's hope I'm wrong!
"An array of new handheld computers using Intel�s PXA210 and PXA250 chips and running on Microsoft�s Pocket PC software will hit the market in June. Casio�s first Pocket PC powered by a PXA250 processor is scheduled for launch next month, and Taiwan-based Wistron, which already makes Casio�s Cassiopeia Pocket PC E-200 models, will manufacture the new machines.
Hitachi also will make its debut in the handheld device market next month with its PXA250-based Pocket PCs, with an initial sales target of roughly 10,000 a month. The devices are equipped with wireless data transmission and communications functions and will be sold through value-added retailer channels as opposed to the mass retail market. Taiwan-based Compal Electronics will design and manufacture the devices for Hitachi. Toshiba also expects to introduce its Pocket PCs using PXA250 processors. Currently Taiwan-based High Tech Computer (HTC) makes the company�s Intel StrongARM SA 1110-powered GENIO e550 and e550MD handheld computers that started selling in Japan last August. The Pocket PC e310, a newer version using the same processor, was contracted with Compal and launched this month." Source: Chris Coulter
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06-04-2002, 01:08 AM
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Pontificator
Join Date: Jul 2003
Posts: 1,468
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The mainstream media is always behind in these things!
I am firmly convinced that the XScale problems have been sorted and the Loox is still due to be released in July - as for the Toshia e740 - I remain sceptical about everything to do with it. HPaq and Casio? Never again will I trust either of them with my Pocket PC money... so I don't care when they get released...
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06-04-2002, 05:52 PM
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Magi
Join Date: Sep 2005
Posts: 2,341
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Re: June Launch for New Pocket PCs based on Intel PXA210 and
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Originally Posted by Jason Dunn
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The mainstream media is still reporting Xscale devices to be released in June, but I'm personally not buying it - I think the Xscale problem is bigger than most believe, and we won't see Xscale devices in the channel in a big way until August/September. Let's hope I'm wrong!
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Jason I agree with you. I have been saying the same thing for a while. I'm glad (sad) to hear someone that is much better informed then myself say this.
There are a few indicators missing here if the Xscale devices were just around the corner. So far Xscale devices have been advertised in much the same way we see cardboard cutouts in the movie theaters. All this talk of what they are going to be but no one is even saying things like " I tested one the other day and it rocks. Wish I could say more, but I can't due to NDA". Nothing, almost like vaporware?
The few reports we have had about Xscale have been negative. Supposedly Intel sent their preproduction chips to it's likely customers and they told them it wasn't good enough. The speed increase was not exceptable, nor was the power saving capabilities.
Due dates keep getting pushed back, and any that have announce are giving very vague delivery dates.
Here is a thought, and I would like to here what you and the rest of the 'Thoughts" team think.
One of the reported problems with Xscale isn't Xscale it's self but CE3.0 and PPC 2002 can't optimize the new chip to it's full capasity.
CE .NET has been in the hands of the PPC team for about six months. They must be a fair way into the development, and could have it done within the next 6 months. If there are problems with Xscale and it won't be out til September, would it maybe not be a better idea to hold of releasing anything for a couple months beyond that. So that we would have a truly new generation of PPCs with Windows CE. NET PPC 2003 and Xscale all in one package. There was a lot of flack over PPC 2002 not being a full new version this would give the whole industry time to "Do It Right The First Time".
I'm sure there are some developers out there, particularily new ones that want to be the first ones out with an Xscale device, but I think if they were faced with putting out an inferior device on their first shot, and waiting to put out a solid device they might reconsider. Afterall if there first PPC is a dud it will be a hard, long, steep road to recovery.
This would take a little collusion between Microsoft and Intel.... geee I don't know, do you think that's possible. 
The other good reason is it would save me about $1000.00 CND for a few more months. :-)
Dave
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06-04-2002, 09:56 PM
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Thinker
Join Date: Feb 2002
Posts: 384
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Supply, Demand, & release
I would speculate that increased demand is also a factor.
PocketPC is gaining more manufacturers, more device classes, AND more overall demand. The demand for X-Scale processors is likely more than anticipated 6 months ago. Thus a rollout will take longer in order to build up supplies and supply shortages for OEMs.
Such a botched release would be disastrous. It's not unheard of in Intel's history. Such a gaffe gave AMD a big boost a couple of years ago. TI is right around the corner with it's ARM offerings. Such a gaffe could create converts amonst the current crop of X-Scale customers.
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06-04-2002, 10:42 PM
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Intellectual
Join Date: Oct 2003
Posts: 157
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What scares me is that Intel has been running X-Scale internally on their own CE based hardware for a while now. How could they not have noticed the performance problems in their own processor with shipping CE technology? It is pretty scary.
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06-04-2002, 10:51 PM
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Magi
Join Date: Sep 2005
Posts: 2,341
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Quote:
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Originally Posted by Charles Pickrell
What scares me is that Intel has been running X-Scale internally on their own CE based hardware for a while now. How could they not have noticed the performance problems in their own processor with shipping CE technology? It is pretty scary.
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Charles, do you know what version they have been running on it. CE 3.0 or the newer CE .NET. If it's on the later it would explain a few things....yes....no?
Dave
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06-04-2002, 11:58 PM
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Pupil
Join Date: Nov 2006
Posts: 33
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picked up a toshiba e740 today
for all doubters- i just purchased a toshiba e740 at the downtown compusa location in san francisco. apparently the toshiba rep was in the store this morning and dropped off what looked like a box of about 12 units.
I'm dying to open the thing, but the version I bought has integrated WI-FI, and I really feel like I would prefer bluetooth to use with my Ericsson t68i...I didnt look too closely at the unit, and I presumed it had bluetooth.
Unfortunately, the standard battery looks absolutely puny as well, which does not bode well for the integrated WI-FI model, and I have to say the screen looks exactly like the 310's which I have heard is a bit washed out. This is only from speculation, as the second I open mine, I get hit with the dreaded CompUSA restocking fee...My plan is to look for the bluetooth model and then swap or exchange it.
Also, the rumours that you've heard regarding accessories and a VGA out adapter are true, they are shown on the box, along with an extended battery which clips onto the entire back face of the 740...if I have the time later, maybe I'll post a picture of the back of the box.
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06-05-2002, 12:13 AM
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Magi
Join Date: Sep 2005
Posts: 2,341
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Ah go for it... open it. Let us us know how it works. What's the matter, you chicken!!
Joking aside if you do decide to open it be sure to come back and give us your opinion.
Dave
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06-05-2002, 12:20 AM
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Pontificator
Join Date: Jul 2003
Posts: 1,468
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no one is even saying things like " I tested one the other day and it rocks. Wish I could say more, but I can't due to NDA". Nothing, almost like vaporware?
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See Alex Kac in the Fujitsu-Siemens forum on Brighthand. See the reports (including the one on my site) about the XScale on the Loox as seen at the recent Intel Developer Forum conference.
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The few reports we have had about Xscale have been negative.
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Actually - no, they haven't! Rumour, mixed with reports that the XScale HAS had problems that have been ironed out, mixed with people saying - well it doesn't open Word files any faster (thus missing half the point of the XScale), mixed with judgements made after trying pre-production models - this should be compared with some very positive reports from some quarters!
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Due dates keep getting pushed back, and any that have announce are giving very vague delivery dates.
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No - they don't! May was quoted as a 'possible' date for some devices months ago. Despite no concrete evidence that these were confirmed dates, a number of retailers jumped on the bandwagon. Their dates have been moved back - not those of the manufacturers.
If people were silly enough to believe Amazon over the e740, when it wasn't even on the Toshiba website(!)...
As for the Pocket Loox - no formal date (aside from the intitial press realease, which only gave a rough date of May) was given until today. It has been common news since April that the release date for the Loox was to be end of July. Today FS have confirmed this. No change!
As for various articles in mainstream mags - they are usually far behind the times - why take what they print so seriously?
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How could they not have noticed the performance problems in their own processor with shipping CE technology?
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How do we know they didn't? I believe the XScale problems were solved as far back as late April/early May - based on the simple fact that FS were able to give (and so far keep to) a revised release date for the Loox that far back. This speaks to me of a known set of issues that Intel were already working on finding answers to, but took a bit longer than they thought.
I have to say guys - I see no evidence of anything more than a process between Intel and the PPC manufacturers that would normally have been enirely behind the scenes - were we not so good, as a community, at ferreting this stuff out! Can ANYONE point me to ONE solid piece of evidence that a manufacturer has changed or moved a committed release date for an XScale Pocket PC (HPaq merger aside)? I have a hat and a bottle of tomato ketchup waiting beside me.. :wink:
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06-05-2002, 12:29 AM
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Pupil
Join Date: Nov 2006
Posts: 33
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just picked up e740 today
just got off the phone with the Comp USA store downtown San Francisco.
read my earlier post re: this, but the semi bad news for me is out of the 19 units that came in today, they were all of the 802.11 persuasion.
The guy I spoke to, who like all comp-usa employees is certainly not the sharpest knife in the block, seemed to think that they would only be stocking the one version of the e740, the one with WI-FI onboard, which kinda sucks for me because I'm really thinking I would prefer the Bluetooth model.
Ah well, I could hold onto it for a few days and see if the other version hits the channels, or I suppose I could hit E-Bay and see what I could fetch for this one.
A quick search of on-line also reveals that none of the models appear to have hit inventory yet, but I'm willing to bet tommorow or the day after they show up...I can't imagine Comp USA is that ahead of the pack.
Can anyone point me to the Amazon link? Does anyone recall what version they were selling?
If you guys take up a collection, I'll open this sucker up and run it through the paces- LOL, all I need is 15% of 600 bucks to break even...
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